As one of the most common skin conditions in the world, it’s no surprise that most people believe they know just what it is. According to Dr. Eliana Zamora of U.S. Dermatology Partners in Georgetown and Cedar Park, “Most of my patients know less about acne than they think. If you’re struggling with acne, don’t throw out your makeup or stop eating pizza. Instead, work with a dermatologist to develop a treatment plan to clear your blemishes and keep skin healthy.” In this blog, Dr. Zamora discusses what causes acne and debunks acne myths she hears from her patients.
Acne Isn’t What You Think It Is
It surprises many people to hear that acne isn’t caused by lack of cleanliness, and it’s not just something that all teens have to deal with. Acne is a skin condition that can impact anyone of any age, gender, or ethnic background. It may be triggered by hormones, stress, or even genetics. Dr. Zamora says, “Knowing what causes your breakouts and getting the facts about acne rather than believing the myths can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of your acne treatment plan.”
Myth #1: Acne Is Caused by Poor Hygiene
Fact: Cleanliness doesn’t equal acne-less.
If you’re struggling with acne, that doesn’t mean you’re dirty or you need to clean your face more often. In fact, over-washing can dry and irritate skin, leading to longer lasting and more severe breakouts. Dr. Zamora says, “Having acne doesn’t mean your skin isn’t clean and there’s no need to switch to harsh, abrasive cleansers. Choosing a gentle cleanser for acne-prone skin and using it consistently in the morning and evening and after sweating excessively is adequate to combat acne.”
Myth #2: Greasy Food Causes Acne
Fact: Diet does impact skin health, but maybe not this directly. Greasy food is less likely to cause acne breakouts than high sugar foods.
Does greasy food cause acne? Dr. Zamora says, “This must be the most common question I hear from patients with acne. The answer is a little more complicated than an explicit yes or no. Greasy fries from time to time won’t cause acne, but if your diet lacks proper nutrition, it can contribute to skin health struggles.” Research shows that a diet containing excessive levels of sugar and complex carbohydrates without a balance of other macronutrients may increase risk for acne and more serious breakouts. High-glycemic diets trigger changes in hormone production, like insulin, which effect sebaceous gland activity and inflammation, contributing to acne severity. Strive for a balanced diet high in nutrient-rich foods.
Myth #3: Acne Only Affects Teenagers
Fact: There is no age limit for acne.
Hormonal acne often arises in the teen years when hormone production increases, but this is not the only time that acne develops. Children and adults can also struggle with acne. Adults, like children, can experience severe acne breakouts, presenting as deep cysts and even blackheads and whiteheads. Many teenagers experience acne, and unfortunately, a significant proportion of these individuals will have acne that can persist into adulthood. On the other hand, adults without teenage acne may still develop acne later in life.
Myth #4: Popping Pimples Helps Them Heal Faster
Fact: Pimple popping increases risk of infection, worsens skin redness and inflammation, and makes healing skin more likely to scar.
All those pimple popping videos online make it look so satisfying, but picking at blemishes often makes them worse. Dr. Zamora says, “Risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring increases dramatically when you pop pimples. It might feel a little better after popping, but in the long term, it’s not worth it. If you have deep blemishes or cystic acne, a dermatologist can provide treatment options to help alleviate any discomfort safely while minimizing risk for scarring and infection.”
Myth #5: Tanning Clears Up Acne
Fact: Tanning might improve the appearance of acne in the short term by masking redness, but in the long-term it worsens acne and increases risk for serious health concerns like skin cancer.
According to Dr. Zamora, “At some point, a teen claimed that going to the tanning bed dried out their acne. Since then, false stories about the acne-healing powers of UV exposure have spread. While the increased melanin production may darken skin and camouflage acne, the long-term effect is likely to worsen acne scars and increase the risk of skin cancer. Instead of relying on tanning beds or sunbathing to combat acne, practice consistent skincare and work with a dermatologist to improve skin health.”
Myth #6: Over-the-Counter Treatments Work for Everyone
Fact: Over-the-counter acne treatments are designed for the mildest forms of acne. Moderate to severe acne needs to be addressed with prescription treatments and dermatologic care.
For maintaining clear skin between breakouts or combatting mild acne, over-the-counter (OTC) acne products may be a good option. However, it’s still important to consult a dermatologist to find the best options. Many OTC acne products are only designed to address one cause of acne like reducing oiliness or bacteria. Many people need a formula that addresses a combination of issues to clear up acne breakouts. Dr. Zamora recommends, “If you’ve used over-the-counter acne products for at least six weeks, you should know if they’re working. If you haven’t seen improvement in your skin or only inconsistent results, it’s time to talk to a dermatologist about prescription-strength skincare.
Myth #7: Acne Will Go Away on Its Own
Fact: Acne is a chronic condition, so even if one blemish or breakout clears up, you can still experience breakouts in the future.
Dr. Zamora says, “I’ve never had a patient with acne tell me they wish they hadn’t bothered to work with a dermatologist because their skin cleared up on its own. Instead, patients tell me they wish they’d come in sooner rather than suffering while they waited it out.”
Myth #8: Makeup Causes Acne
Fact: There are plenty of non-comedogenic cosmetics with acne-friendly formulas.
On its own, makeup won’t cause acne or even trigger a breakout. However, some products are more likely to clog pores. Look for cosmetics that have oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas for the best result. Most importantly, Dr. Zamora says, “Whenever you wear makeup, it must be carefully applied and removed. That means using clean application tools and fully removing all makeup.”
Conclusion: Don’t Fall for Acne Myths
According to Dr. Zamora, “If you’re browsing for acne treatments online, you may find opinions about what food to eat for clear skin and which DIY toner offers the best oil reduction, but these recommendations aren’t backed by science or dermatologic research. Whether you’re dealing with your first breakout or an ongoing battle with acne, don’t rely on these acne myths. Partner with a dermatologist to achieve clear skin and maintain the results.”
Trust Your Dermatologist to Guide Acne Care Plans
If you’re ready to hear more truths about how to manage acne, the trusted dermatologists at U.S. Dermatology Partners are here to offer guidance and resources. Get started by requesting an appointment a local office team by completing our online request form. We’ll be in touch to finalize the details soon.
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