how much time acne take to go away - #20353
I am struggling with acne and feeling really frustrated. A few months ago, I noticed some small bumps start appearing on my face, and then they just exploded into this larger breakout. Like, it’s literally all over my forehead and cheeks! I’ve tried a few over-the-counter creams, but I don’t see too much improvement. A friend told me that sometimes acne takes forever to clear up, but how much time does acne take to go away? Like, am I looking at weeks, months? I just need to know how much time acne take to go away because it's seriously starting to impact my confidence. I've read that diet can play a role too. I'm trying to eat healthier, but am I doing it wrong? I went to a dermatologist who prescribed some oral meds but I've only been on them 2 weeks, and still no sign of my skin getting better. How much time does acne take to go away with treatment? What if it doesn’t work? Is it normal to feel this stressed about it? I just want my skin to be clear again!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
The duration it takes for acne to clear up can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, including the severity of the acne, treatment approach, and individual skin type. There’s no straightforward answer, but mild cases of acne might start to improve over the course of a few weeks with the right over-the-counter treatments. However, if it’s more persistent, like what you’re experiencing, and has spread significantly on your forehead and cheeks, it might take a few months to notice significant improvements once you start on prescription treatments. Oral medications like antibiotics or hormonal treatments indeed can take several weeks to show noticeable results; patience is essential here. Two weeks is generally too early to draw conclusions about their effectiveness, so it’s important to continue the regimen as prescribed and follow up with your dermatologist for reassessment if you don’t see improvements after 3 months. In terms of diet, while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, maintaining a balanced diet low in high-glycemic-index foods and dairy might help some individuals, though it’s not guaranteed to work for all. Unlike the common myths, dietary changes should be seen as a part of overall lifestyle modifications rather than the single solution to acne. Additionally, stress, which you mentioned feeling, can exacerbate acne, though dealing with stress effectively could be beneficial in managing it. Don’t hesitate to discuss these concerns openly with your dermatologist; they can adjust treatments, offer specific advice, or check on any underlying conditions. Overall, consistent adherence to the treatment plan and regular follow-ups are crucial. If stress is overwhelming, it may be valuable to incorporate stress management strategies like exercise, meditation, or talking to a mental health professional, as these could indirectly aid skin health.
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.