Is Acne Contagious? [Myth Busted]

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We know! 

Having acne breakouts can be an embarrassing feeling. On top of that, you’ll develop this mental barrier to not going around other people. Honestly, acne is one of the most common problems of the skin. 

Almost everyone at some phase of their life has contracted acne in one way or another. Since everyone shares a social circle, it has become a subconscious thing to worry about acne breakouts. Because no one wants to contract acne.

That’s why many teenagers and adults ask- is acne contagious?

Well, the good news is-No. Acne isn’t contagious. So, if you’re sharing rooms or towels with someone, you won’t contract acne easily. But, there are ways to contract acne like genetic problems and not cleaning skin regularly. That said, acne doesn’t just simply pass on from one another by the touch or sneeze.

Wait! That wasn’t the end of proceedings! We have added more information. In fact, we are just getting started with the guide. Below, you’ll find everything. 

For now, let’s answer whether acne is contagious or not elaborately- 

Is Acne Contagious?

No! Acne is not contagious at all. You might have heard people complaining about getting acne right after they meet someone with acne. Honestly, they haven’t contracted acne from those individuals. 

But, there is a reason why they haven’t got acne from them. 

You see, bacteria itself can be contagious. And, yep! Bacteria is the main culprit when it comes to acne breakouts. 

Now, this causes people to think that acne is contagious since bacteria are contagious, in the first place.

But, the truth is that acne will never be contagious. 

For this reason, you can even kiss or hug a person with acne and that will not cause acne formation on your face. 

Besides, you can take things further by sharing the same towel with someone who has acne. That said, for health issues, we won’t suggest you do that. 

Because by sharing towels and pillows with other people, you possess a high risk of contracting many other bacteria. 

These bacteria cause harmful skin diseases. Here, if you don’t follow a healthy skin maintenance routine, chances are these bacteria get mixed with the extra oil. 

And, the end result is acne. So, sharing pillows and towels doesn’t contribute to acne directly. But, it passes on bacteria. 

In the end, we can say that when someone around you gets acne, you don’t need any precautions around them. Only the precautions you’ll need to take care of and clean your own skin regularly and not let the oil sit on it. 

Because oils can cause acne formation on the skin.

Here, when the skin pores are blocked with the excess oils, the bacteria causes acne. So, you should always keep the skin pores open and the overall face clean. 

By reducing oil formation, you’ll get rid of acne.

How Does Acne Pass on from One Another?

Well, it’s true that you won’t contract acne by just staying with a person who has acne. 

But, there are ways where someone can pass on acne to you. Well, your parents can pass on acne to you. But, the entire thing is genetic and it doesn’t just happen with a touch. 

Another way of getting acne from someone is by sharing makeup brushes. Basically, if you’re using someone else’s makeup brushes and their makeup, the chances of contracting acne increase. 

Let me tell you how-

Basically, the other person’s dead skin cells and bacteria get attached to their makeup brush every time they use it. 

Now, when you’re using the same makeup brush, you yourself are transferring the entire bacteria to your skin. Even though it doesn’t directly cause acne, you’re still influencing the entire process. 

Does Acne Occur Genetically? 

Yes! You can develop acne from your parents. But, didn’t we tell previously that acne isn’t contagious? Then, how can we contract them from our parents? 

Wait, hear us out-

You won’t have acne from your parents through touch or sneezing. This means it’s not contagious from the parents. But, acne breakouts can be a genetic thing. 

It’s like, you’ll have acne if your parents had it! 

Let me elaborate on this statement!

If your parents suffered from severe acne, you might also get that severe acne when you grow up. 

This isn’t the only genetic thing you’ll get from your parents. Some children develop a weak immune system from their parents. 

Now, if you inherit a weak immune system from your parents, it’s highly likely you won’t be able to ward off the acne bacteria. Basically, you’ll have a higher chance of getting acne breakouts.

This is another way of contracting more acne due to genetics.

Now, let’s look at other ways you can contract acne from parents. Having PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) from parents can cause acne.

Let’s now look at the magnitude of how much severeness you’ll suffer when both of your parents had acne in the past.

If both parents had severe acne in the past, the chances of breakouts will be higher. 

However, if one of the parents had acne, the type of acne will be mild and the chances of having breakouts will be lower. 

FAQs

Will you contract acne by not having a balanced diet? 

No! You won’t contract acne if you’re following a poor diet. There is no relation between acne and a poor diet. Nevertheless, it’s better to have a balanced diet anyway to have healthier skin. Because oily foods do increase the chances of a breakout but don’t influence it directly.

Will the acne on the skin stay forever?

No. Acne goes away from the skin after a while. That said, some acne scars stay for a long time. Some people complained of having long-term acne on their skin as well. Fortunately, there is a treatment for acne which ensures that acne leaves the skin including the scars.

Can genetic acne be treated?

Yes, genetic acne can be treated in a similar manner to treating normal acne. You just need to ensure that you’re not getting crazy with your skincare routine. Be gentle and ensure that you’re getting the right treatment for your acne. 

Does skin maintenance reduce acne breakouts?

Yes, if you’re looking after your skin, you’ll reduce acne. This means washing your skin regularly with face wash so that dirt doesn’t accumulate. Also, ensure that excess oil doesn’t stay on the skin and the skin pores aren’t clogged up. 

Parting Words

Look! Acne problems can be embarrassing. But, breakouts are a thing that almost everyone experiences. So, you’re not alone in the process. 

Hence, you shouldn’t be ashamed of this common skin problem. 

Now that you know the answer to the question- is acne contagious, you don’t have to hold back in your social circle. 

Besides, you can even educate some of your friends with the information from this article. Also, if someone else has acne around you, it’s okay to mix with them. 

After all, acne isn’t contagious at all. Just remember to keep your skin clean. That’ll be all!