What is the cause of acne? Why is not reducing ? - #10736
I have comodogenic acne on my cheeks and forehead and pustules acne also ,I don't the cause of the acne and I am using salicylic face wash and mositurizer as a glycerine and rose water and Tulsi water as a toner but I think my skin is sensitive please help me in this.
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Hello dear Please follow below instructions Use aloevera gel topically for 1 month Use glycerine - mint solution Try aziderm 10 percent In case of no improvement kindly contact dermatologist Regards
🔍 Why You May Be Getting Acne:
Acne happens when:
Pores get clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin, or bacteria.
Hormonal changes (like puberty, stress, menstrual cycle, or PCOS) increase oil production.
Comedogenic products (that clog pores) make it worse.
Sensitive skin can get inflamed easily, especially with harsh or wrong products.
❗ Possible Reasons Your Acne Isn’t Reducing:
1. Salicylic acid alone may not be enough – It helps unclog pores, but won’t control bacteria or deep inflammation.
2. Glycerine + rose water + Tulsi water – While natural, they aren’t always effective and could irritate sensitive skin.
3. Comedogenic ingredients in moisturizers or hair products can trigger breakouts.
4. No targeted anti-acne treatment like benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, or retinoids.
5. Skin barrier damage from over-washing, toners, or DIY treatments.
6. Diet, stress, and hormones could be contributing too.
✅ What You Can Do Now:
1. Keep a Simple Routine (AM & PM)
Cleanser: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic salicylic acid cleanser (not more than 2%).
Moisturizer: Switch to a non-comedogenic, fragrance-free one (like Cetaphil or Simple).
Toner: Stop rose/Tulsi water for now if your skin is sensitive.
Sun Protection: Use an oil-free SPF every day (yes, even indoors).
2. Add Treatment Step
Try Niacinamide serum (2-5%) – calming, reduces inflammation and oil.
Add Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%) at night on affected areas for pustules.
If acne is severe or hormonal, adapalene (a mild retinoid) may help (only at night, introduce slowly).
3. Important Tips
Avoid scrubs, DIY masks, or too many products.
Use clean pillowcases, avoid touching your face.
Manage stress, and hydrate well.
Hello Kindly visit a dermatologist in clinic to evaluate causes of acne Don’t use any products prescribed here. Consult evaluate and get Chemical peels done for faster clearance of acne. Don’t use any random facewash for face.
Hello Megha, having multiple comedones, pustules and nodular acne point towards severe form of acne. This necessitates using medications either antibiotics or isotretinoin in addition to good facial hygiene. In addition to this, some people’s facial skin could be sensitive to milk based diets which could trigger inflammation. You could try eliminating milk based products except curd from your diet. Stress could also exacerbate and maintain acne, so managing stress is one of the important things to do to reduce acne. Kindly consult dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment. Regards.
Hello megha I would suggest you to visit your endocrinologist as possible you have pcod causing pimple and acne out break
For now you can Tab Azithromycin 500 mg for 5 days Clindamycin ointment over pimple in morning and afternoon Benzoyl peroxide on only spot at night
Test that needs to be done Cbc USG abdomen and pelvis Fsh lh prolactin Thyroid profile
One more .is your period regular? Thank and follow up
Your comedonal and pustular acne, along with sensitive skin, may be getting irritated by homemade toners like tulsi water and rose water, which can trigger reactions. Stick to your salicylic acid face wash, but switch to a non-comedogenic, fragrance-free moisturizer (like CeraVe or Bioderma), and avoid natural toners for now. Please consult a dermatologist to identify the root cause and get a tailored treatment, which may include mild retinoids or antibiotic creams.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.