Does Dirt Cause Acne and Other Acne Myths

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the skin disorder called acne. Many of these half-baked conceptions about acne have been around for years and are taken as gospel. However, the majority of these have been refuted by the lastest studies and research on the real causes of the skin disorder. Notably, these misbeliefs may have some basis in fact but are generally misunderstood and result in the wrong conclusion. In many instances, this results in the further aggravation of the acne skin condition.

For example, the highly debated issue over consumption of chocolates and other dairy products. It has been believed for years that chocolates may trigger the outbreaks of acne because of its high oil content (not including the nuts or other high fat ingredients). To disprove this notion, researchers have established that the food or chocolate, per se, does not directly affect the production of acne.

In a sense, this has some relation with the hormonal imbalance and the bodys reaction to the food taken into the digestive system. Certain foods will affect the release of androgens, which are known to trigger the over production of sebum, the oily substance found in the skin. But above all, chocolate still does not affect in any way the degree of an acne outbreaks.

Another good example is the “dirt-related acne”. To stress the point, acne is never a product of improper hygiene, or in this case, dirt. Fundamentally, it is again the result of over-induced sebaceous glands.

Dirt is not the cause of acne. Washing the face or keeping the skin clean is not done to clean off the dirt, it is only done to prepare the skin for further treatment. Actually, it is unhealthy to wash the skin more than twice a day because this action may further aggravate the condition by spreading the infection into other areas.

Moreover, it is not dirt that clogs the skin pores, but the accumulation of dead cells, bacteria and white blood cells. This mixture, when trapped in the hair follicles, may infect or inflame the skin.

Realize that blackheads are not black because of dirt. This name is given to blackheads because of the presence of the melanin in the sebum, which when exposed to air turns black. Actually, blackheads and whiteheads have almost the same characteristics and are formed in the same manner, only differing on the layer of skin where they can be found. Whiteheads are typically found in closed pores which are situated deeper in the skin. On the other hand, blackheads are situated in open clogs near the surface of the skin.