Acne: The Myths and Facts

The root of acne has been the talk of many cosmetologists and acne victim’s since beauty has been a sought after trait. With newer studies, the scientific community has determined where acne comes from and where it does NOT come from.

Acne does NOT come from:

• Lack of hygiene: frequent cleansing cannot necessarily remove acne. There is also a chance that a frequent washing can worsen the case. Since the formation of acne is determined by the hair follicle, we know hygiene is unrelated to acne. Oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells become locked inside the follicle, resulting in a rupturing follicle wall and thus a pimple is formed.
• Sweet and Greasy Foods: though these foods have been proven unhealthy to the body as a whole, science has provided no proof to support the claim that it is bad for the skin.
• Dirt Trapped in Pores: blackheads are defined as a buildup of dead skin cells and natural oils that form a plug on top of the pore. The oil then changes to a darker color due to exposure to oxygen.

Acne DOES come from:

• Bacteria: usually a contaminant living on the skin that creates an irritation and an eventual redness. It also produces other irritants to the skin.
• Hormones or androgens: higher amounts of androgens are found in men. They enlarge the glands and also cause the same glands to produce more natural oils.
• Hormones or estrogens: the menstrual cycle can change estrogen level in the body – resulting in either more acne or less acne.
• Heredity: More and more evidence reveals a link between acne and ancestry.

Contact Us

If you would like to know more on available acne treatments and the development of acne, contact Austin cosmetic surgeon Dr. Louis Apostolakis today at 512-329-8989.