For millions of people struggling with acne, conflicting advice, outdated acne treatment tips, and persistent acne myths can make finding effective solutions incredibly frustrating.
Whether facing adult acne, hormonal acne, or diet concerns, it’s easy to fall for myths that can worsen skin.
During Acne Awareness Month, let’s separate fact from fiction to help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.
Understanding acne supplements and debunking skincare myths can be key to improving your skin’s appearance.
ACNE Myth #1: Drying Out Your Skin Heals Acne
One of the most damaging acne myths in skincare is the belief that harsh, drying acne treatments are necessary to clear breakouts.
From alcohol-based astringents to skipping moisturizer, many acne sufferers fall for this acne myth and wage war against their skin's natural oils, especially those struggling with hormonal acne, where balance is key.
The Truth:
The skin has a natural moisture barrier that, when damaged, can trigger more oil production.
A study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that over-cleansing and harsh products disrupt this barrier. This leads to more inflammation and can make acne worse (1).
Dr. Whitney Bowe, a board-certified dermatologist, explains, "Stripping your skin of its natural oils causes it to produce even more oil, which can worsen breakouts" (2).
This rebound effect creates a frustrating cycle of brief clear skin followed by worse breakouts.
Focus on a balanced skincare routine that supports skin health, using gentle products and acne supplements for better long-term results.
WHAT WORKS INSTEAD:
To support healthy skin and avoid common acne myths, start by focusing on gentle cleansing and non-comedogenic moisturizers that maintain the skin's natural balance.
For example, our Gentle Wash provides a thorough cleanse without stripping the skin’s protective barrier. Next, follow with our Balancing Lotion, which contains nourishing ingredients that hydrate while helping to control oil production.
Finally, for targeted treatment, the Hydraboost offers lightweight hydration with ingredients that support barrier repair.
ACNE Myth #2: Diet Doesn't Affect Acne
For decades, dermatologists said diet didn’t affect acne and told patients they could eat anything without skin problems.
Because of this, the acne myth spread widely, often confusing people with adult acne or persistent breakouts about what causes their skin issues.
The Truth:
Today, research clearly shows that diet affects the skin. A 2020 review in the International Journal of Dermatology found strong links between acne and high-glycemic foods, dairy, and some saturated fats (3).
The American Academy of Dermatology now agrees that changing diet can help treat acne for some people (4).
Studies show diets rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and low-glycemic foods reduce inflammation and improve acne.
Combined with personalized skincare and supplements, diet changes support clearer, lasting skin.
WHAT WORKS INSTEAD:
To start, consider food tracking to identify personal triggers and then increase your intake of anti-inflammatory foods.
Additionally, our Supplements contain key nutrients like zinc, vitamin A, and anti-inflammatory compounds that support skin health from within and help fill nutritional gaps linked to breakouts.
Moreover, Our Clear Skin Probiotic 10 targets the gut-skin connection by balancing the microbiome, which plays a major role in both diet-related acne and hormonal acne.
ACNE Myth #3: Acne Is Just a Teenage Problem
Many people believe the acne myth that acne disappears after adolescence and feel confused or embarrassed when breakouts continue or start in adulthood.
The Truth:
Adult acne is common, affecting about 50% of women aged 20–29 and 25% aged 40–49 (5).
The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reports adult-onset acne is rising, especially in women, and differs from teenage acne (6).
Hormonal changes, stress, lifestyle, and some skincare products can trigger adult acne.
Women are especially prone to hormonal acne, which often appears along the jawline and chin and may worsen with menstrual cycles.
What Works Instead:
Adult acne often needs different treatments than teenage acne.
Our Hormonal Acne Control Supplements are designed to balance hormones naturally, addressing adult hormonal acne’s unique needs.
Also, Our Adrenal Stress Formula targets the stress-acne link with adaptogenic herbs that help regulate cortisol and reduce stress-related breakouts.
Acne Myth #4: Stronger Medications Are Always Better for Severe Acne
Many think severe acne needs strong prescription treatments, while natural methods only work for mild cases.
THE TRUTH:
Medications like isotretinoin (Accutane) and antibiotics can help severe acne but often cause side effects and don’t treat root causes.
A review in the British Journal of Dermatology found 30–40% of patients relapse after isotretinoin (7).
Also, concerns about antibiotic resistance make doctors rethink long-term antibiotic use (8). These treatments may offer temporary relief but can lead to other health problems.
What Works Instead:
Clear, healthy skin requires more than creams and cleansers, you need to treat the inside too. Inflammation, hormones, gut health, and habits all matter.
We guide you through a personalized acne journey with proven skincare, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
Not sure where to start? Try our online acne consultation for a plan made just for your skin.
ACNE Myth #5: You'll Eventually Grow Out of Acne
Another acne myth is that acne will naturally resolve with time leads many to delay seeking proper treatment, often resulting in unnecessary scarring and emotional distress.
THE TRUTH:
Without treating root causes, acne can last for years. Research shows it can continue into the 40s and 50s for some people (9). Untreated adult and hormonal acne can cause scars and emotional stress.
Dr. Emmy Graber, President of the Dermatology Institute of Boston, says,
"The emotional effects of ongoing acne shouldn’t be ignored. Many suffer quietly, thinking they’ve outgrown it, but actually need proper treatment" (10).
What Works Instead:
Early intervention is key, using a holistic approach to treat acne symptoms and root causes.
Our Clove Hill Advanced Blemish Serum targets inflamed blemishes with a nano-sized delivery system. This is one piece of the puzzle in a comprehensive whole-body approach to clearing acne
It reduces pressure, redness, and irritation while promoting healthy skin.
The lightweight hydrogel is pore clogger-free and safe for all skin types.
Our Acne Secrets Book teaches the root causes and guides you to clear skin naturally at any age.
The Path to Clearer Skin
Understanding these myths is the first step toward effective acne management. Our Online Acne Program provides expert guidance and a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique skin type, acne triggers, and underlying factors.
With expert support and a personalized plan, this program provides a complete solution for lasting acne control.
Clear skin takes time. Consistency, patience, and tackling root causes bring lasting results.
We address external factors with science-backed products and internal factors with supplements and lifestyle tips.
By moving beyond common acne myths and embracing a holistic skin health approach, anyone can start their journey to clear, healthy skin.
Explore our complete acne solutions at naturalacneclinic.com/shop.
