Treatment FAQ

how to know if acne treatment is working

by Sonya Durgan Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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People have different reactions to it so there isn't really a standard progression. If you're experiencing dry lips and all that along with a reduction in acne then I'd say it's working. Not everyone gets a bad initial breakout but some people don't get it until the 1st of 2nd month, you may be one of the lucky ones.

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.Mar 4, 2021

Full Answer

What to do when your acne medication is not working?

4 Things to Do When Your Acne Prescription Medication Is Not Working 1 Take an Objective Look at Your Treatment Routine. 2 Continue Using Your Treatments Until Your Dermatologist Tells You to Stop. 3 Keep an Open Dialogue and Regular Appointments With Your Dermatologist. 4 If All Else Fails, Consider Switching Dermatologists.

Is your dermatologist blowing you off for treating acne?

Your dermatologist will probably tell you to stick with the treatment plan. This doesn't necessarily mean he's blowing you off—it just means he'd like to give the treatments a bit longer to work. Remember, treating acne takes time. You owe it to yourself (and your dermatologist) to allow those medications the time they need to work.

How long do acne treatments take to work?

Not all acne treatments will work for everyone. If you have given your skin at least 10 to 12 weeks and still haven't seen any change, you may need to try a different medication. If you are using over-the-counter acne products, you may need to ditch them in favor of a prescription.

What happens if you forget to take your acne medications as directed?

It's so important that you use your acne medications exactly as directed. Even something as seemingly simple as forgetting your treatments for a day or two can prevent them from working well. 1  Reread the usage directions so you'll know what to expect from your acne treatment and give your dermatologist's office a call if you have any questions.

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How long does it take for an acne treatment to work?

Give an acne treatment at least 4 weeks to work. 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.

How do you know if acne is active?

The active stage is when signs or acne are present by the visible bumps that have fluid or do not. These commonly form on the forehead, chin, cheeks, and back. The bumps can become inflamed, red, and painful. Inflammatory acne is the most severe form, often causing scars as it heals.

What does detox acne look like?

The red, inflamed breakouts you were previously having (but aren't having any more), are a sign that your system is detoxifying! Yay! Red, inflamed breakouts are almost always a sign of poor detoxification (and build up of waste materials in the body), and systemic inflammation (meaning whole-body inflammation).

What does purging skin look like?

Skin purging typically looks like tiny red bumps on the skin that are painful to touch. They are often accompanied by whiteheads or blackheads. It can also cause your skin to become flaky. The flare ups caused by purging have a shorter lifespan than a breakout.

What to do if your acne doesn't work?

Keep going back for your follow-up appointments , especially if you're not seeing improvement in your acne. If the first go-round doesn't work, your dermatologist will likely tweak your treatment a bit, and possibly prescribe a different medication or two. It can take a few tries to hit on the right combination for you.

What to do when you are not getting results?

When you're not getting the results you want, the first thing to do is take a good look at your treatment routine. Did you give your medications enough time to work? Did you use your treatments consistently? Did you use them correctly?

Can you stop taking acne pills?

You might be tempted to stop using your medications when you start seeing unwanted side effects, like dry, peeling skin. Side effects are often inevitable, and they're a reality of acne treatment. You just have to grin and bear it for a while and continue to use your medications. The good news is that side effects generally ease after the first few weeks of treatment.

Can you get better results with someone else?

You may get better results with someone else. This is particularly true if you feel your dermatologist isn't addressing your questions or concerns; there's likely someone else out there who will be a better fit for you.

Does a dermatologist blow you off?

This doesn't necessarily mean he's blowing you off—it just means he'd like to give the treatments a bit longer to work. Remember, treating acne takes time. You owe it to yourself (and your dermatologist) to allow those medications the time they need to work.

How long does it take for acne to heal?

Just as there is no one-size-fits-all solution for acne, there is also no standard period of time in which the right acne products will completely heal your acne. In most cases, the best results will occur after weeks of consistent use. That being said, 80% of Acne Intelligence users see results within three weeks – but be patient and know that some cases seeing a full turnaround could take longer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sticking with a new product or routine for a minimum of 4 weeks, and preferably 3-4 months if you aren’t experiencing adverse effects.

Is flawless skin realistic?

Recently, beauty influencers like @emeraldxbeauty have taken to pointing this out quite often, and for good reason. So many of the images that we see of flawless skin simply aren’t realistic for anyone. The fact is that pores, bumps, and the occasional blemish are normal. You’ll be much happier with your skin and your skincare journey in the long run if you have healthy expectations of what real skin looks like and if you learn to love your unique skin.

Does moisturizer help with acne?

The right acne-fighting ingredients in your routine should work to brighten and smooth any bumps or roughness in your skin, while your moisturizer should help nourish and protect your skin for an overall more even and balanced tone.

Is skincare a science?

Skincare is a science! It’s why we use the latest dermatological research and millions of proven data points to pin point the solutions that are going to work best for your skin . Just like any scientific endeavor, it’s difficult to know if the variables you’re introducing—in this case, your skincare products—are actually having an effect if you’re not adhering to a consistent routine. Try to avoid rotating in new products on a whim, and make sure you’re following the instructions for when and how often your products should be used.

Understanding Why Your Acne Treatment Is Not Working

By understanding why our acne treatment is not working, we will be able to change that and solve our acne issues. Acne is a common skin problem, seen mostly during puberty and adolescence. In fact, 88% of Singaporean teenagers suffer from acne, with at least half of them suffering from moderate to severe acne.

Clogged pores

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.

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