Skip to content

Top Navigation

Health.com Health.com
  • Health Conditions A-Z
  • News
  • Coronavirus
  • Diet & Nutrition
  • Fitness
  • Beauty
  • Mind & Body
  • Lifestyle
  • Weight Loss
  • Newsletter
  • Promo

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Health.com

Health.com Health.com
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Is Your Doctor Gaslighting You? Here's What to Do

      How to handle a physician who doubts or dismisses your symptoms. Read More Next
    • 9 Signs It's More Serious Than the Common Cold

      Doctors explain how to tell if you have a head cold or something more serious that requires medical attention, such as the flu, strep throat, meningitis, or mono. Read More Next
    • How Your Period Changes During Your 20s, 30s, and 40s

      From easier cramps to a heavier flow, here's a guide on what to expect decade by decade. Read More Next
  • Health Conditions A-Z

    Health Conditions A-Z

    See All Health Conditions A-Z

    12 Anxiety Symptoms That Might Point to a Disorder

    The symptoms of anxiety can be hard to detect. Here are the ones you need to pay attention to, and how to know if you may have an anxiety disorder.
    • Allergies
    • Anxiety
    • Birth Control
    • Breast Cancer
    • Coronavirus
    • Chronic Pain
    • Cold, Flu, and Sinus
    • Depression
    • Digestive Health
    • Diabetes (Type 2)
    • Eczema
    • Eye Health
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Heart Disease
    • Headaches and Migraines
    • Oral Health
    • Pregnancy
    • Psoriasis
    • Sexual Health
    • Skin Conditions
    • Sleep
    • Thyroid
  • News

    News

    See All News

    Shannen Doherty Reveals Stage 4 Breast Cancer Diagnosis—Here's What It Means

    "I'm petrified," the actress said when she shared the news that her breast cancer came back. Here's why a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis can be so frightening.
    • Celebrities
  • Coronavirus
  • Diet & Nutrition

    Diet & Nutrition

    The Best (and Worst) Diets of 2020, According to Experts

    FYI: The keto diet isĀ not number one.
    • Food
    • Nutrition
    • Vitamins and Supplements
    • Groceries
    • Restaurants
    • Diets
    • Keto Diet
    • Mediterranean Diet
    • Whole30
    • Recipes
  • Fitness

    Fitness

    See All Fitness

    10 Moves for a Cardio Workout at Home—No Equipment Required

    Stay in your living room and still spike your heart rate.
    • Cardio Workouts
    • Strength Training
    • Yoga
    • Ab Workouts
    • Arm Workouts
    • Leg Workouts
    • Butt Workouts
    • Fitness Gear
  • Beauty

    Beauty

    See All Beauty

    These 13 Women Prove Every Body Is a Bikini Body

    We're loving their inspirational, body-positive messages.
    • Skincare
    • Makeup
    • Hair
    • Nails
  • Mind & Body

    Mind & Body

    See All Mind & Body

    Why Do People Lie? We Asked an Expert

    Here's the truth about lying.
    • Body Positivity
    • Self-Care
    • Misdiagnosed
    • Invisible Illness
    • LGBTQ+ Health
    • Health Diversity and Inclusion
    • Resolution Reboot
    • Wellness Warriors
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    20 Things You Should Throw Away for Better Health

    Clean out expired products and clutter to make way for a healthier you.
    • Healthy Home
    • Pets
    • Family
    • Relationships
    • Style
    • Holidays
    • Sex
    • Gifts
    • Money
    • Tech
    • Medicare
    • Best Life Now
    • Health Reviews
  • Weight Loss
  • Newsletter
  • Promo

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Beauty Chevron Right
  3. 16 Adult Acne Myths, Busted

16 Adult Acne Myths, Busted

By Kiera Aaron
Updated February 26, 2021
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Getty Images
Teenagers aren't the only ones who break out. Discover the truth about treating adult acne and get clear skin for good.
Start Slideshow

1 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pimple problems

Need some easy solutions for getting rid of pimples, redness, and other blemishes? In this video, find out how to use common household items like witch hazel, baking soda, and eye drops, to eliminate acne and get clearer skin.

1 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Myth: Your diet has nothing to do with acne

Credit: Getty Images

"Two landmark but flawed studies conducted in the '60s and '70s found that chocolate was not associated with acne," says Jennifer Burris, doctorate candidate at New York University, and author of a Journal of the Academy of Nutrition review on diet and acne. "These studies were so popular that people concluded diet had nothing to do with acne and stopped researching the topic for the next 40 years." Today, researchers are finding that there is indeed a connection between food and acne. Example: Burris and her team looked at the diets of more than 200 people and found that those who ate more sugary foods, dairy products, and unhealthy fats, as well as less fish, were more likely to have moderate to severe acne.

