How Maintenance Therapy Prevents Acne Return
Acne often comes back after initial treatment because the root causes like excess oil production, clogged pores, and bacteria do not go away completely. Maintenance therapy keeps using milder treatments long-term to stop this from happening.
Doctors aim to clear acne spots first, then switch to maintenance to hold the results and avoid relapse. This step prevents new breakouts by targeting the same problems that caused acne in the first place[1][6].
One key part of maintenance is sticking with topical retinoids, like adapalene or tretinoin. These work by keeping pores clear, reducing oil from sebaceous glands, and fighting inflammation. Used alone after clearing acne, they stop dead skin cells from building up and blocking follicles, which leads to new pimples[3][5][6].
Benzoyl peroxide is another simple option for maintenance. It kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin and keeps them from growing back, without building resistance like some antibiotics do[6].
For people with hormonal acne, especially women, options like spironolactone or birth control pills help during maintenance. Spironolactone blocks hormones that make oil glands overactive, cutting down sebum and inflammation over months. Studies show it leads to fewer antibiotics needed long-term and keeps skin clear[2][4].
Gentle skin care routines support these treatments. Wash twice a day with mild, non-comedogenic cleansers that do not strip the skin. Follow with a light moisturizer if needed, and apply treatments to the whole acne-prone area, not just spots. This prevents dryness that makes people quit and lets treatments work better[1][3].
Isotretinoin, a strong oral drug, shrinks oil glands and normalizes skin cell growth. After a full course, low doses can maintain results by keeping sebum low and bacteria in check[2][5].
Using treatments consistently but flexibly helps. For sensitive skin, apply retinoids every other night to avoid irritation while building a habit. Layer products slowly and educate yourself on triggers like harsh soaps or heavy makeup[3].
Hormonal therapies in maintenance cut lesion counts by over 50 percent in trials, with high clearance rates. Combined with topicals, they tackle oil, hormones, and bugs at once for lasting control[2].
Overall, maintenance turns short-term wins into long-term clear skin by addressing acne’s ongoing drivers.
Sources
https://www.mims.com/malaysia/disease/acne-vulgaris/management
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12691598/
https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/balancing-pathophysiology-and-patient-lifestyle-in-acne-management-part-3
https://blogs.the-hospitalist.org/content/spironolactone-acne-practical-strategies-optimal-clinical-outcomes
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525949/
https://www.droracle.ai/articles/606309/what-are-the-treatment-options-for-managing-acne-vulgaris
