Why Does Acne Improve Before Fully Clearing?
Have you ever started an acne treatment and noticed your skin gets better for a bit, only to see pimples pop up again before everything clears up completely? This happens a lot and can feel frustrating, but there is a good reason behind it. Acne treatments work in stages, and what looks like a setback is often part of the healing process.
Acne starts deep under the skin. Pores get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria long before a pimple shows up on the surface. Treatments like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids speed things up. They push out those hidden clogs faster than your skin would on its own. At first, this clears some pimples and makes your skin look smoother. You see improvement because surface breakouts heal and oil production evens out.[6][2]
Then comes the next phase. Those deep clogs that were forming for weeks or months rise to the surface all at once. This is called purging. It is not new acne; it is old stuff coming out. Your skin might look worse for a few weeks, with more bumps or redness. But this means the treatment is working on the root problem, not just the visible spots.[6][4]
Spot treating only the red bumps keeps you chasing pimples. Instead, applying treatments over the whole area, or zoning, prevents new ones from forming. Dermatologists say to cover breakout-prone zones like the jawline or T-zone, even if they look normal. This stops clogs before they turn into pimples.[4][7]
Purging usually lasts 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your skin and the product strength. Early changes show in the first few weeks, with real clearing after a couple of months. Sticking with it is key. Skipping moisturizer or over-washing can make things worse by drying out your skin and boosting oil production.[6][1][2]
Hormones, diet, or stress can play a role too, especially in adults. But consistent use of the right products tackles the main causes inside the pores. Patience pays off as your skin learns to shed cells evenly and fight bacteria better.[1][5]
Sources
https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/acne-over-30
https://woodlandswellness.com/acne-treatment-9-ways-to-stop-acne-before-it-appears/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGLdq7kgTdI
https://slmdskincare.com/blogs/learn/dr-pimple-poppers-guide-to-starting-acne-treatment
https://drsambunting.com/en-us/blogs/sam-bunting/why-your-acne-isnt-improving
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/the-educated-patient-clearing-up-acne
