No, dirty skin itself does not directly cause pimples. While dirt and oil buildup can clog pores, contributing to acne breakouts in some cases, this is not the primary cause. The main factors are hormonal changes and the overproduction of sebum (oil) which occurs beneath the skin's surface, not on the surface. Although uncleanliness can worsen existing acne by introducing bacteria, it's a myth that dirty skin causes pimples.
Understanding the Myth
Many people believe that poor hygiene leads to acne, but numerous reputable sources refute this claim. The NHS, Mayo Clinic, and the NIH all state that acne's root cause lies in deeper biological processes within the skin, not surface dirt. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/causes/ https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2010/01/understanding-acne https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047
Several sources highlight that harsh scrubbing or using harsh cleansers can actually irritate the skin and make acne worse, further emphasizing that cleanliness isn't the solution to the underlying problem. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-facts-about-chest-acne https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/habits-stop
Although dirt and oil trapped against the skin can clog pores, leading to pimples in certain circumstances (like acne appearing where clothing rubs against the skin), this is a secondary factor, not the primary cause. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22468-pimples
In summary: While maintaining good hygiene is important for overall skin health, it's a misconception that dirty skin directly causes pimples. The underlying biological processes are far more complex and involve hormones and sebum production.
