Dermatologist Pops Myths on Pimples

While blemishes are common for teens, the reason they pop up might surprise you.

"The No. 1 myth, and you can't talk mothers of America out of this, (is) diet causes acne," said dermatologist Dr. James Spencer.

Spencer said at the top of the list of acne diet myths is that chocolate can cause them. It doesn't.

The question becomes how do you keep zits under control. Many teens try to ward off acne by regularly cleaning their face. However, Spencer said that is another myth.

"If you rub and scrub too much, you'll irritate your skin and make your acne worse," he said.

Spencer said normal hygiene is all it takes to keep your pores clean and if a pimple does form, it's OK to pop them.

Many teens may have discovered that zits do seem to have a knack for bad timing, like right before a big date or school dance. Though there's no link between stress and acne, Spencer said stress may affect your hormones and hormonal activity can lead to zits.