What To Do When Acne Treatments Aren’t Working

Want to know the biggest complaint about acne treatments?  It’s that they don’t work!  And if you’re reading this right now, you probably identify with that statement big time.

Don’t worry, help is here!  Let’s troubleshoot your acne treatment routine, get your treatment back on track, and get you seeing some real results.

1. Are you using your treatments regularly?

To be fair, there are many acne treatments that do work and work very well.  But because acne is so stubborn, it’s finicky about treatment.
You have to use your medications as reliably as you possibly can.  The effects of acne treatments are cumulative, which means the more dependably you use them the better results you will see.

So, make sure you’re using them daily (or as often as your dermatologist advises).  Don’t skip applications.  This is the most important thing you can do to get good results from whichever treatment you’re using.

2. Are you using them as directed?

Along the same lines, make sure you’re using your medications exactly as directed.  You have to be very particular about how you use your medications.

If you’re not getting good results, you might want to start by rereading the directions.  There may be something you may have missed, or have forgotten about.  Make sure you know exactly how your medication should be used and that you’re following it to a T.  Even small mistakes or oversights can prevent you from getting the results you’re looking for.

3. Have you used the same treatment for at least ten to 12 weeks?

We all want our acne treatments to work fast.  But the reality is acne medications work slow and steady.  In most cases, you’ll have to use them for about 12 weeks before you see improvement.  During these weeks, stick with your treatment plan and don’t switch treatments.

Don’t worry if you continue to get new pimples during this time.  It’s completely normal (though maddening).  This doesn’t mean your treatments aren’t working.  Those pimples were already in the pipeline, so to speak.  As you continue to use your treatments, you’ll gradually notice breakouts happening less and less often.
So stick with one treatment and don’t give up on it too soon.  Use it for three full months.  If your acne isn’t any better after this time, consider adding another treatment to your current routine or trying a new option.

4. Are you using a proven acne treatment?

There are literally hundreds of acne treatments available today; some are great and others not-so-great.  To give yourself the best opportunity for success, choose an acne treatment with a proven track record.
For over-the-counter products, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or sulfur are the best options, so look for these active ingredients.  If your OTC product doesn’t contain one of these, it’s unlikely to do anything helpful for acne.

Ditto for home remedies, acne “treatment” vitamins, and all-natural skin care products.  Some people swear their acne cleared up after going vegan, or cleansing their face with baking soda, or using a natural skin care product or supplement.  And that’s great!  But it’s also an exception to the rule.  For the vast majority of people, these won’t do much for the skin.

5. Using OTC treatments? Consider a prescription.

If you’re not seeing results from over-the-counter acne treatments after 12 weeks’ time, it’s time to move on to something stronger.  Don’t waste precious time trying every OTC product under the sun.  You’ll just end up frustrated.

OTC treatments work best for mild acne.  The good news is, there are many prescription medications available that will give you results when OTC products aren’t cutting it.

6. Have you seen a dermatologist?

Obviously, if you need a prescription treatment you’ll need to see a dermatologist.  Yes, it seems like a pain in the tail.  But in the long run, you’ll be glad you sought help.
Most people wait too long before seeing a pro for help with their acne.  But if you’re having trouble treating it on your own, a few visits to the dermatologist can get your skin improving nicely.
If you haven’t yet seen a derm for your acne, making an appointment should be #1 on your list.

7. Are you sticking to the plan your dermatologist made for you?

Going to the dermatologist is just the first step.  Now you have to follow through.  Did you know that only about 50% of people follow the treatment plan that their dermatologist devised for them?  That means roughly half of all people being treated for their acne probably aren’t seeing results.

Don’t let yourself fall into this category.  Follow through with the treatment plan, keep your dermatology appointments, and keep your dermatologist apprised of what’s working (and what isn’t).  Your dermatologist wants you to be happy with your treatments.

8. Are you picking at your skin?

We’re all guilty of this to some degree, but if you’re making a habit of popping and picking at pimples, stop!
Popping pimples increases inflammation, making the skin look worse and the pimples take longer to heal.  Plus, you up the chance of scarring.
Treat your skin gently and allow it to heal.  You’ll notice much better results this way.


Source: acne.about.com

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