Letting Acne Run It's Course: Disproving the Myth

Acne may be one of the most talked about skin conditions, and the one with the most skin care myths. Including the common belief that there is no "cure" for acne and sufferers simply have to let the acne run its course, leaving all treatments by the wayside. Some even go so far as to say one should only wash their face with water, as even mild soap is bad for your acne.

While it is true that there is no one conclusive treatment that will permanently remove acne from every sufferer, their are numerous treatments available that will effectively reduce if not remove acne entirely. Treatments can be prescribed by a dermatologist and will be the patient's strongest options. There are also hundreds of acne products to choose from over the counter in varying strengths, and for the do-it-yourself types there are countless recipes available online for making your own acne treatments at home. In short, no one should have to deal with acne.

So not only is this myth surrounded by false information, but the suggestion to leave your acne alone can be detrimental to your skin. One, if left untreated your acne may become worse or more frequent. While given time, your current acne break out will heal on its own. However, with out treatment new acne break outs are very likely to appear. Also, leaving your current acne untreated can put the break out at risk to become infected or irritated and rupture, spreading oil on to your skin that will create even more acne.

Secondly, untreated acne can lead to acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Any time you get a pimple you run a small risk of that pimple leading to a permanent scar. If you leave your acne untreated, allowing it to grow and spread, you are leaving yourself vulnerable to scarring, which is even more difficult to deal with then the original acne was. Hyperpigmentation works much in the same way. Hyperpigmentation occurs when the pimple has cleared, leaving a red mark on your skin for up to six months after the acne has healed. This can be almost as difficult to treat as acne scarring.

While there may not be a total cure for acne and acne related skin conditions, there is more then one way to treat your acne. By trying dermatologist recommended prescription treatments, over the counter remedies, or even home recipes, you can reduce your chance of getting acne. No one should have to suffer through what is often an embarrassing skin condition just to let nature run its course.