9 Things to Try When Acne Won’t Clear, According to Dermatologists

Tried just about every acne treatment to get rid of acne but to no avail? Don’t despair. To see clearer skin, you probably just need some changes with consistency.

The following tips from dermatologists can help you get started.


1. Remind me, what causes acne?

At the root of all acne is a clogged pore.

Acne occurs when the pores of your skin become blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria - such as:

  • Too much oil is produced by your follicles
  • Dead skin cells accumulate in your pores
  • Bacteria build up in your pores

The good news is over 95% of the people who have acne can treat using non-prescription products without paying big bucks to see a dermatologist or aesthetician.

Here are the best acne treatments for occasional to moderate acne:

  • Retinoids - The primary tools¹ which dermatologists use to treat breakouts.

    A derivative of vitamin A, they are well researched to promote skin renewal, reduce blemishes and boost your skin’s collagen production. Retinol is a gentle variant of retinoids ².
  • AZA - It’s a mystery why some great skincare ingredients fly under the radar.

    A great deal of research has shown that AZA can significantly diminish the appearance of skin blemishes, help fade post-acne marks and other discolorations, refine skin’s surface, and reveal a more even skin tone³.
  • Salicylic acid - This helps clear mild acne, inflammation and unclogs pores⁴. It comes OTC in lower doses, but you can also get it from a doctor.

    Avoid cleansers with this ingredient as they don't stay long enough on the skin.
  • Benzoyl peroxide - This fights P. acnes bacteria that causes pimples⁵.

    But it isn’t without its downsides. The leave-on creams and cleansing treatments can dry out sensitive skin and bleach clothing if you aren’t careful. Best to stick to formulations that have no more than 2% of it.

Consider Clear Out Clarifying Lotion. It uses pharma-grade* retinol and AZA to perpetually flush out clogs from your pores. The AZA is also very effective in flattening existing pimples.

*Pharma-grade ingredients are certified by US Pharmacopeia standards a level of purity and potency which cosmetic grade ingredients do not provide.

See what others say about Clear Out...

Mim (@acneisntugly), a teacher from Southampton, battled hormonal cystic acne for over 6 years before she tried Clear Out

Individual results may vary

“Out of everything I’ve tried over the 6 years I’ve battle acne on and off it’s by far stood out as being one of the most effective with no side effects (after the initial “purge”). I’ve used nothing but Clearly Basics for 12 months now and it still exceeds my expectations!”


Bea (@beas.bareskin), a student from California, who has tried almost everything from prescription medication, chemical peels to a long list of brands (Clean & Clear, Clearasil, Proactiv, St. Ives, etc.) ...which didn't work, until Clear Out.

Individual results may vary

"My skin looks so good now! I've had a few of my classmates tell me my skin texture looks so nice and even now. 😊
As an acne survivor, I'll never recommend a product if it's not effective. If any of you are wondering what products I use that have been giving me positive results, it's the Clearly Basics' full lineup."


2. Give any product or treatment you are trying at least 8 weeks to work

Using a new acne product every few days may seem useful, but that approach can worsen acne. Clearing clogs needs time to work. Using a different product every few days may irritate your skin, causing new breakouts.

Try 1 or 2 products, and give them time to work. Trying too many products can stress your skin, worsening acne.

If a treatment works for you, you should notice some improvement in 4 to 6 weeks. However, for some people, it can take 2 to 3 months or longer to see clearing.

If you notice improvement, don't stop. Even when you see clearing, you'll want to keep using the product or treatment. This helps to prevent new breakouts.


98% of users saw an improvement after a bottle of Clear Out. It carries a 90-day money back guarantee so if you don’t see a noticeable results after a bottle, you will get a full refund T&Cs apply.

Note: If you have very severe acne, you'll need to visit a dermatologist. Acne products over the counter won't be able to treat very severe acne.

3. Only wash your face twice a day

Acne-prone skin is usually sensitive. Washing more than twice a day can irritate your skin, making acne worse.

For best results, dermatologists recommend washing your face when:

  • You wake up
  • You're ready to go to bed
  • It gets sweaty

Find a simple and gentle cleanser that will wash off the day’s grime, sweat, and pollution. If your skin is “squeaky clean” after washing your face, your cleanser may be too strong.

If your skin tends to be dry, look for a soap-free, cream-based cleanser. For oily skin, go for a foaming cleanser more effective at reducing the oil.

4. Choose skincare products and cosmetics that don’t cause acne

Yes, you do need to moisturize, even if you have acne. Skipping this critical step may leave you plagued with rough, flaky, and red patches, which only brings more attention to your breakouts.

However, it's crucial to use skincare/cosmetic products that don't cause acne. Here's what you need to look out for.

