10 Reasons Why You Still Have Acne After Trying Everything

If you’ve tried every skincare product, followed a strict skincare routine, and still find yourself battling acne, you’re not alone. Acne can be stubborn and frustrating, especially when it seems like nothing is working. Understanding the underlying reasons why your acne persists can help you take more effective action.

In this post, you will learn the reasons why you still have acne after trying everything and also what you can do better with recommended skincare products for your routine. Some of these suggestions may work for you and for others, it may not, but it definitely requires some trial and error. So let’s get to it!

10 Reasons Why You Still Have Acne After Trying Everything

1. Harsh Treatment

Harsh treatment includes mechanical factors such as rubbing, scrubbing, and the use of home devices or medical devices such as sonic brushes, derma rollers or micro-needling may trigger acne flare-ups. The European Journal of Dermatology reported using these mechanical factors causes inflammation and flare-ups in acne-prone skin.

There was a case of someone suffering from inflammatory acne who went for a facial massage. The masseurs used a combination of essential oil and a roller microdermabrasion device with other topical products. These combinations on her skin led to more acne than ever before.

Another harsh treatment to take note of is acid exfoliation. I mean high-strength acids (30% AHA) that people use these days that cause skin peeling in hopes of dramatically clear skin. It is doing more harm than good by stripping your skin’s natural oils and damaging your skin barrier which is the number one part of the skin that needs protection.

2. Benzoyl Peroxide

I know this will come as a shock because benzoyl peroxide is the number one acne treatment. It is a great treatment option for people with pustules, papules and cysts, killing any bacteria causing acne and unclogging pores, it also helps with dead skin cells. You can find it in face wash, cleansers, gel and lotions

So if Benzoyl peroxide is so good, why should it be causing more acne? This is because of benzoyl peroxide side effects such as dryness, redness, peeling, itchiness, stinging, skin swelling and also causing more oxidative stress.

Benzoyl peroxide is known to kill bacteria causing acne by depriving it of oxygen to thrive. So it generates more free radicals in the skin which can infer and slow down the skin’s healing process which is crucial for acne skin.

To learn more about benzoyl peroxide, read the difference between benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

3. Antibiotics

For some people, dermatologists prescribe antibiotics for their type of acne. These antibiotics come in pill form that is taken orally or topical form that you can apply like a lotion. It can be really effective in removing the acne-causing bacteria but it definitely has consequences when used long term.

The overuse of topical and systemic antibiotics and the availability of over-the-counter antibiotic preparations have led to perturbation of the skin microbiome (the natural balance of the internal and external bacteria) and worst case is antibiotic resistance which can lead to more infection and other issues.

I would highly recommend you consult with your dermatologist to shorten the duration of your antibiotic usage. The side effects of antibiotics outweigh the benefits for some individuals making it less than perfect solution for treating acne.

You may also be interested in how your gut health affects your skin.

4. Oil-Free Products

Oil-free products are everywhere and highly recommended for acne-prone skin types. However, what you need to know about acne is that it is associated with a deficiency in a fatty acid called linoleic acid that is present in sebum. When you are deficient in linoleic acid, your sebum becomes thick, causing clogged pores and leading to more acne.

So when you are using oil-free products, your skin will naturally promote oil production, pumping out more sebum and oil that can lead to more breakouts. In other words, try products that are high in linoleic acid oils.

Read more about linoleic acid oil on the best oil for different skin types.

Avoid oils rich in oleic acid such as olive oil, sesame oil, macadamia oil and avocado oil.

5. You Are Using Too Many Products

Yes, you are probably using a lot of products all at once. It is important to simplify your skincare routine so that your skin is not overwhelmed with so many products. With too many products, your skin would become more sensitizing, leading to more inflammation.

6. Using the Wrong Products for Your Skin Type

One of the most common reasons for persistent acne is using skincare products that aren’t suitable for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin and are using products designed for dry skin, you might be clogging your pores, leading to more breakouts. It’s essential to know your skin type and choose products accordingly.

Solution: Identify your skin type and use non-comedogenic products that won’t clog your pores. If you’re unsure, consult with a dermatologist to determine the best products for your skin.

7. Over-Exfoliation

Exfoliating is great for removing dead skin cells, but overdoing it can damage your skin barrier, leading to irritation and more acne. Over-exfoliation can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing your sebaceous glands to produce even more oil to compensate, which can clog pores.

Solution: Limit exfoliation to 2-3 times a week using a gentle exfoliant. If your skin feels sensitive or irritated, reduce the frequency or switch to a milder product.

8. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can trigger acne. Hormones like androgens can increase oil production in your skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

Solution: If you suspect hormones are the cause, consider seeing a healthcare provider. They might suggest hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills or anti-androgen medications, to help manage acne.

9. Touching Your Face Frequently

Constantly touching your face can transfer bacteria, oil, and dirt from your hands to your skin, leading to breakouts. Popping or picking at acne can also cause further inflammation and scarring.

Solution: Be mindful of how often you touch your face. Keep your hands clean and avoid picking at pimples. If you have the urge to pick, try using acne patches to protect the area.

10. Not Giving Treatments Enough Time

Skincare products don’t work overnight. It can take weeks or even months to see noticeable results from acne treatments. Switching products too frequently can irritate your skin and exacerbate acne.

Solution: Be patient and consistent with your skincare routine. Give new products at least 4-6 weeks to show results before deciding if they work for you.

What Clears Acne The Most?

Now that we have gone over why you are still getting acne with a skincare routine, you now need to understand what products you should be using that clear acne the most.

1. Simplify Your Skincare Routine

First and foremost, you need to simplify your skincare routine. You will be helping your skin by giving it less chance of being irritated and sensitive. If you feel your skin is already inflamed, simplify your routine. Less is more in this case

2. Choose Gentle, Hydrating and Calming Products

Avoid anything that contains fragrance and essential oils. Only go for gentle, hydrating and calming products for your skin to prevent sensitizing and irritating your skin. Go for products with a very simple ingredient list, check the back of the products. If it contains 100 skincare ingredients, let it go. Check for products with 10 to 20 ingredients. The shorter and simpler the ingredients, the better.

3. Stop Using Actives For Now

This will just be for a while till you can identify the root cause of why skincare products make your acne worse. Instead, choose super-hydrating ingredients that your skin barrier likes. The goal here is not to deter you from using actives but to create a comfortable environment for your skin barrier to do its job which is to repair and protect your skin.

Look for products that contain cica, aloe vera, oats, and mugwort – These are all gentle, hydrating and calming ingredients

4. Product Recommendations

Conclusion

Acne can be a complex issue with various contributing factors. By understanding these common causes and making adjustments to your skincare routine, diet, and lifestyle, you can take control of your skin and reduce persistent breakouts. If you’re still struggling, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice to find a solution tailored to your needs.