Acne Myths That Are Ruining Your Skin (And What Actually Works)

Why Acne Myths Are Hurting Your Skin

Acne is one of the most common health conditions globally. It plagues over 80% of people between 11 and 30 years old. It isn’t strange that with such widespread affectation, it will have many myths about it.

While some will bring rumors about the causes of acne, others will bring diverse ways to treat it! These may not be true and can cause more harm than good! While some may not give the desired result, others may worsen the acne!

The dangers of acne misinformation include the following:

• Ineffective Self-Treatment: The use of unproven treatment options and “miracle cures” will not produce any results. You might not only waste your time and money, but may make things worse. 

• Delayed Treatment: Some myths about acne cause people to ignore acne breakouts, assuming it will resolve by itself. This isn’t true, and it may worsen acne breakouts, leaving permanent scarring. 

• Skin Damage: Misinformation about acne can lead people to use things that will damage the skin and cause irreparable injuries. Things like overwashing cause tears that can permanently scar the skin.

• Psychological Impact: Getting the wrong information about acne and poor recommendations can make you panic a lot more about it. It can lead to anxiety and cause other emotional sequelae. 

Following evidence-based treatment from medical professionals is essential. With this, you get the right information and management for acne. This ensures the best results and prevents the worsening of symptoms.

Myth #1: Acne Is Caused by Poor Hygiene

This is a common myth about acne. This makes many people wash their face vigorously or several times a day, hoping to mitigate acne breakouts. This is not true at all!

Acne is formed by pores being clogged by oil or bacteria. These then turn into whiteheads or blackheads. Overwashing can dry the skin, and vigorous scrubbing can break the skin barrier. This will produce even more sebum that will clog more pores. The result: even more acne breakouts!

The recommended method is to clean the face once daily with a gentle cleanser and add other active products to help prevent acne formation. Discussing with an expert is important. They will help create a custom treatment option for your skin.

Truth: Acne isn’t always caused by dirt; rather, it is usually caused by hormones, bacteria, excess oil, excessively dry skin, and genetics. Overwashing can strip the skin’s barrier and worsen breakouts.

Myth #2: Popping Pimples Helps Them Heal Faster

Some claim that popping pimples will make them go away faster. This is not true.

Popping pimples can worsen acne. It can also expose the skin to bacteria, leading to more breakouts. Popping pimples can even cause acne scars and hyperpigmentation!

When you pop a pimple, the content is pushed further down into the skin as the follicle wall ruptures. This releases bacteria deeper into the skin, increases inflammation around that area, and consequently triggers new acne breakouts in the surrounding areas!

Rather than pop pimples, get recommended skincare products and apply them as prescribed. A warm compress and some ice can soften the pimple and reduce inflammation, respectively.

Truth: Picking at acne causes scarring, inflammation, and bacterial spread, making breakouts worse.

Myth #3: Only Teenagers Get Acne

Many people claim that acne is only found in teens and that adults cannot have acne. False! That’s not true. Acne can be found in people in their 30s and 40s. You can even find acne in people in their 50s! Are you surprised? Here’s why it is that way.

Hormonal disturbances, diet, stress, lifestyle, and many other factors cause acne in adults.

It is found a lot more in women than men. When women begin to approach menopause, estrogen begins to reduce, and testosterone increases. These hormonal changes can lead to acne breakouts!

While teenage acne is found in the cheeks, forehead, and T-Zone, adult acne is mostly found on the chin and jawline.

Adult acne may be less inflammatory than teenage acne and may have more cystic forms.

Truth: Acne can affect adults well into their 30s, 40s, and even 50s due to hormonal fluctuations, stress, and diet.

Myth #4: The Sun Clears Up Acne

You may see someone with acne standing in the sunlight and facing the sun. As strange as this sounds, there is a myth that sunlight treats acne.

Not only is this not true, the reverse is the case. Sunlight worsens acne! Here’s how.

Even though exposure to UV rays may dry out acne temporarily, it will have more deadly long-term effects.

When exposed to UV rays, the skin is stimulated to produce more sebum. This increases the odds of pores getting blocked and worsens acne breakouts.

There is also increased inflammation and a higher chance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne.

Using sunscreen is essential for managing acne. It prevents excessive UV rays and protects against further breakouts and hyperpigmentation.

