I started my treatment plan and my acne is getting worse! What should I do?

Unfortunately, you may experience purging (an increase in breakouts) when first starting out on your acne treatment. However, once your skin adjusts to treatment, you will start to see improvements. If your worsening is mild, you should continue treatment and your acne should improve.

If you experience a moderate-to-severe flare or feel your symptoms are more intense than expected, you should submit a follow-up visit with your provider. Your dermatology provider may prescribe additional medication to help you through the purge, or may prescribe a gentler topical treatment.

Please keep in mind that acne has its own natural fluctuations. While acne is mainly caused by genetic and hormonal factors, other factors such as diet, stress, and cyclical hormonal fluctuations also play a role. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are important.