It’s bad enough that acne and breakouts make you want to cancel every plan you have ever made, and retreat under a thick layer of full-coverage foundation. We get it. And while not everyone has the time or budget to pop in for a professional facial every month (although we highly recommend doing this if and when you can), the good news is that proven, science-backed skincare options can help you manage breakouts at home.
But the tricky part? Separating fact from fiction.
We asked Caci’s National Skincare Trainer, Linda, to help us bust some of the most common acne myths we hear. From toothpaste to lemon juice, there truly is no limit on the amount of unsolicited advice being thrown around on this particular subject matter. she’s sharing what’s fact, what’s fiction and what actually works when it comes to treating acne. Read on to hear the most common acne myths and expert approved alternatives from Linda.
Myth one: Acne is caused by dirty skin
There’s a persistent myth that acne is just a result of poor hygiene. That if you washed your face more, or scrubbed harder, you would be breakout free. Not only is this completely false, but it’s also harmful. The presence of acne or lack thereof is not a direct, or even an indirect, reflection of someone's hygiene habits. Acne is not a cleanliness issue; it’s a medical condition that happens when our pores get clogged with oil and dead skin, leading to inflammation and bacterial growth.
Over-cleansing or scrubbing too harshly can actually damage your skin barrier and end up making your acne worse.
What works instead:
A gentle, balancing cleanser that removes dirt and oil without stripping your skin. The Murad Clarifying Cream Cleanser is the best in show when it comes to treating acne and keeping it away. Trust us when we tell you this is a best seller for a reason. With encapsulated salicylic acid, it delivers acne-fighting ingredients both instantly and over time, keeping your skin clear of breakouts without drying you out in the process.
Myth two: Moisturisers make acne worse
We get it, it seems logical to ‘dry out’ the skin when you have pimples. But when you skip your moisturising products, your skin becomes dehydrated, which will send your oil glands into overdrive. More oil equals more clogged pores, which equals more breakouts. Even oily or acne-prone skin still needs moisture, just make sure you are choosing the right ones.
What works instead:
Try Murad’s Clarifying Water Gel. It delivers lightweight oil-free hydration with salicylic acid and Korean red pine extract to support a healthy microbiome. It hydrates where you need it, won’t clog pores, and helps keep skin balanced and calm.
Myth three: The sun clears up acne
This myth is one that just will not die. While a bit of sun may temporarily dry out a breakout, UV exposure will ultimately inflame the skin, worsen post-acne pigmentation, and increase your risk of scarring, not to mention skin cancers!
You are not doing your skin any favours with this one, trust us.
What works instead:
A non-comedogenic SPF that protects without clogging pores. Try Murad City Skin Broad Spectrum SPF50, which shields your skin from UVA/UVB rays, pollution, and blue light. It has a mineral formula that’s perfect for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
Myth four: Spot treatments are enough
Spot treatments are incredibly satisfying and incredibly effective if used correctly, but they will not do all the heavy lifting on their own. They usually only work on target surface-level inflammation, so if you want to get to the root of the cause and ensure clear skin for many years to come, these will not get you there all on their lonesome.
What works instead:
Spot treatments like the Murad Rapid Relief Spot Treatment are a great tool to have in your arsenal. But make sure you are pairing it with a hardworking acne-targeting cleanser and serum to help you treat the whole face, not just target individual breakouts.
Myth five: Popping pimples makes them heal faster
Tempting? Absolutely. Effective? Not so much.
Picking and popping pimples causes trauma to the skin, pushing bacteria deeper and increasing your risk of scarring significantly. Inflammation may look reduced after, but in most cases, it just prolongs the healing. Just read our ten reasons on why you should never pop a pimple if you still need more convincing.
What works instead:
Let the active ingredients do what they were born to do. Incorporate products like salicylic acid, niacinamide and sulphur, and if needed, use a pimple patch to draw out impurities without causing damage. We recommend an acne treatment like Murad’s Deep Relief Blemish Treatment, which will help to calm painful, cystic blemishes that live under the skin.
