Let’s talk acne—and more importantly, let’s talk about the misinformation that still surrounds it. Whether you’re battling the occasional breakout or dealing with chronic acne, chances are you’ve heard advice that made things worse. Let’s clear the air (and your skin :-D) by busting some of the most common myths about acne:
🦷 1. “Toothpaste dries out pimples.”
No, it doesn’t heal acne spots—in fact, it can irritate your skin even more. The drying agents in toothpaste are way too harsh and can lead to redness, peeling, and even more breakouts.
👶 2. “Only teenagers get acne.”
Acne doesn’t come with an age limit. Adults can and do get acne—especially during hormone fluctuations like pregnancy, stress, or even perimenopause.
☀️ 3. “The sun helps clear acne.”
A tan might make breakouts look better temporarily, but sun exposure can worsen post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (those dark spots that linger). Always wear sunscreen!
🍫 4. “Chocolate causes acne.”
Almost 30% (27.3%) of people think eating chocolate causes breakouts. But here’s the truth: it’s not chocolate itself — it’s the sugar and dairy in most chocolate products. So skip the milk chocolate and sugary treats… but feel free to enjoy some dark chocolate!
💄 5. “Makeup causes acne.”
Makeup itself isn’t the villain here. It’s dirty brushes, unwashed hands, or not removing makeup properly at night that can lead to clogged pores.
🧼 6. “Acne is a hygiene issue.”
NOPE. Acne isn’t caused by being “dirty.” Over-washing your face can strip your skin, causing it to produce even more oil. Stick to cleansing 1–2 times daily, max.
❌ 7. “There’s no real cure for acne.”
While acne is complex and influenced by multiple factors (hormones, genetics, lifestyle), there are effective treatments. It might take some trial and error, but improvement is absolutely possible with the right approach.
💧 8. “Sweat causes acne.”
Nearly 40% of people think sweat causes acne. It doesn’t directly — but sweat can worsen breakouts if it mixes with bacteria and stays on your skin too long. So go ahead and work out — just make sure to cleanse your skin afterwards.
Other articles:
Adult acne versus adolescent acne
The impact of chocolate consumption on acne vulgaris in college students
