10 Myths About Acne: Debunking Popular Beliefs

Have you had to deal with acne? We assume you’re familiar with the shock and frustration when you don’t know how to regain healthy skin and start listening randomly to “experts” and information from the internet. Of course, some advice may be valid, but many are absurd and even harmful.

So, what are the most popular myths about acne? Let’s go!

Myth #1: Acne is a Teenagers’ Problem

Acne is a chronic recurrent disease of the sebaceous glands. It can appear at any age due to various factors. The fact that you didn’t have breakouts at 14 does not guarantee they won’t appear at 30. Oh yes, it’s a lottery! What’s the reason for such unfairness? Genetics, of course!

Myth #2: Acne is Caused by Poor Diet

“No dairy,” “no sweets,” “no fatty foods.” Can you guess where this might lead you? Yes — to an eating disorder! Nutrition is important, both for those with acne and those without. Indeed, certain types of food can be triggers and affect the inflammatory process, but not always and not for everyone. However, nutrition is never the cause of acne. If you notice that a specific type of food actually worsens your skin condition, then it makes sense to limit its consumption.

Remember: the only thing that truly matters in nutrition is not dividing food into “good” and “bad” and blaming yourself for every “candy.”

Such self-reproach only increases anxiety and becomes a source of stress. And stress, by the way, is a much stronger trigger for exacerbating the inflammatory process than a piece of cake.
Your diet can include absolutely any food, and that’s okay. Nutrition is a lifestyle; it should help you feel better. Compose your diet with love and care for yourself, asking the question: “What’s best for me?” rather than dividing food into “allowed” and “forbidden.”

Myth #3: Pregnancy Will Cure It

It’s incredible that in the 21st century, there are still beliefs that pregnancy can cure some diseases in women. In this case, this myth is related to the fact that hormonal changes can indeed affect the course of acne. This means it can either disappear or worsen and even appear if it wasn’t there before.

Myth #4: Breakouts Should Be Dried Out with Alcohol-Containing Products

Perhaps the easiest way to worsen the situation is to dry out the inflammatory elements or, even worse, completely wipe the face with alcohol tinctures, tonics, and homemade lotions. This way, you destroy the skin’s protective barrier, dry it out, resulting in more sebum production, and consequently, the inflammatory process starts progressing.

In reality, acne-prone skin (like any other) needs hydration, restoration, and microbiome support.

Myth #5: You Need to Wash Your Face More Often if You Have Acne

You need to wash your face as often as you do without acne: twice a day (in the morning and evening before applying further skincare). At the same time, cleansers should be gentle, effectively clean, and not cause a feeling of tightness. Pay attention to acid cleansers — they lower the high pH of oily skin, which helps maintain the microbiome. Washing more than twice a day will disrupt the protective barrier. Washing less often will lead to the accumulation of sebum, impurities, clogged pores, and hence, a worsening skin condition.

Myth #6: Decorative Cosmetics are Taboo

We assume this myth originated when there was no quality cosmetics, and it indeed negatively impacted the skin. However, now you can find great safe makeup that doesn’t clog pores, cause breakouts or irritations, and even boasts some skincare properties.

But remember, regardless of your skin type, whether you have breakouts or how good your cosmetics are — it always needs to be removed with special products as the first step of your evening routine.

Myth #7: Acne Indicates Liver/Gut/Pancreas/Heart Disease

Acne indicates sebaceous gland disease. Nothing more. Often, changes in the gut microbiome cause a disruption in the skin’s barrier function, exacerbating the inflammatory process. However, this is not the cause of acne. Thus, improving gut function will not cure acne; at best, it will ease its course.

Myth #8: Birth Control Pills Treat Acne

If you have hyperandrogenism, combined oral contraceptives can indeed affect the course of acne. However, this is merely a side effect of the drug, not a treatment. So, when you stop taking birth control, the acne will return.

Myth #9: Sun Improves Skin Condition

Initially, sunbathing may seem to improve skin condition: the tone evens out, and breakouts dry out. However, after some time, the situation worsens significantly. Sun rays destroy the skin’s protective barrier, provoke dehydration, and irritate, causing the number of inflammatory elements to increase sharply. That’s why sun protection is a must 365 days a year.

Myth #10: Acne Can Go Away on Its Own

A very common myth about teenage acne. In reality, if not treated in time, the situation will worsen, and getting it into remission will be much more difficult.