Are Pimple Myths Keeping You From Having Clearer Skin? Popular Pimple Myths Debunked

Co-authored by Paul Friedman, MD and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: April 11, 2025 References

Pimples are almost as common as the myths spread about them. Most people will have acne at some point in their lives, so you’re not alone. However, that doesn’t make pimples any less annoying! Fortunately, busting pimple myths may help you improve your skincare routine and get clearer skin. We’ve compiled the facts behind all the most common pimple myths.

1

Myth: Only teenagers get pimples.

People of all ages get pimples. There’s no age limit on pimples, and anyone can get them. Acne is most common in your teenage years, as 85% of teens get acne. ^{[1]
X
Research source} However, around 20 to 40% of adults have acne, too. ^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} Because it’s so prevalent, acne is the most common skin condition. ^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Experts say around 80% of people will experience acne at some point in their life. ^{[4]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- Even babies can get acne!
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2

Myth: Pimples only occur on your face.

Pimples can occur anywhere on your body. You have oil glands all over your body, and any of these glands can get blocked, resulting in pimples. Acne can appear anywhere, but it’s especially common on your chest, shoulders, and back. Fortunately, you can treat body acne just like you would face acne. ^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Pimples are more noticeable on your face because it’s not usually covered. However, pimples on other body parts are usually hidden under clothes—so it's not something you would commonly see on others.

3

Myth: Only people with oily skin are prone to acne.

Any skin type can get acne. It’s a myth that only people with oily skin are prone to acne. ^{[6]
X
Research source} In fact, all skin types can develop acne. ^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} In some cases, adult acne can actually be common on dry skin. ^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Your skin type can affect what treatments work best for you. ^{[9]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Paul Friedman, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
  
  Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.} For example, some topical creams may be too drying for dry skin. If you’re having trouble finding a good acne treatment, visit a dermatologist for help. ^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
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4

Myth: Makeup causes pimples.

This isn't always true—oil-free makeup doesn't clog your pores. ^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Choose makeup that’s labeled as noncomedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. If you have an active breakout, you might use a concealer that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to treat acne. ^{[12]
X
Research source} Additionally, always remove your makeup before you go to bed, as sleeping in makeup can harm your skin. ^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Wearing makeup is a great way to hide your acne while it heals.
- Makeup brushes harbor bacteria that can cause or worsen acne. Wash your makeup brushes using lukewarm water and a mild shampoo every 7 to 10 days. ^{[14]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}

5

Myth: Dirty skin causes acne.

In most cases, hormones are actually responsible for acne. Acne is common in teens because of hormonal changes as your body goes through puberty. A hormone called androgen increases in your body, which can trigger pimples. ^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} As an adult, hormone changes typically happen during pregnancy, around your menstrual cycle, or due to stress. ^{[16]
X
Research source}
- It’s possible for people to have clear skin all through their teens despite going through puberty, only to experience acne later in life.
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6

Myth: Washing your face more often will get rid of pimples.

Washing your face more often won’t cure pimples. Cleansing your skin gets rid of acne-causing bacteria, so it’s definitely important to wash your face. However, you only need to do it twice a day. Washing your face more than twice a day may irritate your skin and could even make your acne appear worse. ^{[17]
X
Research source}
- For example, you might wash your face in the morning and right before bed.

7

Myth: Chocolate and greasy food cause acne.

Eating chocolate or greasy food won’t cause pimples. You’ve probably heard that what you eat can trigger acne, but experts say this just isn’t true. There’s no proof that foods like chocolate or greasy meals, such as pizza, can cause acne. ^{[18]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- If you experience breakouts every time you eat a certain food, consider cutting that food out of your diet. It's possible for food allergies to trigger breakouts. ^{[19]
  X
  Research source}
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8

Myth: Popping pimples will get rid of them faster.

Popping pimples is never a good idea. Squeezing your pimples can make your pimple look bigger because it causes inflammation. Additionally, it can transfer bacteria, which may cause an infection. Not only that, but popping pimples increases your risk of scarring. Keep your hands away from your face and give your pimples time to heal. ^{[20]
X
Research source}
- In general, it’s best to touch your face as little as possible, since your hands carry bacteria.

