Why won't my acne go away?

Author: Prof. Ariane Heathcote  |  Last update: Thursday, November 13, 2025

Using only some of the acne treatment that your dermatologist prescribes could be the reason you still have acne. Wash your face twice a day and after sweating. Acne-prone skin is sensitive. Washing more than twice a day can irritate your skin, making acne worse.

Why is my acne not going away?

Stress, poor hygiene, hormone imbalances, and heredity are among the many variables that might bring on acne. Too much sebum, or oil, from the sebaceous glands, combines with surface germs and dead skin cells, clogging the pores. Acne lesions then develop when these clogged pores and hair follicles get irritated.

Why will my acne not clear up?

If you have acne that just won't go away, you may want to take a closer look at your skin. It's possible that you don't have acne. Other skin conditions can look a lot like acne. Stubborn acne can also be a sign of something serious going on inside your body.

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 do I do if a pimple won't go away?

If your pimples don't go away with nonprescription medications, your healthcare provider may recommend prescription medications, including antibiotics and oral hormone replacement. Other therapies may include: Chemical peels: Chemical peels use a mild chemical solution to remove layers of skin and reduce pimples.

7 Reasons Why Your Skin Won't Clear

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 if my acne is not healing?

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 vitamin deficiency causes acne?

A Vitamin B deficiency can wreak havoc on your skin, causing acne, rashes, dry and flaky skin, cracked lips, and wrinkles. It can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, personal care products, and other potential aggressors, and can accordingly lead to redness and irritation.

What does B6 acne look like?

The clinical appearance of acneiform exanthema occurring during treatment with vitamin B6 or B12 consists of loosely disseminated small papules or papulopustules on the face (especially on the forehead and chin), on the upper parts of the back and chest and spreading to the upper arm.

What does hormonal acne look like on face?

Hormonal acne resembles usual acne but may cause more deeper nodules and cysts, that last for long periods. Hormonal acne causes spots on the chin and jaw line & also around the mouth. Hormonal acne can also cause acne over the whole face and back.

Will my acne ever fully 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.

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.

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 is nothing helping my acne?

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.

Does ice help acne?

Ice doesn't necessarily help clear up acne or pimples — particularly if you're suffering from cystic and nodular acne — but it can help inflammation. This works because acne is an inflammatory condition meaning that it causes flare-ups that contribute to swelling and redness.

What looks like acne but isn't?

Issues such as peri-orificial dermatitis, rosacea, and folliculitis are commonly mistaken for acne and as such they are not treated effectively. Accurate diagnosis at the onset of any skin change is critical.

What is B12 acne?

By vitamin B12 supplementation in healthy individuals and in vitro experiments, we revealed that host vitamin B12 modulates the transcriptional and metabolic activities of the skin bacteria, leading to increased production of porphyrins, which induce inflammation in acne.

What does bacterial acne look like?

Symptoms and Appearance. Bacterial acne presents with various lesions, including whiteheads, blackheads, pus-filled pimples, and deeper cystic lesions. If not treated properly, these can be painful and may leave scars. Bacterial acne is often accompanied by inflammation and redness around the affected areas.

What protein doesn t cause acne?

Pea Protein: The Acne-Friendly Alternative to Whey Protein

There's a better option: pea protein. Packed with benefits for both your skin and overall health, pea protein is emerging as the go-to choice for those looking to keep breakouts at bay.

What is your body lacking when you have acne?

A 2016 study found that people with acne have lower levels of vitamin D than those without the skin condition. This deficiency may be a factor in the development of acne.

How to clear acne on face?

Too much washing and scrubbing also can irritate the skin. Try over-the-counter acne products to dry excess oil and promote peeling. Look for products containing benzoyl peroxide and adapalene as the active ingredients. You might also try products containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acids.

What are the facial signs of B12 deficiency?

The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].

Why is my acne not disappearing?

Using only some of the acne treatment that your dermatologist prescribes could be the reason you still have acne. Wash your face twice a day and after sweating. Acne-prone skin is sensitive. Washing more than twice a day can irritate your skin, making acne worse.

Where is stress acne located?

Stress acne commonly appears on the face, especially on the forehead, jawline, and cheeks. However, it can also develop on other oil-prone areas like the back or chest.

How to have clear skin in 2 days?

How to Get Clearer Skin Just 2 Days Before the Wedding
  1. Go to Bed With a Clean Face. ...
  2. Try Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  3. Use a Sheet Mask Before Bed. ...
  4. Avoid Salty Foods in the Evening. ...
  5. Don't Be Afraid of Oils. ...
  6. Treat Your Under-Eyes. ...
  7. Hydrate. ...
  8. Don't Pop Pimples.

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