Medicadermis | Skin Therapy The Hague

7 myths about acne: what is really true?

1. Acne is caused by dirty skin

Myth. Acne is not a sign of poor hygiene. Clogging of hair and sebaceous follicles and inflammatory processes do not occur simply because you do not wash your face sufficiently. Cleansing too often or scrubbing hard can actually irritate the skin and disrupt the skin barrier.

Cleanse your face gently, usually once or twice a day depending on your skin and products. Opt for regularity rather than aggressive degreasing.

2. Diet has nothing to do with acne.

Jumping to conclusions. There are indications that a diet with a high glycemic load may affect acne in some people. Links have also been investigated for certain dairy products. This does not mean that a single food causes acne in everyone or that a strict diet cures acne.

Pay attention to patterns in yourself, but do not simply eliminate entire food groups. A varied diet remains the starting point.

3. Sunlight is good for acne

Misleading. A tan can temporarily make redness less visible, but UV radiation is not a safe acne treatment. Moreover, sun exposure can worsen pigment spots resulting from inflammation and contributes to skin aging and skin cancer.

Use appropriate broad-spectrum sun protection daily, especially if your skin is sensitive or you are using acne treatments that require extra caution in the sun.

4. Stress causes acne

Not as the sole cause. Stress can worsen existing acne, but acne arises from multiple interacting processes. Sleep, stress, and the way you treat your skin can, however, influence its progression.

5. Makeup always causes pimples

Myth. Not all makeup is unsuitable for acne-prone skin. Some products can contribute to clogged pores or skin irritation in certain people. It depends on the overall formula, how your skin reacts to it, and how carefully you remove the product. The designation 'water-based' is not a guarantee in itself.

Do you experience bumps, redness, itching, or a burning sensation after using a new cream, foundation, or other skincare product? This does not always have to be acne. Sometimes it is a case of skin irritation or a contact allergy.

In my blog Does your face react to makeup or a cream? Bring your products with you. I explain why it makes sense to review your entire skincare routine.You can also bring your own products to Medicadermis so that we can assess together which ingredients and combinations might be affecting your skin.

Do you want to camouflage red or brown residual spots? Then also read my blog about Skin camouflage for redness, pigment spots, and scars.

6. Squeezing pimples helps them disappear faster

Usually not. Squeezing and picking at it yourself can worsen inflammation, damage the skin, and increase the risk of discoloration or scarring. Not every acne lesion is suitable for cleansing. A skin therapist can assess when gentle professional extraction is beneficial and when it is not.

7. After puberty, acne disappears on its own.

Myth. Acne is common among young people, but it can also start or persist in adulthood. Hormonal fluctuations can play a role in this. Persistent, painful, or scarring acne deserves timely attention.

So what actually causes acne?

In acne, various factors work together: increased or altered sebum production, disrupted exfoliation in the hair-sebaceous follicle, inflammatory reactions, and interaction with microorganisms such as Cutibacterium acnes. Hormones and genetic predisposition influence these processes.

The bacterium C. acnes It also occurs on healthy skin. It is therefore not as simple as 'removing bad bacteria'. Research examines, among other things, differences between bacterial strains, the skin microbiome, and the skin's immune response.

And what about prebiotics and probiotics?

The skin microbiome is an interesting area of ​​research. There are studies into prebiotics, probiotics, and products that support the skin barrier. However, for acne, the clinical evidence is still insufficient to state that such products reliably prevent inflammation or treat acne on their own. They do not replace proven treatment.

What helps with acne?

• Gentle skincare: cleansing without drying out the skin, appropriate moisturizing care, and daily sun protection.
• Targeted active ingredients: for example, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or azelaic acid, depending on the skin condition and the medical situation. Not every product is suitable for everyone.
• Medical treatment: For moderate to severe acne, a doctor may recommend medication, such as combination therapy, antibiotics for a limited period, hormonal treatment, or isotretinoin.
• Skin therapy: Skin assessment, guidance on care, and, where appropriate, professional cleansing or additional treatments. Peels and light or laser treatments may play a supplementary role in selected situations, but are not the first choice for every form of active acne.

Antibiotics are sometimes necessary and must be used carefully according to the prescribing physician's treatment plan. Do not stop prescribed medication on your own initiative.

And the red spots and acne scars?

After a pimple, a red residual spot may (post-inflammatory erythema) or a brown discoloration (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) remain. That is different from a permanent scar with a change in skin structure.

Read more about red and brown spots after acne. For true acne scars, an additional treatment may sometimes be considered, but even a fractional laser cannot guarantee complete removal of scars.

When is professional help advisable?

Do you have painful, deep inflammations, are scars forming, does acne affect your daily life, or is your skin not improving sufficiently? Then an assessment by a general practitioner or dermatologist is important. Additionally, a skin therapist can assist with appropriate skincare and supplementary dermatological care.

On the page acne treatment in The Hague Read how I view different forms of acne at Medicadermis and what treatment options are available.

About the author

Charlotte de Deugd is a skin therapist and owner of Medicadermis in The Hague. In her practice, she guides and treats clients with conditions including acne, rosacea, pigmentation problems, scars, and edema. Her approach combines dermatological expertise, clinical experience, and current scientific insights. She pays special attention to appropriate skincare and carefully tailoring treatments to the individual skin.