As acne is the most common skin concern, approximately 85 percent of people face acne at least at some point in their lifetime¹. For this reason, over time numerous myths are built around acne. Many of these I also believed in my teenage years and acted accordingly, but in the end, I gained nothing but wasted time and money. That’s why in this article, I want to debunk the 13 most common myths about acne according to my personal experience and what I have learned.

1. Only Teenagers Get Acne – Myth
Acne occurs at all ages. While puberty often triggers acne in teens, many types of acne can occur later in life. Even some of my relatives over the age of 28 still get acne because the conditions that cause acne in teenage skin can continue well into adulthood.

2. All Acne is the Same – Myth
No, this is not true. There are many types of acne, such as comedones, papules, nodules, cysts, and even blackheads and whiteheads, and the causes of each type are different.

3. Toothpaste Treats Pimples – Myth
According to Dr. Ramone F. Williams, MD, MPhil, FAAD, toothpaste often contains abrasive ingredients like calcium or baking soda, as well as whitening agents like peroxide, colorants, and flavorings. While none of these ingredients fight acne, they can irritate or harm your skin².

4. Eating Greasy Food Causes Acne – Myth
There are no proper scientific studies showing that eating oily, junk, or greasy food causes acne. While some recent studies have examined whether milk and dairy foods can cause acne, they have not found strong evidence.

Knowing this, it’s important not to rush to eat at KFC just yet. Every human body reacts differently, so consuming greasy foods could potentially lead to acne for some people. It’s important to observe how your body responds when you eat these types of foods. That’s why understanding your body and its reactions is crucial. Lastly, even if greasy foods do not cause acne for you, it’s advisable to limit their consumption as they can impact overall health. As you know, “Health is Wealth.”

5. It’s OK to Pop Your Pimples Safely – Myth
Popping or squeezing a pimple won’t necessarily solve the problem; in fact, it can make it worse by pushing bacteria deeper into the skin, potentially leading to permanent scars.

6. Acne Only Affects People with Oily Skin – Myth
While people with oily skin are more prone to acne due to excess oil production, they are not the only ones affected. As I mentioned earlier, approximately 85 percent of the population experiences at least minor acne in their lifetime, so it is obvious that not everyone affected by acne has oily skin.

7. Makeup Causes Acne – Myth
Wearing makeup is fine as long as it doesn’t clog your pores. Makeup is less likely to cause acne if you use the right products and remember to remove it properly. Additionally, if you use makeup brushes, be sure to clean them weekly to prevent new breakouts.

8. Blood Purifiers Can Help Clear Acne and Purify Skin – Myth
Many people, like me, believed that eating Safi (a blood purifier) cures acne. However, acne is mainly caused by bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes and hormonal changes. There is no relationship between blood purification and acne. The blood of a person who has acne and the blood of a person who doesn’t have acne can be the same.

9. If You Maintain Hygiene, You Won’t Get Acne – Myth
While maintaining good hygiene is essential for overall skin health, it doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get acne. Acne can develop due to a combination of factors including genetics, hormones, stress, and environmental factors, in addition to hygiene practices.

10. Washing Your Face More Often Cures Acne – Myth
Washing your face too frequently won’t cure acne; in fact, it can disrupt your skin’s natural microbiome and strip away its oils. Generally, washing your face twice a day is sufficient.

11. Drinking More Water Cures Acne – Myth
Imagine someone comes to you seeking advice to deal with acne, and you advise them to drink more water. I can’t even remember how many people I’ve given the same advice to. Though this topic is very controversial, many studies have found that water intake helps fight acne by keeping your skin hydrated, supporting immune function, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting natural detoxification. However, more research is needed for conclusive evidence. Lastly, whether it fights acne or not, try to drink at least 3-4 liters of water per day because it’s essential for your overall health.

12. The Sun Can Treat Acne – False
Sun exposure can initially dry out the skin and reduce inflammation, which may temporarily improve acne symptoms for some people. But in the long term, sun exposure can have negative effects on acne and overall skin health. In some cases, it can cause melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

13. Acne Will Go Away on Its Own – Mostly a Myth
While hormonal acne can resolve on its own as hormone levels return to normal, adult acne may not disappear without treatment. In both cases, scarring can occur, so I always recommend seeking advice from a dermatologist to receive tailored treatment.

I believe I can effectively debunk common myths about acne and provide you with valuable insights. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions and avoid following these myths.