The truth: Food has nothing to do with acne — unless you're rubbing cooking oil on your face. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a division of the National Institutes of Health, the exact cause of acne is unknown — but doctors believe hormones and heredity are the primary factors. Certain drugs are known to cause acne, and greasy cosmetics can contribute. Stress doesn't cause acne, but it may make it worse if you're predisposed to breakouts.

Find out more from the "Questions and Answers About Acne" page on the NIAMS Website.