2 of 17

3 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Myth: If you suffer from acne, you should never eat chocolate

Credit: Getty Images

Even though there's a connection between diet and acne, it's not exactly fair to throw chocolate under the bus. "Essentially any food with a high glycemic index can increase blood cortisol levels and worsen acne," says Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine. (That includes sweets, breads, and pastas.) "Refined carbs cause your insulin levels to spike, which leads to increased sebum production and clogged pores."

The good news: You can still have chocolate! "The problem isn't the cocoa itself, it's the sugar and dairy that's added," says Marguerite Germain, MD, dermatologist in Charleston, SC, who suggests eating dark chocolate with a cocoa content 70% or higher. "The higher the percentage of cocoa, the lower the glycemic index."

3 of 17

Advertisement

4 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Myth: Acne is a teenager problem

Credit: Getty Images

It's not a given that you'll grow out of acne. In fact, a survey of more than 1,000 adults published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that 50% of women between 20 and 29 years old, 35% of women between 30 and 39 years old, and 26% of women between 40 and 49 reported having acne. (Note: Adult acne is more common in women than men.)You can blame the same surge of hormones you experienced as a teen: "Your estrogen increases at your first period and peri-menopause," says Dr. Gohara. "The hormone causes an increase in oil production, which ultimately causes bacterial inflammation and pimples." That's why it's common for women to have acne as teenagers and again later in life.

4 of 17

5 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Myth: Makeup makes acne worse

Credit: Getty Images

It's true that some products can clog your pores and ultimately cause pimples, but the right makeup can actually improve acne. Dr. Gohara suggests powder-based mineral foundations with ingredients like silica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. "Powder foundations absorb oils that would otherwise be clogging your pores," she says. If you prefer a liquid foundation, make sure it's non-comedogenic. "That means the product hasn't been found to promote acne per the cosmetics company's standards," explains Dr. Gohara.

5 of 17

6 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Myth: Sunscreen clogs your pores

Credit: Getty Images

First, a little sunscreen 101. There are two categories of sunscreen: chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV light (common ingredients: oxybenzone and avobenzone) and physical sunscreens, which reflect UV rays (common ingredients: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide). While some chemical sunscreens can irritate the skin, causing inflammation and breakouts, physical sunscreens might actually help. "Zinc oxide, a common active ingredient in physical sunscreens, may kill acne-causing bacteria," says Dr. Germain. Look for the ingredient on your sunscreen label—no more SPF excuses!

6 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Myth: Stronger products are better products

Credit: Getty Images

If you've spent more than 30 seconds looking at acne products in your drugstore, you know that benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid rule the ingredient labels—and with good reason. The best acne treatments do two things: unclog pores and kill bacteria. These ingredients are often recommended because benzoyl peroxide blasts bacteria and salicylic acid unclogs your pores, tackling both problems.

Still, there's no need to go overboard, especially when it comes to benzoyl peroxide. A review published in Expert Opinion Pharmacotherapy found no difference between products that are 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and ones that are 10%—except that

stronger products may be more irritating.

7 of 17

8 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Myth: Toothpaste can heal a zit

Credit: Getty Images

"Toothpaste has baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, menthol, essential oils, and triclosan, which, yes, can dry pimples out," says Dr. Gohara. "But it's not made for your skin, so it can cause irritation and rashes." This means you could essentially be trading one problem for another. Instead, try a spot treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide. It's made specifically for your skin—and won't leave your face smelling like spearmint.

8 of 17

9 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Myth: The sun makes acne better

Credit: Getty Images

Here's the deal: Exposure to sunlight may reduce inflammation in your body, and since acne is an inflammatory process, you may see less of it initially, explains Dr. Germain. But hold on to your sun hats: Over time, the sun breaks down your skin's collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm, tight, and young-looking. "When collagen breaks down, your pores have less support around them, and they flop open," says Dr. Germain. "This can create blackheads, some of which may be present for life." Plus, sun damage makes it more difficult for the skin to repair itself, so it increases your risk of acne scars, Dr. Germain adds. Let's not forget skin cancer: "In terms of carcinogens, ultraviolet light is right up there with cigarettes," says Dr. Gohara. You wouldn't smoke to minimize a pimple, would you?

9 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Myth: Blackheads are dirt in your pores

Getting clear skin doesn't have to be an ordeal—it's all about finding a skincare regimen that works for you. Watch the video to see the six must-do steps you should take to keep skin fresh, soft, and blackhead-free.

