Why Does Acne Return After Stopping Medication
Acne often comes back after you stop medication because the underlying causes of the condition do not go away. Medications like isotretinoin, known as Accutane, clear the body quickly, usually in about one week, but they only temporarily change how your skin works.[1] These drugs shrink oil glands to cut down on sebum, the oily substance that clogs pores and leads to pimples. While this keeps acne away during treatment and even for a while after, the glands can start working again over time, letting oil build up once more.[1]
Hormones play a big part in why acne returns. Higher levels of androgens, which are male hormones present in everyone, boost oil production and clog pores.[2][3] In women, this can happen from hormone imbalances, birth control changes, pregnancy, or conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. These issues often cause breakouts along the jawline or chin, and they keep going even if medication stops the visible pimples.[3]
Diet and lifestyle factors make acne worse too. Foods high in dairy or sugar, like milk, sodas, or sweets, can trigger flares by raising insulin and oil levels.[3] Stress, poor sleep, or using the wrong skincare products can clog pores or irritate skin, bringing acne back faster.[2][3] Washing your face too much might even harm the skin barrier, making it produce more oil to protect itself.[3]
Not all acne returns right away. With Accutane, oil levels stay low for months, lowering the chance of quick relapse.[1] But for milder medications like antibiotics or topical creams, acne can bounce back sooner since they do not fix root problems like hormones or glands as deeply.[4] Doctors often suggest ongoing care, such as low-dose treatments or hormone therapies, to keep skin clear longer.[3][4]
Sources
https://dermondemand.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-for-accutane-to-leave-the-system/
https://www.pristyncare.com/consult/what-are-the-most-common-reasons-for-acne/
https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/acne-over-30
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525949/
