Acne can come back after you stop using treatment because most medications don’t cure acne.
Unfortunately, stopping treatment usually means a return of pimples.
That’s because most acne treatment medications don’t cure acne but rather keep the symptoms under control.
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You were glad to finally put thoseacne treatmentson the shelf and forget about them.
But as soon as you stopped using your acne medicine, the pimples came back.
This doesn’t mean that your medication isn’t working.
In fact, if you’ve had a significant clearing, your medications are actually working quite well.
Acne treatment medications work by reducing oil and bacteria and help keep pores clear of dead skin cells.
But acne medications don’t change the way your skin behaves.
If treatment is stopped, the pores become impacted again, and breakouts return.
Recap
Acne treatment reduces oil and bacteria and clears out dead skin cells.
If you stop using the treatment, your acne may return.
Treatments to Prevent and Cure Acne
Think about your acne treatment plan as comprising two stages.
First, you want to clear pimples and get your skin in good shape.
Then, you want to maintain these results to enjoy yourclear skin.
Once acne is gone, it’s typically gone for good.
This is what will keep your skin clear.
Once your acne is significantly cleared, though, you may be able to cut back on your treatments.
After using it for a specific amount of time, your acne shouldn’t come back.
If you use other acne treatments, you’ll probably need to keep using them.
However, you may be able to cut back once your acne is under control.
Devising a Long-Term Treatment Plan
To keep acne clear, you’ll need a long-term treatment plan.
In general, experts recommend that you care for your skin on a regular basis.
Don’t change how you use your prescription medications without first talking with yourdermatologist.
Acne treatment helps reduce bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells to keep your pores clear.
The prescription isotretinoin is the exception to this rule.
If over-the-counter acne medications are working for you, keep using them as part of your skincare routine.
If you’re using prescription acne medications, check with your dermatologist.
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