Acne Myths Demystified

Myths abound about what causes acne. These are the top 10 in our book! You can read about what really causes acne here.

Myth #1: Acne is caused by poor hygiene.

Poor hygiene doesn’t cause acne because dirt doesn’t cause pimples. Pimples happen when the skin’s pores become blocked. This can be the result of any number of factors, primarily an overproduction of sebum from within the hair follicle or pore, which carries with it dead skin cells and other material that end up blocking the pore. This creates an environment where bacteria thrive. Because acne starts below the skin’s surface, excessive washing not only doesn’t help, but can actually make the condition worse by irritating the skin. Experts do, however, recommend twice-daily cleansing with a gentle acne cleanser to keep dead skin cells and dirt on the surface of your skin to a minimum.

Myth #2: Acne is caused by diet.

Although scientists have conducted extensive studies, no one has found a connection between diet and acne. Eating chocolate, French fries and pizza will not cause acne. That said, eating a balanced diet always makes sense.

Myth #3: Acne is caused by stress.

The ordinary stress of day-to-day living does not typically cause acne. Sometimes, however, the drugs used to treat severe stress can produce acne as a side effect. If you think you may have acne related to a drug prescribed for stress or depression, you should consult your physician. In addition, some doctors believe stress that causes hormones to shift and may stimulate acne, but this is difficult to diagnose.

Myth #4: Acne is just a cosmetic condition.

Acne can affect more than your skin.  Some scientific studies link acne to depression, which takes the disease out of the cosmetic realm. Of course, anyone who has acne already knows that the disease and the scars it leaves behind can affect self-esteem, but these studies prove acne is more than just a cosmetic condition.

Myth #5: You have to let acne run its course.

The truth is, acne can be cleared up. Many treatment options are available, a number of them are available over-the-counter. If the acne products you have tried haven’t worked, consider seeing a dermatologist.

Myth #6: Popping your pimples is the best way to get rid of them.

Step away from that mirror! Picking or popping your pimples pushes bacteria further beneath the skin, which could cause more redness, pain, and even infection. Popping zits can also lead to scarring, which could last a lifetime.

Myth #7: Getting a tan clears up acne.

Baking in the sun does nothing to improve your acne. When you spend time outside and your skin becomes darker, the redness caused by acne may be less noticeable. But when your tan fades, the pimples will still be there. Plus, spending time in the sun without the proper protection can cause dry, irritated, or burned skin, not to mention increase your risk of developing wrinkles and skin cancer later in life. Finally, if you’re using an acne medication that contains benzoyl peroxide, your skin may be more sensitive to the sun, and exposure can further complicate your skin problems.

Myth #8: You can get rid of acne by washing your face more.

Washing your face regularly is a good idea because it helps remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and dirt from your skin's surface. But overwashing or scrubbing your skin too hard can dry out and irritate your skin, which can make acne worse.

Myth #9: Makeup causes acne.

While some cosmetics can clog pores and contribute to skin problems, products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" will not. If you’re still concerned, choose cosmetics that contain an acne-fighting ingredient like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

Myth #10: Acne is a teenage problem. It will go away by the time you reach the age of 30.

While teenage acne is certainly very common, many adults suffer from adult acne well into--and even beyond--their 50s.