Four misconceptions about acne: myth busting with cosmetologist Irina Pieieva

A renowned specialist in problem skin care, Irina Pieieva dispelled common myths about acne treatment and shared a systematic, gentle approach that helps achieve lasting results in 80% of cases — without harsh restrictions.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne is the most common skin disease in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans each year. Despite this prevalence, there are still many myths and often conflicting recommendations surrounding acne treatment. We asked cosmetologist Irina Pieieva to find out where stereotypes end and real working methods begin. Irina is a practitioner specializing in working with problem skin. Her approach is based on systematic work: from deep diagnostics to accompanying the client at all stages of care. She helps to achieve sustainable results without aggressive interventions and has earned the trust of many clients thanks to her gentle and balanced approach.

Which is more important – diet or maintenance? Can makeup be used with inflamed skin? And is there a universal way to quickly get rid of acne? Together with cosmetologist Irina Pieieva, we debunk the most popular myths about acne.

Myth №1: Acne is caused by poor nutrition – you just need to go on a diet

Many people are still convinced that to get rid of acne, it is enough to eliminate chocolate, buns and sodas from the diet. In social networks you can find dozens of posts where people share «miracle results» after weeks without sugar. However, according to cosmetologist Irina Pieieva, such a strategy is not only ineffective, but can also lead to disappointment.

“Diets to treat rashes are ineffective. The skin is a separate organ, and all problems on the face should not be automatically attributed to the intestines or food,” explains the expert.

The expert emphasizes: food does affect the overall condition of the skin, especially with excessive consumption of sugar, fast food and sodas. However, this is only one of the factors, and the diet itself is rarely the only cause. Therefore, instead of strict restrictions, Irina offers a gentle and systematic approach. Work with each client begins with a consultation, where the skin condition is analyzed, its problems and needs are identified. Irina then creates an individualized home care plan, selects the right products and helps to correct daily habits that affect the condition of the skin.

Myth №2: Makeup is contraindicated in acne – you need to abandon cosmetics completely

One of the most persistent myths is the idea that decorative cosmetics provoke inflammation, and their use in acne is strictly forbidden. Irina Pieieva, a specialist with practical experience and deep expertise in skin issues, has a different approach. She believes that makeup and acne treatment can coexist if two conditions are met: the right choice of cosmetics and competent care. Irina helps her clients to choose non-comedogenic foundations and introduces the mandatory two-stage cleansing. It is not only the physical recovery of the skin that is important to her, but also how a person feels during the treatment process.

“For many women, makeup is a way to regain confidence when their skin is inflamed. Giving it up during such a vulnerable time can increase stress — and stress affects the skin far more than using decorative cosmetics,” the expert emphasizes.

Myth №3: Breakouts should be treated with medication or “Burned Off” with acids

When breakouts appear, many people instinctively want to hit the problem with everything they’ve got — injections, pills, acids, antibiotics. The beauty industry and alarming social media posts only fuel this reaction, suggesting that the more aggressive the treatment, the faster the results.

However, in practice, this approach can be not only ineffective but also harmful. According to Irina Pieieva, medical treatments are not suitable for everyone — they come with contraindications, side effects, and require careful supervision. That’s why she has chosen a non-medicated path as a safe and gentle alternative.

Irina specializes in treating acne without systemic retinoids or antibiotics, combining topical therapy with personalized skincare routines. She received professional training at manufacturing facilities in Spain and developed her own strategy based on deep knowledge of the skin’s microbiome, physiology, and its responses to stress factors.

Over the years, she has helped more than 100 clients both online and offline achieve visible and lasting results without medication. Her golden rule: never start with aggressive procedures like chemical peels, acid treatments, or machine-based cleansing. Instead, focus on restoring the skin through a carefully tailored at-home routine.

“Only after the skin’s condition has stabilized is it appropriate to introduce cosmetic procedures. This step-by-step approach helps reduce inflammation, restore the skin’s barrier function, and achieve lasting results without the risks of aggressive interventions,” comments the cosmetologist.

Myth №4: You can get clear skin in a week — If you find the right cream or treatment

The belief that there’s a magic cream that can transform your skin in just a week is one of the most persistent and appealing myths. Many people want to believe that a single jar or one treatment is enough to permanently eliminate acne, pigmentation, or other skin issues. The beauty industry reinforces this idea with promises of instant results and “glowing skin after just one use.”

However, an experienced professional knows that true improvement in skin condition takes time, patience, and consistent effort. 

“If we are talking about giving radiant, moisturized and refreshed skin in 7 days, it is realistic and possible to do even at home. But if there are problems such as acne, pigmentation, couperosis, rosacea – then, unfortunately, it is impossible,” notes Irina Pieieva.

The journey to healthy skin is a process that requires time, patience, and support. As skincare expert Irina Pieieva emphasizes, the main thing is not to give up, not to self-medicate, but to trust a specialist who will help to pass this way comfortably, gently and with lasting results.