Acne can come back if you do not stick to good habits after treatment. The best way to keep it away is to control what causes it, like too much oil, clogged pores, and bacteria, while building strong daily skin care.
Start with a simple cleansing routine. Wash your face twice a day using your fingertips and a gentle cleanser made for acne-prone skin. Do not scrub hard or use brushes, as this irritates the skin and makes acne worse. Rinse well to avoid leftover soap that clogs pores.[3]
Use key ingredients in your products to fight acne long-term. Topical retinoids are a top choice because they keep pores clear and stop new breakouts. Pair them with benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Niacinamide helps by calming redness, controlling oil, and strengthening your skin barrier. Peptides support skin repair and firmness.[1][4]
Protect your skin from the sun every day. Apply sunscreen even indoors or on cloudy days. UV rays break down collagen and make skin look worse, which can trigger more acne or make old spots stand out.[1]
Manage sweat and dirt quickly, especially on your back or body. Shower right after sweating and use a benzoyl peroxide body wash. Leave it on for two to five minutes before rinsing. Choose non-comedogenic products that do not block pores.[5]
For severe cases, talk to a doctor about stronger options like high-dose isotretinoin. This oral medicine, given at around 220 mg per kilogram of body weight over six to seven months, lowers the chance of acne returning without extra serious side effects.[2]
Keep your skin hydrated but not oily. Use lightweight moisturizers with niacinamide or peptides to repair the barrier and prevent dryness that leads to more oil production.[1]
Control triggers in your life. Eat a balanced diet, manage stress, and watch for hormones if acne keeps coming back. Consistent care like this, plus occasional check-ins with a dermatologist, keeps your skin clear.[1]
Sources
https://www.london-dermatology-centre.co.uk/blog/acne-scar-recurrence-maintenance/
https://www.consultant360.com/story/high-dose-isotretinoin-cuts-acne-relapse-risk-without-upping-side-effects
https://medisynth.com/blogs/news/complete-skin-care-routine-for-acne-prone-skin-using-aquifolium-ultra
https://www.droracle.ai/articles/592293/what-are-the-treatment-options-for-acne-post-inflammatory-erythema
https://www.medanta.org/patient-education-blog/back-acne-bacne-causes-prevention-and-best-treatment-options
