You’ve been diligently using youracne treatmentmedication every day, but you’re still breaking out!
Why aren’t your acne treatments working?
So it’s frustrating when it seems like our acne medications aren’t doing anything to help our skin.
Elisabeth Schmitt / Getty Images
Does this mean your acne treatment isn’t working?
This is assuming, of course, that you are using your treatments consistently.
For the medications to work, they have to be used exactly as directed.
In reality, you will still get new breakouts even after beginning treatment for a period of time.
This doesn’t mean your treatment isn’t effective.
These pimples were already in the works below the surface of your skin before you started your treatment.
Over time, you’ll probably notice your breakouts are getting smaller and healing more quickly.
This is a sign that your treatments are starting to work.
It may even seem like your skin breaks out worse before it starts to get better.
Again, these are blemishes that were already forming within the pore.
Although this is annoying and somewhat disheartening, understand that this is part of the clearing process.
You May Need a Different Acne Treatment
Not all acne treatments will work for everyone.
If you are usingover-the-counter acne products, you may need to ditch them in favor of a prescription.
If you’re already using aprescription product, you may need a different medication.
It’s not uncommon to try several medications before finding the one that works.
It can be tempting to give up and stop using your medications when you start seeing unwanted side effects.
If the first treatment doesn’t work, your dermatologist may prescribe a different medication or two.
It can take a few tries to hit on the right combination for you.
And, as always, you’re able to talk with yourdermatologistabout your treatment questions or concerns.
In this fast-paced world, we often expect instant results.
But the human body works at its own pace, so your skin will take some time to heal.
attempt to be patient, be consistent, and wait for the results.
2016;74(5):945-73.e33.
doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037
Rathi SK.Acne vulgaris treatment: the current scenario.Indian J Dermatol.
2011;56(1):7-13. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.77543