Does it happen only to teenagers? No. Are there other myths about acne? Yes! Read on.

Can talking on the phone aggravate acne?

"Some people break out in the area where the phone touches their face," says dermatologist Diane Berson. "It's like violinists who break out on the chin, where they lean into the violin." To avoid this, keep phones clean by wiping them twice a week with rubbing alcohol.

Does drinking water promote clear skin?

"There's no direct evidence that drinking water clears up your skin," says Berson. But water does help the brain and body run more efficiently.

Can facials help?

If extractions are done properly, facials can improve acne-afflicted skin. Done improperly, however, they push blemishes down and result in red and inflamed skin. Keep in mind that facials and chemical peels treat acne symptoms, not the problem. "Patients should clear their acne first, then get treatments like these to maintain their skin," says Berson.

Does tanning help?

No. It may dry up pimples, but it darkens the inflamed tissue — and, worse, puts you at risk of skin cancer and premature aging.

Do chocolate, pizza, or any other foods cause breakouts?

Certain foods can cause allergic reactions, and an acnelike rash is what shows up. Foods high in iodine, including sushi and soy sauce, may also promote breakouts and should be eaten in moderation. Anecdotal evidence suggests that dark chocolate and spicy foods can trigger the reddening associated with acne rosacea. Still, "the official stance from dermatologists is that in most cases food does not cause breakouts," says dermatologist Jonette Keri. "But if you break out every time you eat something, stop eating it." It might mean you have a food allergy.

Does working out help my skin or make it worse?

Working out helps by lowering stress levels, but sweating can be a problem. Don't let perspiration, which is a breeding ground for bacteria, sit on your skin. Keep a clean towel nearby when you work out so you can wipe off sweat periodically. Then shower immediately after exercising — but not in overly hot water, which can dry skin and increase inflammation.

Can toothpaste heal a zit?

It may dry spots, but it can also irritate skin. "I have one patient who had an allergic reaction from toothpaste while trying to get ready for a date," says Keri.

Tips
To encourage a deep pimple to come to the skin's surface (and go away faster), apply a hot compress to the area for three minutes.

To take the puffiness or redness out of a pimple, apply ice or a few drops of Visine, which contains vasoconstrictors to shrink blood vessels.