Why Does Acne Improve Then Suddenly Get Worse?
Acne often gets better for a while, only to flare up again out of nowhere. This frustrating cycle happens because acne is influenced by many changing factors in your body and daily life. Understanding these can help explain the ups and downs.
One common reason is the initial worsening from treatments. When you start using acne creams like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, they can push pimples to the surface faster. Your skin looks clearer at first as surface issues fade, but then a wave of deeper breakouts appears. This “purging” phase usually lasts a few weeks before improvement returns.
Hormone shifts play a big role too. For teens and adults, hormones fluctuate with menstrual cycles, stress, or birth control changes. These spikes increase oil production in pores, leading to sudden clogs and inflammation. You might notice smooth skin mid-cycle, then cysts right before your period.
Diet can trigger flare-ups without warning. Foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and refined carbs like sugary snacks or fried items create inflammation throughout the body.[1] If you eat clean for days and feel great, one indulgent meal can spark redness and new spots overnight.[2]
Stress is another sneaky culprit. It raises cortisol levels, which boost oil glands and weaken your skin’s barrier. A calm week might clear things up, but a stressful event like exams or work deadlines can bring back the zits.
Other triggers include skincare slip-ups, like switching products or skipping cleansing, which lets bacteria and dead skin build up. Weather changes, such as switching from dry winter air to humid summer, alter oil levels too. Even medications or supplements can shift things unexpectedly.
Pores get clogged by excess oil, dead cells, and bacteria. When conditions improve briefly, clogs loosen. But a single trigger reignites the process, making acne roar back.
Tracking patterns in a journal helps spot your personal triggers. Sticking to gentle routines and giving treatments time often smooths out the cycle over months.
Sources
https://www.dermatologyadvisor.com/factsheets/diet-and-acne/
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/the-educated-patient-clearing-up-acne
