The Truth About Acne: 3 Skin Care Myths That Are Keeping You Stuck
If You’ve Been Told to “Drink More Water” or “Stop Eating Chocolate” for Clear Skin... Keep Reading.
You’ve followed the rules. You’ve cut dairy. You drink a gallon of water a day. You double-cleanse like clockwork. So why are you still breaking out?
Here’s the hard truth: Most of us have been handed outdated, oversimplified advice about acne. And it’s time to clear things up—literally.
Let’s break down the top 3 acne myths keeping your skin stuck (and what actually works instead).
🥤 Myth #1: Drinking More Water Will Clear Your Skin
If staying hydrated were the secret to flawless skin, acne wouldn’t exist.
Water is essential for overall health and skin function—but it’s not a cure.
What’s actually true?
✔️ Dehydrated skin can trigger oil overproduction. When your skin lacks water, it compensates with excess oil, which can clog pores.
✔️ But acne is caused by inflammation, bacteria, and clogged pores—not your hydration levels alone.
💡 Bottom Line: Hydration supports skin health, but it won’t clear acne on its own. Pair it with targeted acne care for real results.
🍕 Myth #2: Chocolate & Greasy Foods Cause Acne
We’ve all heard it: “Put down the fries, they’ll wreck your skin.”
But here’s the science-backed truth: It’s not the grease. It’s the glycemic load.
Here’s what happens inside your body and on your skin:
🔹 Insulin Spikes = Oil Spikes
Foods high in sugar (hello, soda and pastries) spike insulin, which signals your skin to produce more sebum (oil). More oil = more clogged pores.
🔹 Inflammation = Angry Acne
Inflammatory foods can cause red, painful, slow-to-heal breakouts—especially if you already struggle with cystic acne.
🔹 Dairy = Hormonal Disruption (for some)
In some individuals, dairy can lead to hormonal shifts, triggering jawline and chin breakouts that are deep and stubborn.
Real-world example: A smoothie with whey protein, banana, and almond milk may sound healthy, but if whey and high sugar spike your insulin or hormones, your skin will show it.
💡 Bottom Line: A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet supports skin clarity. Don’t restrict—just swap smart.
🧼 Myth #3: Washing Your Face More Will Get Rid of Acne
No lie—this myth has done real damage. Overwashing is one of the top mistakes people make with acne-prone skin.
Why overwashing backfires:
🚫 Strips Your Skin Barrier
Harsh cleansers or scrubs remove natural oils and disrupt your microbiome.
🚫 Leads to More Oil
Your skin goes into overdrive to replace lost oils, creating a vicious cycle of dryness + oil + irritation.
🚫 Causes Microtears & Sensitivity
Excessive scrubbing can leave your skin red, inflamed, and more prone to future breakouts.
💡 Bottom Line: Gentle, acne-safe routines are more effective than waging war on your skin.
TL;DR: Acne Advice to Leave Behind (and What to Do Instead)
✅ Clear (Truth): Hydration supports skin health, but it won’t clear acne alone.
❌ Correctish (Myth): Just drink more water and your acne will go away.
✅ Clear (Truth): Low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory meals can reduce breakouts.
❌ Correctish (Myth): Greasy foods like fries and chocolate are the root cause of acne.
✅ Clear (Truth): Gentle, acne-safe routines protect your barrier and prevent flare-ups.
❌ Correctish (Myth): The more you wash and scrub, the faster your acne will disappear.
Let’s Clear It Up—Together
Your skin deserves more than myths and marketing. If you’re tired of bouncing between advice and still breaking out, here’s what to do next:
👉 Take the Acne Type Quiz to figure out what’s really causing your breakouts
👉 Listen or Watch the Full Episode of the Clear & Correctish Podcast
🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts
🎙️ Subscribe for no-fluff skincare truths (and myth-busting clarity every week)
Let’s leave the skincare gimmicks behind and build a routine that actually works—for your skin.
💬 Have a myth you want us to bust next? Share it HERE. We’re listening. 💛