10 Acne Myths Debunked - Don't Believe All You Know About Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that most people will experience at some point in their lives. However, there are a lot of misconceptions and myths surrounding acne that can be misleading. In this in-depth article, we debunk the top 10 acne myths by providing facts from dermatology experts.

We’ll uncover the truth about what really causes acne, whether hygiene affects acne, if popping pimples helps, whether you eventually outgrow acne, and more. You’ll also learn proven tips from dermatologists for effective and safe acne treatment. Read on to learn the truth about acne causes, treatments, scarring, and more so you can achieve clear, healthy skin.

Myth #1: Washing Your Face More Prevents Acne Breakouts

One of the biggest acne myths is that it’s caused by poor hygiene or not washing your face enough. However, dermatologists explain this is completely false. Acne is caused by a combination of oil production, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

While having proper hygiene can help reduce bacteria on the skin, it does not prevent acne altogether. Washing your face too much can actually dry out and irritate the skin, worsening acne. Dermatologists recommend gently cleansing twice a day and after sweating.

The bacteria Cutibacterium acnes occurs naturally on everyone’s skin. An overgrowth of this bacteria clogs pores and causes inflammation, but it is not due to being “dirty.” Genetics, hormones, and other factors affect how much of this bacteria grows. So remember, acne is not your fault!

Myth #2: Squeezing and Popping Pimples Helps Clear Acne Faster

Another common myth is that popping or squeezing pimples will help get rid of inflammatory acne faster. Dermatologists strongly advise against DIY methods to diagnose acne and perform such acne treatments! Popping pimples forces bacteria, oils, and debris deeper into the pore and might just cause acne flare ups!

This worsens acne inflammation and can push the infection further under the skin, causing nodules or cysts. Popping pimples also leads to more ruptured follicles and damaged skin tissue, which can result in acne scars.

Resist any temptation to pick or pop pimples, as difficult as it may be. Instead, see a dermatologist who can extract both blackheads and whiteheads or whiteheads safely with proper sterilised tools. Other treatments like antibiotics and retinoids work to clear acne from the inside out. Keep your hands off pimples and let a professional handle extractions if needed.

Myth #3: Acne is Just a Teenage Phase You Eventually Outgrow

Many people believe that acne is just a teenage phase that everyone eventually outgrows. However, dermatologists caution this is not always the case. While some may outgrow acute acne by their 20s, many continue battling adult acne well into their 30s, 40s, and even 50s.

Hormonal fluctuations related to pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause can trigger late onset acne. Certain medications like lithium, anticonvulsants, and corticosteroids are also linked to acne.

If you’re struggling with embarrassing breakouts as an adult, don’t brush it off thinking you’ll outgrow it soon. See a dermatologist to pinpoint the cause, whether it’s hormonal, genetic, stress-related, or due to other factors. A dermatologist can provide personalised acne treatment options like retinoids, birth control pills, or spironolactone to get adult acne under control.

Myth #4: Certain Foods Like Dairy Do Not Impact Acne

For years, people believed diet had no connection to acne. Dermatologists now recognize that in some cases, diet does impact acne. Foods with a high glycemic index like white bread, sugary drinks, and processed snacks can trigger breakouts.

Studies show dairy, especially skim milk, also exacerbates acne. The hormones and proteins naturally occurring in milk are thought to stimulate oil production and inflammatory acne. However, cutting out dairy alone rarely solves acne.

While greasy foods don’t necessarily cause pimples directly, they may worsen your overall skin health. Focus on a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet with lots of vegetables, fruits, lean protein, whole grains, legumes, healthy fats like olive oil, and omega-3s from fish. Stay hydrated and limit dairy, sugar, and processed carbs if you suspect food sensitivities. But don’t expect dietary changes alone to magically cure acne.

Myth #5: Getting More Sun Exposure and Tanning Helps Acne

You may have heard rumours that sunbathing or tanning clears up pimples. Dermatologists strongly advise against using sun exposure to try to treat acne. Yes, the drying effects of the sun may temporarily improve the appearance of acne.

However, the sun causes long-term damage to the skin, worsening acne overall. Ultraviolet rays trigger excess oil production, leading to more clogged pores and inflammation. And they destroy collagen and healthy skin cells.

Not only does sun exposure exacerbate acne, but it also ages your skin rapidly, causing wrinkles, pigmentation, and roughness. Skip the tanning bed or baking in the sun. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily along with your acne treatments instead.

Myth #6: Makeup Causes Acne Breakouts

Many people mistakenly think makeup and cosmetic products lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. However, dermatologists say non-comedogenic or oil-free makeup will not cause acne as long as it is removed properly.

