Acne is something many of us have had to deal with at some point in our lives.
Whether it’s the occasional pimple or a more severe breakout, acne can be frustrating and affect your confidence.
But there’s a lot more to acne than meets the eye!
While most people know the basics, there are many surprising facts about acne that often go unnoticed.
In this article, we’re diving into the 10 things you didn’t know about acne—from unexpected causes and triggers to myths that have been debunked by science.
Understanding these facts will help you manage acne more effectively and make better skincare choices.
1. Acne Isn’t Just for Teenagers
While many people associate acne with puberty and teenage years, it’s actually a condition that can affect people of all ages.
In fact, adult acne is quite common, especially in women.
Hormonal fluctuations, stress, and lifestyle factors can all trigger breakouts, even if you didn’t have acne as a teenager.
Women are particularly prone to adult acne due to hormonal changes, such as those caused by pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause.
So, if you thought acne was something you’d grow out of, think again!
It’s normal for adults to deal with acne well into their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Key takeaway: Acne can affect people of all ages, and it’s not uncommon for adults, especially women, to experience breakouts later in life.
2. Not All Acne is the Same
Did you know there are different types of acne?
Each type requires different treatments, so it’s important to understand what kind of acne you have:
Whiteheads and blackheads are mild forms of acne caused by clogged pores.
Whiteheads are closed, while blackheads are open and exposed to air, which gives them their dark color.
Papules are red, inflamed bumps, while pustules are similar but contain pus.
Nodules and cysts are the most severe types of acne.
They are deep, painful, and more likely to cause scarring if not treated properly.
Knowing the type of acne you have can help you pick the right products and treatments to manage it more effectively.
Key takeaway: Acne comes in different forms, from mild to severe, and each type requires specific care and treatment.
3. Your Diet Could Be Making Acne Worse
It used to be said that what you eat doesn’t affect your skin, but new research shows that’s not entirely true.
Certain foods can trigger or worsen acne, especially high-glycemic foods like sugary snacks, white bread, and fast food.
These foods cause spikes in blood sugar, which can lead to more oil production and inflammation, two big contributors to acne.
On the flip side, eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and flaxseeds, can help reduce inflammation and may improve acne.
While diet isn’t the sole cause of acne, making healthier food choices can certainly help manage it.
Key takeaway: High-sugar and processed foods can worsen acne, while a balanced diet with anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3s can improve your skin.
4. Stress Can Make Acne Worse
You might have noticed that your skin tends to break out more during stressful times.
That’s no coincidence—stress can cause acne to flare up.
When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that can increase oil production in your skin.
More oil means more clogged pores, which can lead to acne.
While stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it can definitely make it worse.
Learning to manage stress through activities like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise can help keep your skin clearer.
Key takeaway: Stress can trigger acne flare-ups by increasing oil production, so managing stress can help improve your skin.
5. Washing Your Face Too Much Can Cause Acne
It might seem like the more you wash your face, the cleaner and clearer your skin will be, right? Not quite.
Over-washing your face can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
When your skin gets too dry, it produces more oil to compensate, which can clog pores and lead to even more breakouts.
The key is to wash your face twice a day—once in the morning and once at night—with a gentle cleanser.
Avoid harsh scrubbing or using products that are too drying, as this can cause more harm than good.
Key takeaway: Washing your face too much can strip your skin of natural oils and lead to more acne. Stick to a gentle routine twice a day.
6. Acne Can Leave Permanent Scars
One of the biggest concerns for people with acne is the risk of scarring.
Unfortunately, acne scars can be permanent if acne isn’t treated properly.
Scars form when the skin’s healing process is disrupted, often by deep breakouts like nodules and cysts or by picking at blemishes.
There are different types of acne scars, such as ice pick scars (deep and narrow), boxcar scars (wider depressions), and keloid scars (raised bumps).
Preventing scarring starts with treating acne early and avoiding the temptation to pop or pick at pimples.
Key takeaway: Treat acne early and avoid picking at your skin to prevent permanent scarring.
7. Hormones Play a Big Role in Acne
One of the major causes of acne is hormonal changes, which is why acne is so common during puberty.
Hormones known as androgens stimulate the skin’s oil glands, leading to excess oil production and clogged pores.
This is why teenagers, in particular, tend to experience acne.
For women, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger breakouts.
Hormonal acne often appears around the chin and jawline and may require specialized treatments like hormonal birth control or retinoids.
Key takeaway: Hormonal changes are a major trigger for acne, especially during puberty and for women.
8. Your Pillowcase Could Be Making Acne Worse
It might surprise you to learn that your pillowcase could be contributing to your acne.
Pillowcases collect oil, dirt, and bacteria from your skin and hair.
When you sleep on the same pillowcase night after night, all of that buildup gets transferred back to your face, potentially clogging your pores.
To prevent this, it’s a good idea to change your pillowcase regularly—every few days if possible.
Also, consider using a gentle, fragrance-free laundry detergent, as harsh detergents can irritate sensitive skin.
Key takeaway: Change your pillowcase regularly to reduce the buildup of dirt, oil, and bacteria that can cause acne.
9. There Are Many Acne Treatments, But Not One That Fits All
There are a lot of acne treatments on the market, from over-the-counter products to prescription medications. Common treatments include:
Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and helps reduce oil production.
Salicylic Acid: Helps to exfoliate the skin and prevent clogged pores.
Retinoids: Promote skin cell turnover and unclog pores.
Antibiotics: Reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.
However, acne treatments are not a one-size-fits-all solution.
What works for one person might not work for another.
It often takes time and a bit of trial and error to find the right combination of products that work for your skin.
Key takeaway: Finding the right acne treatment often takes time and patience, and what works for someone else might not work for you.
10. Acne Can Affect More Than Just Your Face
When we think of acne, we usually think of breakouts on the face, but acne can occur on other parts of the body as well.
Body acne is most commonly found on the back, chest, and shoulders. Just like facial acne, body acne can be caused by clogged pores, excess oil, and bacteria.
Tight clothing, sweat, and friction from backpacks or workout gear can also contribute to body acne.
Treating body acne requires the same ingredients as facial acne treatments, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Key takeaway: Acne isn’t limited to your face—it can also appear on your back, chest, and shoulders.
Conclusion
Acne is a complex skin condition that affects millions of people, but there’s a lot you can do to manage it.
From understanding the different types of acne to learning how your diet, stress, and even your pillowcase can play a role, knowing these 10 things about acne will help you take better care of your skin.
Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so what works for one person might not work for another.
The key is to be patient, try different treatments, and find what works best for you.
