Myth #1 – You’ll grow out of it by 18.
According to a 2024 survey by Advanced Dermatology, 41% of participants in their 30s had adult-onset acne. I know, I know—those facts slap hard. The good news? Acne is still treatable. With the right skincare routine and targeted treatments, you can manage it. Just…maybe not overnight.
Myth #2 – If you wash your face more, the acne will go away.
Your face isn’t a dirty dish–it needs balance, not a scrub down. Obsessively scrubbing will just strip your skin’s natural oils, causing irritation and, yep, more breakouts. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends washing only twice a day: once in the morning, once at night. That’s it. No extra-credit points for over-cleansing.
Myth #3 – Toothpaste helps dry pimples.
Put the toothpaste back where it belongs—your mouth. Sure, it feels tingly or burny, but that’s not the magic working. That’s your skin getting mad. Toothpaste ingredients like fluoride and abrasives can actually irritate your face, not help it.
Myth #4 – Greasy food causes acne.
Unless you’re rubbing a slice of pizza directly on your face (please don’t), greasy foods aren’t the problem. The real imposters? Starchy foods. Studies show refined carbs, like white bread and chips, are more likely to trigger breakouts. So maybe swap out those Lays for lentils. Or don’t. Your call.
Myth #5 – Popping pimples helps them go away faster.
Seriously. Stop. Tempting, I know. But popping zits often leads to more drama: scarring, inflammation, and post-acne marks.
Myth #6 – Dirt causes acne.
It’s just science. Acne develops when dead skin cells inside your hair follicles clog your pores and trap oil—not because your face is “dirty.” So don’t go blaming your pillowcase or stuffed animals for your breakouts (although yes, washing them occasionally is still a good idea).
Myth #7 – You should avoid touching your face.
Same idea. Dirt and bacteria aren’t the enemy here—clogged pores and oil production are. So casual touching? Not the main villain. If anything, your genes deserve more of the blame.
Myth #8 – Tanning clears up acne.
Hint: UV rays aren’t your acne cleanser. While sun exposure might dry out your pimples temporarily, it’ll likely trigger more oil production afterward—plus long-term skin damage. And if you’d prefer to skip wrinkles and skin cancer, maybe don’t worship the tanning bed.
Myth #9 – You should rub off the sweat from your face.
After a workout, it’s tempting to aggressively wipe your face. But dermatologists recommend gently blotting your skin instead. Rubbing can irritate already-inflamed pores, especially if you’re acne-prone.
Myth #10 – You should just leave your acne–it’ll go away in time.
It’s a nice idea—but for many people, acne doesn’t just fade with time. You might end up stuck in an on-again, off-again relationship with acne for years.