Acne advice is everywhere, but estheticians hear the same misconceptions from clients over and over again, and many of them can actually make breakouts worse. 

According to Bioelements esthetician Emma Nowakowski, some of the most common acne habits are rooted in outdated ideas that ignore how acne actually develops within the skin. Here are the myths she says estheticians like her spend the most time correcting.

1. “Dirty skin causes acne”

One of the biggest misconceptions estheticians hear is that acne is caused by not washing the skin enough. In reality, acne is influenced by excess oil production, buildup of dead skin cells within the pore, bacterial overgrowth and inflammation. Hormones can worsen all of these factors. Over-cleansing or scrubbing too aggressively can strip the skin barrier, leading to further irritation and inflammation.

2. “The more you wash your face, the better”

Overwashing acne-prone skin can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier and alter the skin microbiome, which may worsen breakouts over time. Estheticians typically recommend cleansing morning and night only, using cleansers designed specifically for oily or acne-prone skin.

3. “Popping pimples helps them heal faster”

Picking at breakouts can push bacteria deeper into the skin, increase inflammation and raise the risk of post-breakout dark spots and scarring. What seems like speeding up the healing process often prolongs visible recovery instead.

4. “Chocolate and greasy foods cause acne”

Acne is not directly caused by greasy foods. However, some people may notice worsening breakouts connected to dairy, high-sugar foods or high-glycemic foods like soda and white bread. Estheticians often explain that the connection between diet and acne is more complex than simply blaming chocolate or pizza.

5. “Only teenagers get acne”

Acne affects people of all ages, including adults. Hormonal fluctuations are one of the biggest reasons estheticians continue seeing breakouts well beyond adolescence, especially in women. Adult acne also tends to behave differently than teenage acne and often requires a more supportive, less aggressive approach.

6. “Sun exposure clears acne”

Sun exposure may temporarily make breakouts seem healed, but it can ultimately trigger increased oil production. UV exposure can also worsen post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, making post-breakout dark spots linger longer and appear more noticeable.

7. “Stress causes acne”

Stress itself does not directly create acne, but it can influence hormones like cortisol and testosterone that worsen breakouts in acne-prone skin. It’s one reason flare-ups often seem to appear during stressful periods.

8. “Makeup causes acne”

Makeup is not automatically acne-causing, but certain ingredients can clog pores in breakout-prone skin. Estheticians often recommend choosing makeup products with lightweight, breathable formulas that are less likely to contribute to congestion or clogged pores.

9. “Toothpaste dries out pimples”

This is one of the DIY acne myths estheticians wish would disappear for good. Toothpaste can irritate and even burn the skin, potentially making inflammation worse instead of calming it. Acne treatments formulated specifically for skin, like overnight spot treatments, are far safer options.

10. “Acne will just go away on its own”

Some mild to moderate acne can improve with consistency, professional treatments and a supportive daily routine. More severe cystic or nodular acne, however, often requires care from a dermatologist or medical provider. Estheticians frequently remind clients that waiting too long to treat acne can increase the risk of prolonged inflammation and scarring.