If your skin isn’t clearing within the expected timeframe—or if it clears and then flares again—it’s time to put on our acne detective hats. When progress stalls, there’s always a reason. Acne doesn’t plateau randomly.
The good news?
In most cases, small adjustments—not drastic changes—are all that’s needed to get your skin back on track.
Below are the most common reasons we see clients struggle to get clear or stay clear.
1. Product Usage: Consistency Is Everything
Your skincare products do the majority of the work when it comes to clearing acne. When used exactly as prescribed, clients have an extremely high success rate.
If progress has slowed, ask yourself honestly:
Are you using your products every day, as directed?
Are you skipping steps or rushing through your routine?
Are you running out of products before replacing them?
Are you checking in regularly so we can adjust your routine?
Have you changed your routine without consulting your acne specialist?
Are you using any products your specialist doesn’t know about?
Are you wearing comedogenic makeup?
Are you using comedogenic hair care products?
Are you taking the supplements recommended for you?
Even one “small” inconsistency can keep acne active.
2. Lifestyle Habits That Quietly Trigger Acne
Lifestyle factors often fly under the radar—but they matter. Many of these were covered during your consultation and earlier Acne Lessons, and they’re worth revisiting if acne is lingering.
Consider whether any of the following apply:
Using fabric softener or dryer sheets
Consuming dairy, whey, or soy (including protein powders)
Eating iodized salt, seaweed, sushi, peanuts, or peanut butter
Taking supplements containing iodine, iodides, biotin, or high-dose B12
Using recreational substances, including cigarettes, cannabis, or vaping
Taking medications or having medical conditions not yet disclosed
Wearing hats, helmets, or shoulder pads regularly
Experiencing high or prolonged stress
Getting inadequate sleep
Using hormonal birth control or having recently started or stopped it
Acne is cumulative. These factors may not cause immediate breakouts—but over time, they can absolutely prevent clearing.
3. Hormones, Medications & Hidden Triggers
If your acne:
Started suddenly in adulthood
Worsened after a medication change
Appeared after starting or stopping birth control
Is concentrated along the jawline or neck
…hormones or medications may be part of the picture.
This doesn’t mean acne can’t be treated—but it does mean your plan may need refinement and patience.
3. Hormones, Medications & Hidden Triggers
Chronic stress and poor sleep increase cortisol, which:
Stimulates oil production
Slows skin healing
Increases inflammation
Even the best products can’t fully override constant stress or sleep deprivation. Supporting your nervous system supports your skin.
Why Acne Sometimes Comes Back
If your skin cleared and then flared again, it’s often due to:
Skipping products once skin “looks better”
Adding in non-acne-safe products
Lifestyle triggers creeping back in
Needing a protocol adjustment as skin adapts
Acne management is dynamic—not static.
We’re Here To Help
If you’re unsure what’s holding your skin back, don’t guess.
Reach out to your acne specialist as soon as possible. Together, we’ll:
Review your routine and usage
Identify hidden triggers
Make strategic adjustments
Get your progress moving again
You are not failing.
Your skin is communicating—and we know how to listen.
Clear, healthy skin is possible, and you don’t have to figure this out alone.
Struggling with breakouts?
Join the FREE AOS Clear Skin Club for expert acne guidance, routine support, and ongoing help from licensed estheticians.
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Author
Celine LeClerc
Celine LeClerc is a licensed esthetician, Certified Acne Specialist, and the lead esthetician at Art of Skin Care, where she also serves as the Director of Education and Research & Development. With 14 years of experience in the skincare industry, Celine is renowned for her deep expertise and exceptional ability to match clients with the most effective, results-driven skincare solutions.
Guided by a passion for innovation, Celine scours the globe in search of cutting-edge, science-backed products that deliver visible transformations while supporting skin health at every stage of life. Her expertise spans everything from clearing stubborn acne to creating advanced, holistic routines for healthy aging.
At Art of Skin Care, Celine leads with a commitment to education, training both clients and estheticians on the latest advancements in skincare. Her mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge, tools, and routines they need to achieve radiant, resilient skin without compromise.
