Myths & Misinformation

Common claims checked against the research.

A lot of acne advice is repeated more than it is tested. These articles take common claims and set each one against what the research shows, including the ones where the honest answer is that nobody knows yet.

Articles marked “Being rewritten” do not yet list their sources; the others name every source they rely on.

• Does chocolate cause acne?Still argued about
• Are Natural Ingredients Gentler on Acne-Prone Skin?Being rewritten
• Do Pillowcases and Phone Screens Matter for Acne?Being rewritten
• Do Pore Strips Actually Do Anything? A Plain AnswerBeing rewritten
• Does Makeup Always Make Acne Worse? What Really HappensBeing rewritten
• Does Sun Exposure Clear Up Acne? What Really HappensBeing rewritten
• Does Toothpaste Do Anything for a Spot? What HappensBeing rewritten
• Is Popping a Spot Always a Bad Idea? A Plain AnswerBeing rewritten