If your acne treatment does not work, despite you following all the recommendations and not doing any of the things mentioned above, it is probably because the acne treatment is not right for you or the treatment is not effective for acne. Get in touch with your doctor to learn more about your skin concerns and what you can do instead.
What should I do if my acne treatment 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 happens if you forget to take your acne treatments?
Even something as seemingly simple as forgetting your acne treatments for a day or two can prevent them from working well. For the medications to work, they have to be used exactly as directed. Many people expect pimples will stop forming immediately after beginning treatment.
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.
When should you stop taking your acne medications?
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.
Why isn't my acne medication working?
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 long does it take for acne treatment to show results?
Acne medications work by reducing oil production and swelling or by treating bacterial infection. With most prescription acne drugs, you may not see results for four to eight weeks. It can take many months or years for your acne to clear up completely.
Why is my acne treatment making it worse?
An initial worsening of acne is common with most acne treatments. This may occur because the treatment destroys acne-causing bacteria, leading to more inflammation. Furthermore, the way acne products work may lead to an initial worsening of acne. This may be felt as warmth, dryness, peeling, or mild burning.
Why wont my acne go away no matter what I do?
If pimples are deep and long lasting, it may be a good idea to see a dermatologist. The dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that could be causing pimples. In some cases, they might prescribe birth control pills to adjust hormone levels.
How do you know if acne is clearing up?
After a few weeks of purging, your skin and acne will have noticeably improved. Breaking out is when your skin is reacting because it is sensitive to something in the new product. You may get spots in a new area that you don't typically and they take longer to go away.
How do I know if my acne is hormonal or bacterial?
Hormonal acne may be often confused with other types of acne such as fungal acne. Thus, you may need a dermatologist's consultation for a definitive diagnosis. However, if you have irregular periods and hair loss along with acne, it is probably hormonal.
Why is my skin getting worse when I take care of it?
Skin purging is a process that happens when certain skincare ingredients increase skin cell turnover. This encourages shedding of old, dead cells and growth of new, healthy ones. Unfortunately, this process often makes the skin look worse before it looks better.
How long does acne purging last?
four to six weeksGenerally speaking, dermatologists say purging should be over within four to six weeks of starting a new skin care regimen. If your purge lasts longer than six weeks, consult your dermatologist. It could be that you need to adjust the dosage and/or frequency of application.
How long do acne flare ups last?
Most pimples clear on their own within 3-7 days, while improper popping can make a pimple last for weeks.
How can I clear up acne fast?
6 Ways to Get Rid of Pimples Fast. ... 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.
How do I get rid of hormonal acne?
How do I treat hormonal acne?Blackheads and whiteheads: Topical cream (tretinoin).Inflammatory acne: Topical retinoid and/or topical antibiotic and/or benzoyl peroxide.Moderate to severe acne: Antibiotic and/or isotretinoin (retinoid).Cystic acne: Steroid injection (intralesional triamcinolone).
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.
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.
