Most acne advice online is written to sell something. These pieces explain what is actually going on in the skin, why acne is so common, and which widely-repeated claims do not hold up. Nothing here is medical advice, and if your skin is painful, scarring or getting worse, a doctor is the right next step.
Acne Basics
- What Is Maskne and Why Does It Happen to Skin?
- Is Oily Skin the Same as Acne-Prone Skin?
- Why Does Skin Produce Oil at All? What Sebum Does
- Does Acne Run in Families? What the Genetics Show
- What Is a Closed Comedone and Why Is It So Stubborn?
- Why Do Some People Get Acne Well Into Adulthood?
- Acne or Something Else? How Bumpy Skin Conditions Differ
- Why Does Acne Get Worse Before It Gets Better?
- What Is the Skin Barrier and Why Does It Matter?
- Why Does Acne Appear on Some Parts of the Face?
- Blackhead vs Whitehead: What’s Actually Different?
- What Actually Causes Acne to Form in the Skin?
Myths & Misinformation
- Does Hard Water Affect Acne-Prone Skin? A Plain Look
- Do Pillowcases and Phone Screens Matter for Acne?
- Are Natural Ingredients Gentler on Acne-Prone Skin?
- Does Makeup Always Make Acne Worse? What Really Happens
- Are “Detox” Products Doing Anything for Acne?
- Does Drinking More Water Clear Your Skin? What’s True
- Do Pore Strips Actually Do Anything? A Plain Answer
- Is Popping a Spot Always a Bad Idea? A Plain Answer
- Does Toothpaste Do Anything for a Spot? What Happens
- Does Sun Exposure Clear Up Acne? What Really Happens
- Is Acne Caused by Not Washing Your Face Enough?
- Does Chocolate Actually Cause Acne? What the Evidence Says
All Myths & Misinformation articles →
Diet & Lifestyle
- Does Exercise Help or Hurt Acne-Prone Skin? A Plain Look
- Does Sleep Have Any Effect on Skin? A Plain Answer
- Can Stress Genuinely Affect Skin? A Plain Answer
- Does Dairy Have Anything to Do With Acne?
- What Does the Evidence Actually Say About Diet and Acne?
All Diet & Lifestyle articles →