Reasons Your Acne Treatment Isn’t Working and How To Fix It

Are you feeling frustrated with acne treatments that don’t seem to work? Despite following your skincare routine, those stubborn breakouts keep coming back. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
In this guide, Laserlicious will explain the reasons your acne treatment isn’t working.
Signs You Need To Change Your Treatment Approach
Watch for these warning signs that your current treatment strategy needs adjustment:
- Persistent breakouts in the same areas after six to eight weeks of treatment
- Increased skin irritation, redness, or dryness
- New types of breakouts appearing
- Breakouts that follow patterns related to your menstrual cycle
- Acne that worsens despite following treatment instructions
Why Your Treatment May Not Be Working
Here are some of the most common reasons that your treatments may not be working:
Incorrect Products
An incorrect diagnosis often leads to using the wrong products. Treating hormonal acne with products meant for bacterial acne won’t help. Getting a proper skin assessment ensures you’re using treatments that help.
Skincare ingredient intolerance might be sabotaging your progress as well. Your skin could be reacting to specific ingredients in your products.
Common triggers include fragrances, alcohol, and certain preservatives. Pay attention to how your skin responds to different ingredients.
Treatment Inconsistency
Inconsistent skincare routines sabotage your progress. Skipping applications or constantly switching products prevents your skin from getting the full benefits. Stick with a routine for at least two months before deciding if it works.
Skin Purging
Most acne treatments need four to six weeks to show real improvement. In this time, you might see more breakouts as your skin purges impurities. While you may assume your treatment isn’t working, your skin may simply be looking worse before it gets better.
Everyday Habits That Worsen Acne
You are what you eat. Poor diet choices high in sugar, dairy, and processed foods can trigger inflammation and breakouts. Try incorporating more fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, and omega-3-rich foods to support skin health and reduce hormonal imbalances often associated with stubborn acne.
Don’t overlook simple habits like touching your face, picking at spots, or using dirty pillowcases. These introduce bacteria to your skin and can undo all your treatment efforts.
Product Overuse and Mixing
One of the main reasons your acne treatment isn’t working may be the products themselves. More isn’t always better when it comes to skincare. Overuse of products can damage your skin’s natural barrier, making your acne worse.
Consider simplifying your routine to just the essentials with proven ingredients. Some combinations lead to irritation. For example, using benzoyl peroxide with retinol can overly dry your skin and worsen inflammation.
Proper cleansing creates a clean canvas for treatments to work effectively. Always wash your face with a gentle cleanser before applying products to help active ingredients penetrate better.
Your Clear Skin Journey Starts at Laserlicious
Understanding why your acne treatment isn’t working helps you make smarter skincare choices. At Laserlicious, our expert team takes time to understand the reasons your acne treatment isn’t working so we can create targeted solutions—including options like dermal filler and Dysport Toronto to help you feel your absolute best.