Acne can come back after you stop using treatment because most medications don't cure acne. Instead, treatments like benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, or topical antibiotics help reduce oil, inflammation, and bacteria on the skin so that pimples are less likely to form.
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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Why Acne Can Come Back After Treatment
You used your acne medicine for weeks (or months) without fail, and you were rewarded with clearer skin. You were glad to finally put those acne treatments on 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.
Most acne treatment medications don't cure acne, and they don't stop the factors that cause acne in the first place. Instead, they just control these factors to keep breakouts at bay.
The exact cause of acne is unknown, although hormones probably play a role. Acne occurs when there is an overabundance of oil, dead skin cells, and acne-causing bacteria within the pore. 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 your clear skin.
Medications to Clear Acne
Isotretinoin is the closest thing to an actual acne cure. You'll only use isotretinoin for a specific amount of time, and you will take it according to your dermatologist's instructions.
Some providers suggest two divided doses (0.5-1.0 mg/kg/day), and some recommend one daily dose for a specific course of time, usually lasting four to five months. Most people only need one or two courses of treatment with this medication. Once acne is gone, it's typically gone for good.
Other medications are being investigated for their role in treating acne. For example, the blood pressure medication spironolactone was used in a clinical trial to treat women in Great Britain. Researchers found that it can be a helpful alternative to antibiotics for women, but the treatment is not suitable for men, and more research is needed.
After Your Skin Is Clear
All other acne treatment medications, whether over-the-counter or prescription, will need to be used continuously to keep acne from coming back. This means you'll be applying your benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, and topical antibiotics (or whatever treatment you're currently using) over clear skin. 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. For example, instead of applying your salicylic acid twice daily, you may be able to scale back to a once-a-day application. Or you may talk to your doctor about dropping your oral antibiotics and using Retin-A Micro alone.
If your acne is persistent, your dermatologist may recommend certain in-office procedures, including:
- Laser or light therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Chemical peels
- Surgical treatments for scarring
Recap
Isotretinoin typically gets rid of acne for good. 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. If your acne is mild, and over-the-counter acne treatment products work for you, use them in your daily skincare routine.
In general, experts recommend that you care for your skin on a regular basis. Your daily skincare regime should include:
- Gently cleansing in the morning, the evening, and when your skin is sweaty
- Regular shampooing of your hair (especially if you have oily hair)
- Use of oil-free, non-clogging cosmetics
- Minimal touching or rubbing of the skin
- Careful use of razors and other skincare devices to avoid skin irritation
- Use of sunscreen, especially if you are using a medication that increases the risk of sunburn, such as Isotretinoin
If you've been using prescription acne medications, your dermatologist will help map out a treatment plan to maintain your hard-won results. Don't change how you use your prescription medications without first talking with your dermatologist.
Summary
If you're using an acne treatment, you'll likely need to keep using it, or your acne may come back. 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 your doctor prescribes this for your severe acne, you'll take it for only a certain amount of time to get rid of acne.
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. They can help you figure out how long to use them and when you can try cutting back.