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Everyone knows an old wives’ tale when they hear it, but few can describe one. An old wives’ tale is a saying that most people believe, even though they know they shouldn’t. It is usually based on some grain of truth and is used as a way to prevent people from doing something stupid. The old wives’ tale that says you shouldn’t eat an hour before swimming (or else you will have a cramp and drown) is completely false. The reality is, no pool owner wants you eating before you swim in case you throw up in their pool!
When it comes to acne, there is no shortage of old wives’ tales. Acne is still considered a condition that needs to be blamed on something or someone. Usually, it is considered the fault of the victim. If you have acne, people tell us, it is your fault. It may because you don’t take care of yourself properly, you eat bad food, or you are doing something unspeakably wrong!
Chocolate – Chocolate does not cause acne! Bad nutrition can make acne worse, but a bite of a chocolate bar does not equate to a face full of zits. This old wives’ tale came about because parents wanted their kids to refrain from sweets. When children became teens and their parents had little control over them, the fear of acne was all that they could hold over them.
Sugar – Too much sugar in a diet does not cause acne. It causes a lot of other things – diabetes, obesity, hyperactivity – but it does not cause acne. Again, a good diet is imperative to a healthy face, but there is no direct cause and effect relationship between sugar and acne.
Sex – Parents still tell their children that if they get acne it is because they masturbated. There is no link, whatsoever between the two. Parents tell their children this to frighten them away from masturbation.
Peanuts – Some people believe that too much peanuts in a person’s diet, especially when they are younger, will lead to acne. There is no link between peanut and acne, although someone with a peanut allergy may aggravate existing acne if they eat peanut products.
In general, there is no one link between any food or any behavior and the odds of getting acne. Acne happens to the best of people and worst of people, and if anyone is to blame for your acne, blame your parents. After all, it is genetic!
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