Look for water-based mineral makeup and avoid heavy, greasy products. Carefully check product labels for comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil and cocoa butter that clog pores. Never sleep in makeup!

Makeup residue, dirt, bacteria, and oil buildup on your face overnight are a recipe for breakouts. Use a gentle makeup remover or cleansing balm followed by your regular facial cleanser to wash away makeup and impurities from the day or night out. As long as you thoroughly cleanse before bed, using non-comedogenic makeup is perfectly safe, even for acne-prone skin.

Myth #7: Stress Causes Acne

You’ve probably heard stress blamed for every skin problem under the sun. But dermatologists say stress alone does not directly cause acne breakouts. However, stress can worsen factors like oil production and inflammation, which may indirectly exacerbate acne.

Studies show elevated cortisol levels during stressful periods can increase oil production and sebum secretion. Stress also impairs the skin’s barrier function, allowing more bacteria in. High stress weakens the immune system, slowing healing.

While you can’t always control stress in your life, managing it with exercise, meditation, therapy, or other tactics helps overall health and can help prevent stress-related acne flares. Relaxation also improves sleep, which enables skin to rejuvenate overnight. So while stress does not spawn pimples directly, minimising stress where possible benefits your skin.

Myth #8: You Can't Do Anything About Acne Scars

Severe acne often leaves behind scars as pimples heal. Contrary to popular opinion, dermatologists say acne scars cannot be removed completely in most cases. However proper acne treatment and advanced cosmetic treatments that can minimise and dramatically improve their appearance.

For raised scars, corticosteroid injections, cryotherapy, and laser resurfacing help flatten them out. Laser toning and fractional laser treatments also stimulate collagen to smooth hypertrophic scars.

For sunken acne scars, microneedling and biocollagen stimulators are effective. Chemical peels with glycolic or trichloroacetic acid exfoliate the top layer of skin to reduce the depth of scars. Discuss all of your acne treatment options with our principal dermatologists at Shine Dermatology to find an acne treatment for your condition.

While the scars cannot be erased, you’d be amazed at how much these acne treatments can reduce their look.

Myth #9: Tanning Beds Can Treat Acne

In the quest for clear skin, some acne sufferers turn to tanning beds thinking UV light will dry up their pimples. Dermatologists strongly advise against using tanning beds to try to treat acne. Just like natural sunlight, the UV rays emitted by tanning beds actually worsen acne in multiple ways.

First, UVA and UVB light triggers the skin to produce more oil, which leads to more clogged pores and acne. Tanning also destroys collagen and healthy skin tissue, causing formation of wrinkles and pigmentation. Not only that, but indoor tanning dramatically raises your risk of developing skin cancer.

Any temporary perceived improvements in acne you might see from UV light are not worth the long-term damage. Skip the tanning bed and use acne treatments recommended by a dermatologist to achieve clear skin safely. Protect your skin with broad-spectrum sunscreen instead of burning it with UV rays.

Myth #10: Acne is Just a Cosmetic Issue

Given how common acne is, some people assume it’s just a minor cosmetic problem. However, dermatologists recognize acne takes an emotional toll as well. Studies show many acne sufferers have a reduced quality of life and higher rates of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Feeling embarrassed, ugly, and awkward because of severe acne is perfectly normal. Acne isn’t just about having an imperfect complexion – it can greatly impact your confidence, dating life, career, and day-to-day happiness.

Seeking Treatment for Acne

Receiving acne treatment from a compassionate dermatologist benefits both your physical and mental health. Effective acne treatments reduce acne lesions and inflammation, restoring your skin’s health. But just as importantly, proper acne treatment also boosts your self-esteem so you feel comfortable in your skin again. Don’t downplay acne as just a superficial issue – take it seriously by seeing a dermatologist.

Consult Shine Dermatology dermatologists.

At Shine Dermatology, we understand how frustrating and confidence-shaking acne can be. While acne myths are still rampant, the truth is dermatologists have effective solutions for acne at every level of severity.

The key is not trying to manage acne alone or get advice from well-meaning but misinformed friends and family. Come see one of our experienced dermatologists for a proper diagnosis and acne treatment plan tailored to your unique situation.

You will have access to proven medical therapies, from topical creams to oral antibiotics and aesthetic procedures done by professionals. Our state-of-the-art lasers treatment can also treat acne scarring and refine your skin texture. Most importantly, we'll listen to your concerns with empathy and help you regain your confidence.

Acne doesn't have to run your life or make you want to hide. Take control of your skin health and schedule an acne treatment consultation today at Shine Dermatology. Our dermatologists are ready to provide the real facts on acne and develop an effective acne treatment plan so you can start feeling comfortable and confident in your skin again.