Truth: UV exposure temporarily dries out pimples but increases oil production, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging.

Myth #5: Natural DIY Remedies Work Better Than Medical Treatments

The internet is laden with a plethora of natural DIY remedies for acne—baking soda, toothpaste, lemon juice, etc. These may even have unverified testimonials attached to them! Many claim that these natural remedies are better than medical treatment.

These unverified natural remedies may be more harmful than you think. They could irritate or burn the skin. They could even worsen your acne.

It is wise to opt only for medically verified ointments and skincare products. These ensure your skin is protected and that you get the desired results!

Truth: While some natural ingredients have minor benefits, they can’t replace clinically proven treatments. DIY remedies may even irritate and worsen acne.

Myth #6: Acne Will Go Away on Its Own Without Treatment

“Just let acne be, and it will disappear on its own. ” As nice as this sounds, this is untrue!

Leaving acne untreated can worsen the inflammation. This can deepen the damage done to the skin and permanently damage it. The results can be really bad. Hence, early treatment is highly recommended!

Truth: Untreated acne can persist for years and lead to permanent scars. Early intervention is key.

Myth #7: Moisturizer Makes Acne Worse

Are moisturizers bad for acne, as many claim? No, they are not! This myth isn’t true.

Hydration is always a welcomed part of skin care. 

Note that choosing the right moisturizer (water soluble and non-comedongenic) and applying it properly (not excessive or too little) is essential. Getting these wrong is the only way your acne can worsen!

Truth: Skipping moisturizer can lead to more oil production, making breakouts worse.

Myth #8: You Can Shrink Your Pores

You cannot permanently shrink your pores. However, there are things you can do to reduce its appearance.

These include Microneedling, ViPeel, Stellar M22 IPL, and Laser Genesis. These help refine skin texture and reduce pore visibility.

Myth #9: You Only Need Acne Treatments When You Have Breakouts

Acne treatment must not be restricted solely to when there is a breakout. Preventive skin care is important!

Keeping the pores clear, maintaining the right oil proportions, and removing dead skin cells will prevent breakouts and ensure healthy and smooth skin.

Myth #10: Professional Acne Treatments Are Too Harsh

Professional acne treatments are FDA-approved. These treatments have been duly reviewed and judged safe for the greater percentage of the population.

These treatments are gentle and accommodate your skin type. They do little to harm most skin types.

While some outliers may experience bad results from these treatments, the majority of people will not!

Truth: Modern, non-invasive treatments are designed to be gentle yet effective.

Myth #11: Acne Means You Have Dirty Skin

Some claim that dirty skin will trigger acne breakouts. They recommend washing the skin multiple times and vigorously.

Acne doesn’t have to do with whether your skin is dirty. The primary causes of acne are excessive oils or dryness, hormones, bacteria, genetics, and lifestyle.

Washing too often and scrubbing the skin vigorously will irritate the skin and worsen acne breakouts! 

Truth: Acne is not caused by “dirt” but rather by excessively oily or dry skin, hormones, bacteria, and genetics. Overwashing strips the skin’s barrier and makes breakouts worse.

Myth #12: “Diet Has No Impact on Acne”

Diet has an impact on acne and its severity. Some foods are called inflammatory foods. These foods are pro-inflammation and will stimulate inflammation in the body. These will worsen acne and increase the chances of scarring.

Truth: While diet isn’t the sole cause, dairy, high-fructose foods, and processed sugars can trigger breakouts in some people.

What Actually Works? The Best Acne Treatments Backed by Science

With the vast rumours about acne scars, we will need to know what actually works! Here are some proven solutions to acne:

• Appropriate & Balanced Topical Skincare
• Laser Therapy
• Microneedling
• Morpheus8 (RF Microneedling)
• Chemical Peels

It is important to have a consultation with an expert. They will guide you through your choices and ensure you get the best care for your skin!

Conclusion: Stop the Myths, Start Real Solutions

In a world with umpteen rumors and myths about acne and its management, the need for proper information about acne treatment is vital. Focus on receiving medically verified treatment for your acne. Get recommendations from our experts on the best treatment options for you!

Book a consultation with one of our experts today!

• Recap how misinformation can prevent people from getting the right acne treatments.
• Reinforce that professional treatments, not myths, lead to real results.