10 myths and facts about adult acne

If you lived with acne as a teenager, you probably heard all sorts of advice about why you developed acne and what you should do about it. “You eat too many crisps!” “You don’t wash your face enough!” “Cut down on the chocolate!”

The fact is that most of what you thought you knew about acne as a teenager - and much of what you may think you know about adult acne - is probably a myth. Here are some common acne myths.

Acne myth 1: Adults don’t get acne.

Not true. Surveys have found that significant numbers of adults are still getting acne into their thirties, forties and even fifties. Acne may look different when you’re 36 than it did when you were 16 - it’s more likely to be reddish nodules around your mouth and jaw, rather than whiteheads and blackheads scattered all over your forehead, nose and cheeks - but it’s acne all the same.

Acne myth 2: Eating chocolate and chips gives you acne.

“The diet controversy over acne goes on,” says Dr Amy Derick, a dermatologist (skin specialist). “The idea that chocolate and caffeine cause acne has never really panned out.” Some studies have suggested that milk products might influence acne, because of the presence of hormones and bacteria in the milk. “But the data isn’t that strong, and I don’t want to recommend that 30-year-old women cut out milk when they need it for their bone health.”

Acne myth 3: Stress causes acne.

This myth may have some basis in reality, but it’s hard to quantify. “Some studies have found that college students have increased breakouts during finals, but it’s hard to be sure if it’s causative,” Derick says. Not all students with acne have increased breakouts during stressful times. "So maybe stress does play a role, but we haven't seen any good studies showing that stress hormones make acne worse."

Acne myth 4: Don’t wear sunscreen, it will aggravate your acne.

You just have to pick the right sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens dissipate UV light using a chemical reaction, which may cause heat bumps. If you’re prone to acne, use a physical sunscreen such as zinc oxide instead.

Acne myth 5: You have acne because you’re not washing enough.

Unless you’re a slob, that’s probably not true. “Studies in teens show that washing your face twice a day is more effective than just once, but more than that isn’t necessary and can dry out your skin,” Derick says. “Cleansers are only on your skin for five seconds. Leave-on products like retinoid creams are more efficacious [for those with acne].”

Acne myth 6: You can’t wear make-up if you have a breakout.

Some make-up can definitely exacerbate acne, particularly thicker liquid foundations that can clog pores and stage-type pancake make-up. “But lighter, looser powder foundations, like mineral powder, aren’t nearly as aggravating to your skin,” Derick says. “Of course, people who have acne want to cover it, and coverage is better with thicker liquids, but you have to compromise.”