If you’re tired of battling breakouts that just won’t budge, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves in a frustrating cycle of trying different acne treatments, only to be met with disappointing results. But don’t throw in the towel just yet! Here are some reasons your acne treatments might not be working. 

You’re over-exfoliating 

There can be passionate discussions among estheticians about how often clients should exfoliate their skin. Some may advocate for daily exfoliation, while others argue for a more moderate approach, citing the risk of over-exfoliation and skin sensitivity. The answer lies within your skin’s sensitivity levels. Start slow with exfoliation, and gradually increase frequency once you ensure your skin has shown no signs of irritation – red, flaky, sensitive. If you notice your acne has worsened since introducing exfoliation into your routine, consider reducing the frequency with which you perform this process. 

You’re inconsistent with your routine 

Immediate results? Not exactly. Some formulas can deliver immediate results (like reducing the redness or size of a breakout) but long-term benefits require consistent use over time. Consistency is key when it comes to acne treatments – there’s no magic formula that will eliminate all your skin concerns in one night. Establish and stick to a routine, giving your products time to make a difference in your skin. 

Your environment

The environment you live in significantly impacts your skin’s health. This not only includes outdoor factors but also the environment in your home. Outside, pollution can disrupt the skin barrier, cause free radical damage and inflammation, and worsen acne, while UV rays can aggravate acne and even lead to pigmentation issues. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen when going outside during the day – even when it’s cloudy,

Indoors, the cleanliness of your environment is also important. Dust and allergens can collect on a variety of surfaces, like your pillowcases, and worsen your acne by irritating your skin. Regularly cleaning pillowcases, sheets and surfaces can prevent the buildup of dust, dead skin cells and bacteria buildup that might be contributing to your breakouts. 

Your diet 

Unhealthy eating habits can play a significant role in acne and acne-prone skin. Research highlights a potential connection between dairy products and breakouts, while high glycemic index foods can spike blood sugar levels, leading to inflammation that worsens acne. Even your guilty pleasures, like oily foods and chocolate, may trigger unwanted flare-ups.

A  poor diet can also disrupt hormonal balance, further complicating skin issues. By being more mindful of your dietary choices, you can take proactive steps toward achieving healthier, clearer skin.

You’re not allowing time for results 

Patience is essential in any skin care journey. Treatments take time to heal acne, and it’s easy to get discouraged if you don’t see immediate, drastic changes. Give your acne treatments a fair chance – typically a few weeks – to assess their effectiveness. 

You’re picking at blemishes

We understand it's tempting to pick at blemishes – you just want them gone, right? Unfortunately, this habit is doing more harm than good and is likely exacerbating your acne. Picking not only increases the risk of scarring but can also introduce bacteria from your hands and fingernails, leading to more breakouts. Try to resist the urge and let your skin heal naturally.  

You’re using the wrong products 

Not all acne treatments are created equal. Many formulas contain harsh ingredients that can do more harm than good – like benzoyl peroxide. While it’s a common acne-fighting ingredient, it often leaves the skin feeling dry and irritated, disrupting your skin barrier and potentially leading to more breakouts. In fact, many old-school acne formulas damage the skin barrier in the name of acne clearing – with a singular focus on drying out excess oil and clearing up the breakout. Find formulas that clear the breakouts without sacrificing your barrier. 

Products to try for better results

Our formulas are created to minimize inflammation, allow active acne to heal, and strengthen the barrier so it can better respond to future acne stages.

Your go-to cleanser – Pore Thing: A barrier-friendly, daily cleansing gel with multi-level exfoliators to target problem pores and clarify skin. Sebum-soluble salicylic acid penetrates through excess oil and clogging debris to break down impurities. 

What sets it apart: We’ve developed pore thing to be a barrier-friendly, daily cleansing gel for acne prone skin, featuring multi-level exfoliators to target problem pores and keep skin clear. With 3x the salicylic acid of competitors, this acne cleanser penetrates through excess oil and dead skin cells, destroying the acne bacteria environment without sacrificing your skin barrier.

Your must-have exfoliator – Peel Breaker: This liquid leave-on exfoliator breaks up clogging oils and dead skin cells to help minimize pore appearance, maintain clarified skin, and eliminate bumps, rough texture and congestion.

What sets it apart: This exfoliating solution harnesses the potency of large molecule acid gluconolactone to gently but effectively combat clogged pores. Balanced with barrier-building aloe vera, willowherb, hibiscus, oregano and thyme, peel breaker helps achieve smoother, brighter, calmer skin without posing an irritation risk. 

Your new daily habit – Daily Meds: A non-drying, daily-use serum to clear and heal acne as it diminishes lines, uneven skin tone and dullness. 2% medicinal salicylic acid eliminates the acne bacteria environment and exfoliates pore-clogging skin cells to clear blackheads and whiteheads.

What sets it apart: Formulated without skin-drying alcohols, daily meds delivers powerful yet gentle results. Skin-soothing ingredients like niacinamide further promote efficacy without redness or irritation. Beard-friendly and safe to use under makeup, this serum is a simple and efficient addition to any at-home acne agenda. 

Your overnight treatment – Spot Defy: A fast-acting, precision spot treatment to clear acne and allow it to heal overnight – without irritation. 5% medicinal colloidal sulfur treats blackheads and whiteheads, absorbs excess sebum and reduces acne bacteria to prevent repeat breakouts. 

What sets it apart: Instead of problematic benzoyl peroxide, spot defy utilizes medicinal colloidal sulfur to treat blackheads and whiteheads, absorb excess sebum and reduce acne bacteria. Colloidal sulfur is superior to and safer than benzoyl peroxide, delivering breakout-fighting action while keeping the skin barrier healthy and balanced.