Read the label carefully. On the package, you may see one of the following:

  • Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
  • Non-acnegenic
  • Oil free

If you have oily skin, consider the SH+ Matte Hydrating Serum. It breaks the vicious cycle (clogged pores -> more oil production -> more clogged pores) by properly hydrating your skin.

If you have dry, sensitive or combination skin, consider the Protective Peptide Moisturizer. It helps to repair the skin barrier that's damaged from drying acne products and medications.

5. Follow instructions/directions

While using any Over The Counter (OTC) acne treatment can seem pretty straightforward, how much you use and how often you use it can make a huge difference.

Be sure to follow the instructions/directions!

6. Stop scrubbing your face!

If your skin feels greasy, dirty, or grimy, you may be tempted to scrub it clean. Don’t!

Scrubbing can irritate acne-prone skin, which worsens acne.

7. Resist touching, picking, and popping your acne

Popping a pimple may seem like the fastest way to clear it, but popping it can actually make things worse. We can't stress this enough.

Every time you touch, pick, or pop, you can worsen acne.

8. Wash your pillowcases, hats, and other things that touch your acne-prone skin

Dead skin cells, bacteria, and dirt will build up on these surfaces, which can clog your pores. Washing what touches your acne-prone skin can prevent this.

Changing your sheets every week and your pillowcase twice a week can make a difference.

9. Enlist a dermatologist's help

If you still have acne after trying these tips — or you have acne cysts or nodules (deep blemishes that leave scars when they clear) — you probably need to visit a dermatologist.

With today's acne treatments and a dermatologist's expertise, virtually every case of acne can be cleared. A dermatologist can tailor a treatment plan to your unique needs.

References:
1. James Leyden et al, 2017 : Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne
2. Marissa Laliberte : Retinol-vs.-Retinoids
3. Paula Begoun : Everything You Need to Know About AZA for Skin
4. Kristeen Cherney, 2019 : Salicylic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide: Which Is Better for Acne?
5. Jessica Cruel, 2019 : 12 Acne Treatments That Really Work, According to Dermatologists


Back to blog
Based on 2976 reviews
83%
(2469)
12%
(360)
3%
(96)
1%
(26)
1%
(25)

I really love this moisturizer and have been using it for over a year now. Every once in a while i will try something new but i keep coming back to this one. Its the best!

Improvement

Have been using for a few weeks now and notice an improvement in texture and firmness. You don’t have to use a lot, so it lasts. Will likely order another jar when my supply is used!

Amazing Neck Cream. Visible results.

I’m in love with this neck cream. My neck is left moisturised and toned. I can definitely see the lifting effect immediately.

Great product

I was very pleasantly surprised to notice a difference in the appearance of my neck after using this product.

The BEST! ❤️

Best night cream ever!!!

Can't live without it

Drastic results. I'm very self conscious of my neck. Big improvement with daily use.

GAME CHANGER!!

I've suffered from a slight double-chin that is pronounced when I'm talking/using my voice in any way and is worsened by water retention. After using this product for over a week, my jawline is WAY more defined

The best cream for the neck!

I like that I don't have to use a lot for my neck, it has a great consistency and you can see the effects.

I love the results I’ve

I love the results I’ve seen. The size of the purchase was a great value also!!

Really seemed to work within

Really seemed to work within a few days with only a small amount required. I’ve now ordered the large one

Phenomenal results!

Have been using the neck cream for months. It has helped to prevent deep lines.

This product is amazing… worked right away

Ive been using this product

Ive been using this product for a few months and Im addicted. It truly works and I recommend it.

Since using the Advanced Tightening

Since using the Advanced Tightening Neck cream my neck is firmer and more smooth.

Nice hydrating cream

Got it at Costco in a two pack. Very hydrating and gives glow.

Love this. There are not

Love this. There are not many brands that focus solely on a neck cream. It’s extremely smooth when applying and you only need a small amount as goes a long way.

Excellent

Only a sample size. But it was lovely to use Would purchase

Neck cream lovely to use

Pleasant to use, feel I am doing all I can to combat this sagging area by using this great product! I am also using it on my décolletage area.

Smooth and amazing

This cream is amazing making my next smoother and so much younger looking!!!

Best neck cream I’ve tried

This cream is fantastic, tried many other brands and by far the best, the cream has a silky consistency and glided on the skin, very worth while purchase

Love all the products in

Love all the products in the clearly range my grandson put me onto it telling me how good it was

Emotional uplifting

So glad I bought the neck cream. I was on medication that that swelled my face and neck. I needed this after the med wore off to revitalize the skin.

neck cream

What a difference. I took pictures and you can see the difference especially around my chin. I use the light weight cream for sensitive skin. Now i'm going to order more.