acne rant

Being a woman I have to admit to problems with body image. Most of us have at least on area we wish we could change. Maybe it is your hair that won't curl, your nose is the wrong shape, too much/ not enough weight, skin problem, height, teeth, so on and so forth. I am realistic so it is not like I am asking to be snow white and the fairest in the land. That would be a bit more trouble than it is worth if you ask me. Sure I would love to have a dazzling whiter smile, smaller waist, more luxurious hair but acne is my biggest ick. My smile can be bleached by the dentist. After I give birth to my daughter I can worry about diet and exercise. The hair is actually not bad and would be happier if I was nicer to it. All things I can do myself in the name of personal improvement. For me, my biggest issue is acne.

Lets dispel some acne myths before I go on. ( the following section id taken from Proactiv Solution Acne Myths.)

Myth- Acne is caused by dirt.

Acne is caused by a number of factors - but dirt isn't one of them. Blemishes form when dead skin cells mix with your body's natural oil, forming a plug in your pores. This has nothing to do with dirt, so frequent washing of your face or body (more than twice a day) will not make your acne better. Over washing or stripping with alcohol in an effort to "clean" your skin can actually make blemishes worse.

Myth- Certain foods cause acne.

No, those french fries you had yesterday didn't give you new zits today. In fact, scientists have been unable to find ANY substantial connection between diet and acne. So all the foods you've been afraid of - pizza, french fries, chocolate - are fine. So use your common sense, but don't be afraid to indulge every now and then.

Myth- Acne is for teenagers.

Unfortunately, acne can strike at any age. Over 85% of all people 12-24 have acne. Acne can also start as late as ages 20s or 30s...especially in women, whose hormones are constantly fluctuating. It's estimated that one in four adults between the ages of 25 and 44 experiences acne, and nearly half of all adult women experience mild to moderate acne.

Myth- Just leave your acne alone, you'll grow out of it.

Untreated acne can leave permanent physical and emotional scars. No matter how old you are, it's important to start treating breakouts early. And the best way to treat breakouts and blemishes is to prevent them from appearing in the first place.

Myth- Treating pimples individually can clear acne up.

Since blemishes take 2-3 weeks to develop, you're treating an old symptom of the problem rather than the problem itself. The best way to treat acne is to help stop the blemishes from developing in the first place - which means treating the whole face or area every day, even when you aren't breaking out.

Myth- Sun exposure helps acne.

Wrong...the "Bronze Age" is over! While small amounts of sun exposure may initially improve acne, continuous sunbathing often increases plugging of the pores - producing comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and small pimples. Ultimately, the risks of sun exposure outweigh its minimal benefits.

Myth- Acne is curable.

Not yet...but don't lose hope. Acne can be prevented and controlled with continued daily use of products, such as Proactiv® Solution, which contain powerful acne-fighting ingredients. And remember this: Even if your blemishes go away, your acne is not cured. It's important to be diligent about your treatment plan, even after your skin is clear.

And my all time favorite...

Myth- Acne is just a cosmetic condition, it is no big deal.

Yes, acne does affect the way people look - it's not a serious threat to a person's physical health. But it can also affect the way you feel about yourself and the world around you, causing low self-esteem and even depression. Don't let anyone discourage you from seeking treatment because your acne is just "a little problem."

It seems that having acne makes the general public feel that they are allowed to give unsolicited advice. Just because they have to look at it they feel they are entitled to an opinion. I know it is probably just me being self conscious but you start to feel like everyone is just staring at you. Then comes the oh so needed "You should try..." speech. Because that is just what a fourteen year old girl needs, to be singled out in the grocery line in front of God and Wal Mart for her unsightly blemish problems. Dig me a hole to die in. My life is now complete.