Does Acne Get Worse Before It Gets Better?

Posted on December 20, 2021

If you struggle with acne, you’re not alone. Acne is a skin condition that manifests when your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This results in redness, pimples, and sometimes cysts. Knowing when acne gets worse and how to help it get better can be difficult for those experiencing this condition. This article will tackle what you need to know about acne and whether it gets worse before it gets better.

It happens – but not to everyone

Acne does not get worse for everyone. There are different types of acne, so it can be difficult to say whether or not your acne will get worse before it gets better. Some people can go months without experiencing any new breakouts, while others deal with them daily. Knowing how often you experience breakouts and their severity can help you determine whether or not acne is getting worse.

Does Acne Get Worse Before It Gets Better?

Here are some of the reasons why acne gets worse before it gets better.

1) Hormonal changes

Picking at your skin and popping pimples can lead to scarring or worsening of your condition, so avoid this for the best results. Washing your face correctly is also important because not washing properly can cause more oil production, clog pores, and lead to breakouts. It’s best to use only treatments recommended by your dermatologist when dealing with acne. This way, you can get rid of all existing zits while preventing new ones from forming in their place! A good dermatologist knows how to help control breakouts and help you make the right changes to your skincare and lifestyle to prevent new ones.

2) Using the wrong treatments

Some people who suffer from acne experience worse breakouts due to using harsh chemicals and medications on their skin. It’s crucial to talk with your dermatologist before you start any new treatments for the best results. Additionally, make sure to discuss your current skincare regimen to see if any products might be worsening your breakouts because they’re too harsh or drying.

3) Using new skincare products abruptly

It’s important not to abruptly use new skincare products on your face. Doing this can cause uncontrollable breakouts if your skin is incompatible with any of the ingredients in the new product. You should slowly change from one type of treatment to another over time to determine whether it’s a good fit before using it exclusively. It’s best to give your skin at least one month to adjust to new products, adding them in one at a time.

4) Ignoring acne triggers

There are different types of acne, so it’s important to know what your triggers are to avoid them. It may be that you break out when you pick at existing pimples, forget to remove your makeup, or even eat foods like dairy or processed sugars. Your dermatologist can help you figure out which ones lead to breakouts, but it can be helpful to keep a daily journal to determine the cause and effect.

Schedule a Consultation

Getting a handle on your acne can feel discouraging, but our team can help. To meet with our skincare specialists and learn more, contact our Mechanicsville office by calling or filling out our online form.