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How To Acne 101

Acne Facts & Fiction

Studies show that up to 85% of people experience acne at some point in their lives.1 Despite its prevalence, there are many misconceptions about what can cause acne and how to manage it. Making matters (seemingly) more confusing is that there are many different types of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules. Here, we’re breaking down a few common myths about acne to help you better understand how to address this skin concern

 

Acne Myth #1

 

Fiction: You shouldn’t moisturize if you have acne

If your skin is on the oilier side—as acne-prone skin often is—you may feel that moisturizing will only make it worse. In reality, moisturizing is an essential part of maintaining an effective skincare routine. This holds true for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.

 

Fact: Moisturizing is essential in any acne skincare routine

Skipping moisturizer can leave your skin feeling dehydrated, which, in turn, can cause it to produce excess sebum (oil) in an attempt to compensate. Ultimately, this heightened oil production can clog your pores and lead to acne breakouts. To help keep your skin moisturized without aggravating your acne, we recommend looking for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers. During the day, use a moisturizer with sunscreen.

 

Acne Myth #2

 

Fiction: You need to use multiple products to clear acne

If you have acne, your impulse may be to pile on as many acne-fighting ingredients as you can in order to clear your skin up quickly. In reality, managing acne is a marathon, not a sprint—and over-using harsh cleansing products and anti-acne actives can leave your skin feeling dry and irritated.  

 

Fact: Stronger doesn’t mean better

When it comes to acne, sometimes less is more. And, contrary to popular belief, a skin-burning sensation during treatment is not a good thing. CeraVe’s products for acne-prone skin are developed with dermatologists to help minimize acne breakouts without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier. 

 

Acne Myth #3

 

Fiction: Acne is caused by dirty skin

Oftentimes, when people have acne, they assume it means their skin is dirty—so they turn to aggressive scrubs or over-cleanse in the hopes of achieving squeaky-clean skin. While washing your face is an essential part of a healthy skincare routine, overdoing it can actually disrupt your skin barrier and potentially worsen your acne.

 

Fact: Dirt doesn’t cause acne

Despite what some people may believe, dirt is not the root cause of acne. Acne breakouts can occur when your pores become clogged with impurities, such as excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. To help remove excess pore-clogging oil, it’s generally best to wash your face twice daily with a gentle, non-drying cleanser for acne-prone skin. 

Find the Right Acne Product for You

Skin Type Concern Key Benefits Key Ingredients Texture
Acne Foaming Cream Wash
CeraVe Skincare Cleansers Facial Cleansers Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash
Acne Foaming Cream Wash
Acne-Prone Skin Active Acne Breakout
  • Clear, treat and help prevent new acne pimples/blackheads on the face and body.
  • Maximum OTC strength 10% BPO
  • Suitable for Face and body acne treatment
Benzoyl Peroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides
Lightly-Foaming, Creamy Texture
Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
CeraVe Skincare Cleansers Acne Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser
Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Acne-Prone Skin Active Acne Breakout
  • Thoroughly dissolves dirt and excess oil, while clearing acne
  • 4% Benzoyl Peroxide
Ceramides, Benzoyl Peroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide
Foaming Cream
Acne Control Cleanser
CeraVe Skincare Cleansers Acne Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Acne Control Cleanser
Acne-Prone Oily Skin Acne
  • Formula with hectorite clay helps absorb oil and helps skin look less shiny
  • Formulated to clear acne, reduce blackheads and improve the appearance of pores, while purifying clay helps absorb excess oil
Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides
Gel-to-Foam
Acne Control Gel
CeraVe Acne Control Gel
Acne Control Gel
Acne-Prone Oily Skin Acne
  • Contains 2% salicylic acid that clears acne and helps prevent new breakouts from forming
Ceramides, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid
Lightweight Gel
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Post-Acne Skin Post-Acne Skin
  • Helping to reduces the appearance of post-acne marks and pores
  • Helps restore the protective skin barrier
  • Improves skin smoothness
Retinol, Niacinamide, Ceramides
Serum

Facts About Acne:
Frequently Asked Questions

  • What causes acne?

  • Can you get pimples from stress?

  • What are the main types of acne?

  • Can I have acne as an adult?

  • What ingredients are best for managing acne?

  • Why do I have dark spots after my acne fades?

  • Does popping a pimple make it worse?