If you are dealing with acne scarring or pigmentation, Caci’s Fractainol Co2 Laser or Laser Photo Rejuvenation are advanced treatments that can help smooth skin tone and texture over time. Check out the amazing skin transformations below from our advanced skin treatments at Caci focusing on Acne and acne scarring.
Myth six: You only get acne as a teenager
Oh, how we wish this one were true. Unfortunately, adult acne is more common than you think, particularly in your 20s, 30s and even 40s. Hormones, stress, sleep, diet, medications and skin habits can all play a role.
The worst part? Adult acne actually often shows up in deeper, more inflamed clusters than those of our earlier years. Usually around the jawline and chin, and tends to be more persistent than the odd blackhead of a bygone era.
What works instead:
A routine that supports both acne and ageing skin is your best port of call. This is where any product, including salicylic acid will come to the rescue.
For a more intensive approach, consider LED Light Therapy either in-clinic or at home. Particularly the blue light, which is designed especially with acne in mind. This is a gentle, high-tech treatment that fits perfectly into your lunch break. No downtime necessary.
Myth seven: Natural or DIY remedies are safe
We’re all for clean beauty, and there is definitely a time and place for some at-home beauty concoctions. But when you are in the throes of an aggressive or persistent breakout, it is not the time or the place. Masks that include products like toothpaste or lemon juice are simply far too harsh to be used on the skin and risk damaging the skin’s barrier.
Natural doesn’t always mean safe, particularly when acne-prone skin is involved. So proceed with caution.
What works instead:
Stick to professionally formulated products with clinical trials behind them. Murad, available through Caci, is developed by dermatologists, cruelty-free, and powered by real ingredients (think: retinoids, tea tree extract, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid) at levels that actually work… and are safe.
Myth eight: Exfoliating daily gives you clear skin
We all love the fresh-faced glow that comes after exfoliating, but too much of a good thing is still too much. Over-exfoliating can strip the skin, disrupt your microbiome, and cause rebound breakouts.
What works instead:
Chemical exfoliants used 2–3 times a week is the magic number if your skin can tolerate it. The Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser combines salicylic acid with lactic and glycolic acid to polish away dullness without the grit. It’s a gentle way to keep skin smooth and breakout-free, no over-scrubbing required.
For a deeper reset, ask your Caci therapist about our Blemish Control Facial, a targeted in-clinic treatment to refine texture and unclog pores without downtime.
Still struggling? Consider seeking help from the professionals
If you’re struggling with persistent breakouts and want to level up your routine, try integrating LED light therapy into your weekly schedule. Our at-home LED masks use blue light to target acne bacteria, while red and near-infrared light help reduce inflammation and encourage healing.
Blemish Control Facial
For a deeper reset, our Blemish Control Facial works to clear congested pores, balance oil, and calm irritation — leaving your skin feeling fresher, clearer, and more hydrated. It’s a targeted treatment option if you’re looking to directly address persistent breakouts.
And if you’re ready to really take charge of your skin, our Skin Health Membership offers ongoing support with regular personalised skin treatments, expert guidance, and little extras (like skincare savings and member treats) to help you stay on track.
Great skin is about being consistent, that’s why we developed our skin health membership to help you achieve fresh, bright, healthy looking skin!
To wrap up
Acne doesn’t mean your skin is ‘dirty’ or that you’re doing something wrong. It’s complex, and every skin journey is different. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Caci, we’re here to help you feel confident in your own skin — with personalised treatment plans, real advice (not TikTok hacks), and skincare that actually works.
Let’s leave the myths behind and start focusing on results that build self-confidence — not just clearer skin.
Book your free consultation today. We’ll take the time to understand your skin, your goals, and help create a plan that’s right for you. Because when your skin feels good, you feel even better.
