CLEANSING, ACNE, SKIN SCIENCE

The Clear Truth: 6 Acne Myths All Cleared Up

by Neutrogena February 5, 2023

Between the magazine articles, online videos and everything you hear from friends and family, there's a lot of misinformation about acne out there. It can be difficult to determine what's real and what's not. We get it. To clear things up once and for all, here's a quick look at the most common acne myths we frequently come across.

Myth #1: Foods like pizza, fries and chocolate cause acne.

The truth is, there's no clinical proof that eating junk food will cause acne. Since everyone's skin is different, however, some people may experience sensitivity toward certain foods. Studies by The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology suggest that a diet high in refined sugars and foods with a high glycemic index could be linked to acne.¹ Just remember, eating antioxidant-rich foods and staying hydrated is always a good idea.

¹Source: "Diet and Dermatology The Role of Dietary Intervention in Skin Disease;" Rajani Katta, MD and Samir P. Desai, MD; The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4106357/

Myth #2: Breaking a sweat causes breakouts.

Get your workout on, because breaking a sweat won't cause breakouts. That said, we recommend showering with an acne-fighting body wash, or at least washing your face, right after exercising to remove dirt, bacteria and oil buildup – the real culprits that clog pores and cause breakouts.

Myth #3: Those with acne-prone skin should avoid wearing makeup.

Wrong again! Just make sure to wear oil-free and non-comedegenic (aka won't clog pores) makeup or makeup that contains salicylic acid to help treat and prevent future breakouts. As part of your daily routine, always cleanse your face before bed and wash makeup brushes frequently to remove bacteria and oil.

Myth #4: Stress causes breakouts.

We've all heard this one before. Stressing out won't make your skin break out, but research suggests a link between stress and acne severity. When you're feeling under pressure, cleanse your face twice a day, exercise, drink lots of water and get plenty of rest.

Myth #5: Sun exposure helps to clear up acne.

As much as we'd like this one to be true, it's just not. In fact, sun exposure can make your acne worse. The sun dries your skin, which causes your body to produce more oil leading to breakouts. And remember: Always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days.

Myth #6: Cleansing skin more often each day results in less acne.

We recommend a cleansing routine of twice a day, every day, with an acne cleanser followed by a moisturizer. Over-cleansing can dry out skin and cause redness and irritation. When washing, use your fingertips instead of a washcloth.