5 Common Acne Myths (And What Actually Works)
Acne can be frustrating on its own — but what makes it harder is the sea of misinformation that surrounds it. From old wives’ tales to social media skincare advice, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of trying things that don’t work… or worse, make things worse.
At Platinum Cosmetics, we spend a lot of time educating our clients in Port Melbourne about what actually works when it comes to acne-prone skin. Let’s bust some of the biggest myths we hear — and offer practical, evidence-based advice instead.
Myth 1: Only teenagers get acne
While acne is common in teenagers due to hormonal changes, adult acne is just as real — and on the rise. Many of our clients experience breakouts well into their 30s, 40s and beyond, particularly along the jawline or chin. These can be triggered by stress, hormones, diet, or incorrect skincare.
Fact: Acne doesn’t have an age limit. Adult acne often needs a different treatment approach to teenage breakouts, particularly when hormones and inflammation are involved.
Myth 2: You just need to wash your face more
Over-cleansing is one of the most common mistakes we see. Stripping your skin of oil actually weakens your skin barrier, increases sensitivity, and may trigger even more oil production — setting off a vicious cycle.
Fact: Cleansing twice a day with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser is ideal. Harsh foaming washes or exfoliating scrubs can do more harm than good.
Myth 3: Chocolate causes breakouts
The idea that chocolate causes acne has been around for decades, but the truth is more nuanced. There’s no direct evidence that chocolate itself causes acne — but a diet high in processed sugar and dairy may increase inflammation or oil production in some people.
Fact: If you suspect diet is a trigger, try keeping a food journal. Otherwise, there’s no need to cut out your favourite treats unless they’re clearly linked to flare-ups.
Myth 4: You should dry out your pimples
We’ve all been tempted to spot-treat a pimple with toothpaste or an aggressive drying lotion. While this might shrink a blemish short-term, it also disrupts healing and can lead to longer-lasting marks.
Fact: Effective acne treatment focuses on calming inflammation, supporting healing, and preventing future breakouts — not just nuking pimples. This is where laser treatments, enzyme facials, and non-comedogenic skincare make all the difference.
Myth 5: You should avoid moisturiser if you have oily or acne-prone skin
This is one of the most damaging myths out there. When your skin lacks hydration, it can actually produce more oil to compensate, making breakouts worse. The right moisturiser helps balance oil production and keeps your skin barrier strong.
Fact: Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser that hydrates without clogging. Ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and panthenol are ideal for acne-prone skin.
How We Can Help
At our Port Melbourne clinic, we tailor acne treatment plans that go beyond the myths. We work with you to understand your skin type, history, and lifestyle, then build a plan that includes:
Professional facials
Fotona laser for active breakouts or scarring
Barrier repair and long-term prevention strategies
Tired of guessing what works? Let’s make a real plan.
Book a consultation today and let’s help your skin heal — with science, not guesswork.