This is a myth.

This is a fact.

Here's the fact: Using too much of the medication you bought at the pharmacy, or saw on a TV commercial, won't get rid of your acne any faster, and it may cause more than usual amounts of side effects. If what you are doing isn't working, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. Get your personalized Doctor Discussion Guide to help you prepare to visit your doctor.

Here's the fact: While some acne medications contain antibiotics, other medications are antibiotic-free (they do not contain any antibiotics).

Learn more about topical acne treatments here. Talk to your doctor about which acne treatments may be appropriate for you. Use the Acne Doctor Discussion Guide to prepare for your visit.

Here's the fact: Acne is not caused by dirt, and too much washing or scrubbing can actually make acne worse. Washing once or twice a day is considered enough. If you are washing your face twice a day and are still having problems with acne, ask your doctor about your topical treatment options.

Acne occurs when oil glands in your skin make too much oil, clogging the pores and allowing bacteria to grow inside the clogged pore, causing redness, pus and swelling. If you have acne, look for skin products with labels that say "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic". This means they do not clog the pores.

Learn more about topical acne treatment options and ask your doctor for a treatment that will help unclog your pores.