10 of 17

11 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Myth: Breakouts mean you don't wash your face enough

Credit: Getty Images

Wouldn't it be great if pimples washed away at the end of the day like foundation? "Over-washing can actually exacerbate the problem," says Dr. Gohara. When you wash too much, you strip your skin of its natural oils. This makes your skin dehydrated, so it overcompensates by producing more oil, which can clog pores and make breakouts worse.
Dr. Gohara suggests using a benzoyl peroxide wash in the morning, followed by a salicylic acid toner, and lightweight moisturizer. At night, wash with a gentle cleanser (avoid ones with exfoliating beads or sodium lauryl sulfate, which can be irritating), and follow with a cream that has retinol. No need to use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid again.

11 of 17

12 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Myth: Moisturizers cause acne

Credit: Getty Images

It seems counterintuitive to slap moisturizer over oily pores, but this goes back to Dr. Gohara's over-washing point: dehydrated skin produces more pore-clogging oil than hydrated skin. So if you apply a lightweight moisturizer (not a heavy cream) every day, your skin won't need to take hydration into its own (oily) hands.

12 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Myth: Chlorine improves acne

Credit: Getty Images

It might seem like swimming dries up your pimples, but it presents a similar problem as toothpaste. "Chlorine can dry out pimples, but it can also irritate your skin, causing more breakouts in the long-run," says Dr. Gohara. Be sure to rinse off when you're done swimming, and use an oil-free lotion to offset any dryness.

13 of 17

14 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Myth: Popping makes pimples go away

Credit: Getty Images

Hands off! "A whitehead can heal within three days if you leave it alone, but it could take months if you pop it," says Dr. Germain. "Plus, popping causes trauma to the skin, which can lead to inflammation or infection." We know it's hard to resist popping a particularly ripe whitehead, but instead of squeezing and scraping, use an overnight spot treatment of benzoyl peroxide.

14 of 17

15 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Myth: Treat body acne as you would face acne

Credit: Getty Images

"Topical products aren't absorbed as well by your body as they are by your face," says Dr. Germain. That's because the follicles on your body—which deliver acne-fighting ingredients deep into your skin—are further apart from each other than they are on your face. Even the best bacteria-blasting products may not do the trick, so talk to your derm about antibiotics and watch your diet.

15 of 17

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Myth: Hair products have nothing to do with acne

Credit: Getty Images

Quite the contrary. In fact, there's a term for this exact problem. It's called "pomade acne," and it happens when the oils from your hair products continuously make contact with your face. (Thanks a lot, side bangs.) The clear-skin solution: "Avoid products with petroleum jelly, and choose water-based products over oil-based ones," says Dr. Germain.

16 of 17

17 of 17

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Myth: Stress can't cause acne

Credit: Getty Images

The pimple that surfaced just in time for your wedding day probably wasn't an unfortunate coincidence. "Stress creates a hormonal imbalance in the body, which can lead to acne," says Dr. Germain. According to research conducted by the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, stressed out teenagers are 23% more likely to have severe acne. Researchers suspect stress-induced inflammation may also play a role, affecting men and women of all ages.

Don't worry, you don't need to quit your hectic job or wait until your kids go to college to feel zen.

Just one 90-minute yoga class can significantly reduce stress, according to a study published in The Journal of Nursing Research. We suggest these Yoga Poses For Anxiety, Pain, and More.

17 of 17

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Kiera Aaron

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 17 Pimple problems
2 of 17 Myth: Your diet has nothing to do with acne
3 of 17 Myth: If you suffer from acne, you should never eat chocolate
4 of 17 Myth: Acne is a teenager problem
5 of 17 Myth: Makeup makes acne worse
6 of 17 Myth: Sunscreen clogs your pores
7 of 17 Myth: Stronger products are better products
8 of 17 Myth: Toothpaste can heal a zit
9 of 17 Myth: The sun makes acne better
10 of 17 Myth: Blackheads are dirt in your pores
11 of 17 Myth: Breakouts mean you don't wash your face enough
12 of 17 Myth: Moisturizers cause acne
13 of 17 Myth: Chlorine improves acne
14 of 17 Myth: Popping makes pimples go away
15 of 17 Myth: Treat body acne as you would face acne
16 of 17 Myth: Hair products have nothing to do with acne
17 of 17 Myth: Stress can't cause acne

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Health.com

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact us
  • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Health.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved. The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments. All products and services featured are selected by our editors. Health.com may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.health.com

View image

16 Adult Acne Myths, Busted
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.