What Causes Acne to Become Less Responsive
Acne starts when pores get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflammation and breakouts. Over time, it can stop responding to usual treatments like creams or pills because of changes in hormones, bacteria, or how the skin reacts.
One big reason is antibiotic resistance. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics to kill acne-causing bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes. But using them too long lets the bacteria adapt and fight back, making treatments weaker. Experts now limit antibiotics to short bursts and pair them with other options to slow this down.[1][2][5]
Hormonal shifts play a key role too, especially in adults. Androgens, like those tied to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, PCOS, or stress, ramp up oil production and clog pores deeper. Standard topicals or antibiotics may not touch these root causes, so acne keeps coming back in areas like the jawline.[1][3][5][6]
Wrong skincare habits make it worse. Heavy makeup, oily moisturizers, or harsh soaps trap bacteria and irritate skin, blocking treatments from working. Skipping a steady routine lets buildup grow, turning mild acne stubborn.[3]
Lifestyle factors add up. High stress raises cortisol, which boosts oil and inflammation. Diets heavy in sugar, dairy, or high-glycemic foods spike insulin and hormones, fueling breakouts. Poor sleep or gut issues disrupt the skin’s balance, making it harder for meds to help.[3][4][7]
Finally, some meds or health problems interfere. Drugs like steroids or lithium trigger acne-like rashes. Thyroid issues or insulin resistance hide behind the scenes, resisting common fixes until addressed.[3][5]
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12691598/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12735603/
https://www.westchestercosmeticdermatology.com/blog/adult-acne-why-it-happens-and-how-to-treat-it/
https://www.kcnaturopathic.com/acne
https://www.droracle.ai/articles/642363/what-are-the-causes-and-treatment-options-for-acne
https://www.skinrenewal.co.za/acne
https://www.dermgvl.com/acne/
https://www.dovepress.com/efficacy-and-safety-of-hormonal-therapies-for-acne-a-narrative-review-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CCID
