Why is my acne treatment not working anymore?

Author: Elise Schaefer  |  Last update: Monday, August 4, 2025

Pores can get clogged by dead skin cells, irritants, and makeup. Suppose you are not using an exfoliator at least twice a week. In that case, it will allow dead skin to build up and potentially lead to dullness, clogged pores, and rough texture, which prevents any acne treatment from penetrating into the skin.

Why has my acne medication stopped working?

2) Overusing skincare products

Excessive product usage can adversely impact your skin's health and reduce the efficacy of your acne treatment. Always consult your dermatologist before using any new skincare product, whether you are undergoing any skin treatment or not.

Why won't my acne go away even with treatment?

Acne treatment needs time to work. Using a different product every few days can also irritate your skin, causing new breakouts. If a treatment works for you, you should notice some improvement in 4 to 6 weeks. It can take two to three months or longer to see clearing.

What if acne is not responding to any treatment?

If you have acne that's not responding to self-care and over-the-counter treatments, make an appointment with your doctor. Early, effective treatment of acne reduces the risk of scarring and of lasting damage to your self-esteem.

What if no acne treatment works for me?

If your acne doesn't improve after 2 to 3 months of trying a skin care routine with your chosen acne products, consider seeing your health care provider or a skin specialist (dermatologist) for a prescription lotion or medication.

How I Cleared My Skin In 8 Weeks *naturally*

What age is acne the worst?

Acne is a common issue for many people, especially for teenagers and young adults in their 20s. Some have mild symptoms, while others can have very severe issues. Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old.

What is the most extreme acne treatment?

Isotretinoin: An oral retinoid known by its brand name, Accutane, this option is "a much more drastic treatment than a topical retinoid," Sachs says. As such, it's mainly appropriate for patients with deep and painful nodulocystic acne and people whose acne hasn't responded to other methods.

How to tell if acne is hormonal or bacterial?

How to Tell if Acne is Hormonal or Bacterial?
  1. Breakout Zones: Bacterial acne typically invades the forehead, nose, and cheeks, while hormonal acne prefers the chin, jawline, and lower face.
  2. Timing: Hormonal acne often adheres to a cyclic pattern, intensifying before menstruation and subsiding afterward.

What is the fastest treatment for acne?

  • Apply Ice to the Pimple: ...
  • Apply a Paste of Crushed Aspirin to the Pimple. ...
  • Use An Over-the-Counter Acne Spot Treatment. ...
  • Use Makeup with Salicylic Acid to Conceal Pimples. ...
  • Apply a Face Mask for Acne. ...
  • Get a Cortisone Injection to Quickly Get Rid of a Pimple.

What if my acne is not clearing?

If your acne persists for more than a couple of months, if it's causing scarring and if topical therapies haven't been effective, it might be time to consider a systemic treatment, like an antibiotic, as a next step.

What does B12 acne look like?

High-dose vitamins B6 and B12 have also been linked to rosacea fulminans, a condition that looks like acne. Rosacea is marked by large red bumps and pustules that typically appear on the nose, chin, and/or cheeks.

What does stress acne look like?

Stress acne typically presents as an array of small, red or pink pimples that can be scattered across various areas of the face. These facial acne pimples often take the form of whiteheads or blackheads and can progress into pustules, which are red, pus-filled bumps, or papules, which are small, raised bumps.

What does hormonal acne look like?

Hormonal acne skin lesions may take the form of whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules and, in more severe cases, nodules and cysts. These can appear along the jawline, or on the chest and back. The skin will be bumpy, congested, and present with an overall dull appearance.

Does drinking water help with acne?

Increased water intake often leads to improved skin clarity and reduced acne severity. Many people report fewer breakouts and a more even skin tone after consistently increasing their water consumption. Hydrated skin may appear plumper and healthier, making existing acne less noticeable.

Why do I still have acne after using benzoyl peroxide?

New pimples at this stage are completely normal. Benzoyl peroxide is a slow worker. Give it more time to start improving your skin. Your skin will be less likely to peel and feel dry if you apply the medication every other day for the first week.

What is the strongest natural antibiotic for acne?

The most common natural acne treatments include:
  • Aloe vera. The gel from the aloe vera plant has a reputation as a skin soother. ...
  • Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has a reputation as a natural cure for many conditions, including acne. ...
  • Green tea. ...
  • Honey. ...
  • Tea tree oil. ...
  • Turmeric. ...
  • Zinc. ...
  • Sulfur.

Which vitamin is best for hormonal acne?

Research shows B6 supplementation regulated hormones and reduced premenstrual acne over two months. Additionally, low levels of B-vitamins generally are linked to skin issues like acne, dermatitis, rashes and sensitivity. Optimal intake can prevent deficiency-associated skin disorders.

Where does PCOS acne appear?

PCOS-related acne often flares on the lower face, including the jawline, chin, and upper neck. Although not a hard and fast rule, these areas are considered to be a hormonal pattern for acne. Women with PCOS may notice that acne lesions are deeper, larger, and slower to resolve.

Where does the pus go if you don't pop a pimple?

Your body can gradually break down pus and reabsorb its components. That's why small accumulations of pus (like in a pimple) often don't need treatment.

Does salicylic acid make your acne worse?

Salicylic acid is one ingredient that may cause a temporary bout of acne. 1 Known as "skin purging," worsening acne is a short-term reaction to ingredients that speed up cell turnover. Salicylic acid helps your body quickly get rid of dead skin cells.

What kills acne bacteria fast?

Benzoyl peroxide works as an antiseptic to reduce the number of bacteria on the surface of the skin. It also helps to reduce the number of whiteheads and blackheads, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

What is the number 1 dermatologist recommended acne treatment?

As mentioned, the best acne product varies for everyone. However, for individuals who are not pregnant, adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, and fixed-dose combinations of these two are the most recommended. Adapalene combined with benzoyl peroxide works as effectively as when either agent is paired with topical antibiotics.

At what age does acne normally go away?

Acne is most common in girls from the ages of 14 to 17, and in boys from the ages of 16 to 19. Most people have acne on and off for several years before their symptoms start to improve as they get older. Acne often disappears when a person is in their mid-20s. In some cases, acne can continue into adult life.

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