Acne
How To Acne 101
If you frequently experience acne breakouts, chances are you spend a lot of time wondering what’s causing your acne blemishes. Unfortunately, misconceptions and myths about acne are common. Ahead, we’re clearing them up. Learn what can contribute to acne and how to effectively tackle acne breakouts in this guide.
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 | Acne-Prone Skin | Active Acne Breakout |
| Benzoyl Peroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides | Lightly-Foaming, Creamy Texture | |
Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser | Acne-Prone Skin | Active Acne Breakout |
| Ceramides, Benzoyl Peroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide | Foaming Cream | |
Acne Control Cleanser | Acne-Prone Oily Skin | Acne |
| Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides | Gel-to-Foam | |
Acne Control Gel | Acne-Prone Oily Skin | Acne |
| Ceramides, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid | Lightweight Gel | |
Resurfacing Retinol Serum | Post-Acne Skin | Post-Acne Skin |
| 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?
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