9

Myth: Drinking 8 cups (1.9 L) of water daily cures acne.

Staying hydrated isn't a fool-proof cure, but it may prevent breakouts! Drinking lots of water helps your skin shed and get rid of debris. This can help keep your pores clear, which might reduce acne breakouts. ^{[21]
X
Research source} In general, drinking water throughout the day is a healthy choice, so drink up!
- In general, you need 11.5 to 15.5 cups (2.7 to 3.7 L) of water to stay hydrated. You may need to drink more water if you sweat often or are very active. ^{[22]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
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10

Myth: Scrubbing your skin gets rid of pimples.

Scrubbing your face can actually make acne worse. Acne is caused by oils trapped deep beneath your skin, and you can’t reach it by scrubbing. Additionally, scrubbing can irritate and inflame your skin, which may make your acne worse. Treat your skin gently to get the best results. ^{[23]
X
Research source}
- Always follow the directions on your skincare products to make sure you’re using them right.

11

Myth: Tanning clears up pimples.

Tanning won't heal pimples, and it harms your skin. At first, the darkening of your skin may make acne less noticeable. However, tanning dries out your skin, which can trigger more breakouts. Additionally, tanning causes premature aging, as well as skin cancer. Stay away from tanning beds if you want healthy skin, and protect your skin with sunscreen when you’re spending time in the sun. ^{[24]
X
Research source}
- Wear a hat and sunglasses every time you go outside. If you’re going to be in the sun for a while, wear sunscreen that’s at least an SPF 15 for extra protection. ^{[25]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
  Go to source}
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Question

What ingredients should be in a cleanser for acne?

Paul Friedman, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
Paul Friedman, MD, is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, and the Director and Founder of the Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston, Texas. He has over 25 years of experience and specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatologic laser surgery, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Friedman is the current President of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery and was named by Newsweek Magazine as one of the Best Dermatologists in America for Laser Treatments. His awards include the Husk Prize for his research in dermatologic surgery and the Young Investigator's Writing Competition Award of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Friedman completed his dermatology residency at the New York University School of Medicine and received his medical degree with the highest honors from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine.

Paul Friedman, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology

Expert Answer

Look for cleansers that contain salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which can help open up clogged pores and improve acne.

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What is the best over-the-counter product for acne?

Paul Friedman, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
Paul Friedman, MD, is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, and the Director and Founder of the Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston, Texas. He has over 25 years of experience and specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatologic laser surgery, and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Friedman is the current President of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery and was named by Newsweek Magazine as one of the Best Dermatologists in America for Laser Treatments. His awards include the Husk Prize for his research in dermatologic surgery and the Young Investigator's Writing Competition Award of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Friedman completed his dermatology residency at the New York University School of Medicine and received his medical degree with the highest honors from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Medicine.

Paul Friedman, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology

Expert Answer

An adapalene topical retinoid treatment is a good option if you aren't able to get in touch with a dermatologist.

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You can typically treat adult acne with the same treatments teens use. ^{[26]
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Research source}

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Make an appointment with a dermatologist if your acne is bothering you or over-the-counter treatments aren’t working. ^{[27]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}

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It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for acne treatments to work. Keep using your treatment as directed for at least 4 weeks before you try to evaluate its effectiveness. ^{[28]
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Paul Friedman, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology

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Are Pimple Myths Keeping You From Having Clearer Skin? Popular Pimple Myths Debunked

Steps

Myth: Only teenagers get pimples.

Myth: Pimples only occur on your face.

Myth: Only people with oily skin are prone to acne.

Myth: Makeup causes pimples.

Myth: Dirty skin causes acne.

Myth: Washing your face more often will get rid of pimples.

Myth: Chocolate and greasy food cause acne.

Myth: Popping pimples will get rid of them faster.

Myth: Drinking 8 cups (1.9 L) of water daily cures acne.

Myth: Scrubbing your skin gets rid of pimples.

Myth: Tanning clears up pimples.

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