Derm Myth of the Week : Acne is caused by dirty skin

One of the biggest skincare myths is that acne comes from poor hygiene. You can wash your face perfectly and still break out. Acne is not about being “unclean”; it’s a complex inflammatory skin condition.

Here’s what’s really going on:

Your skin naturally produces oil to protect itself. Hormones, especially during puberty, menstrual cycles, or stress can increase oil production. At the same time, dead skin cells don’t always shed properly. Instead of falling away, they stick together inside the pore. When excess oil mixes with these sticky skin cells, it forms a clogged pore. If the pore stays closed, you get a whitehead. If it’s open, the oil oxidizes and turns dark you get a blackhead.

Inside clogged pores, a normal skin bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes multiplies. This bacteria lives on everyone’s skin. It’s not an infection from being dirty. But when it builds up in a blocked pore, your immune system reacts; and that reaction causes inflammation.

That’s why acne is considered an inflammatory condition, not a hygiene problem.

In fact, overwashing or using harsh scrubs can make acne worse. Stripping the skin barrier leads to irritation, more inflammation, and sometimes even increased oil production as your skin tries to compensate.

More irritation = more breakouts.

Acne is influenced by:
• Hormones
• Oil production
• Genetics
• Inflammation
• Certain dietary triggers for some people

But not poor hygiene.

If you have acne, it’s not because you’re dirty. It’s because your skin biology is doing what acne-prone skin does. And that’s something we treat with targeted ingredients; not by scrubbing harder.

If you or someone you know is struggling with acne call our office at (432)-563-3113 to schedule an appointment.