Why Most Acne Treatments Only Work Temporarily — and What Lasts

Acne is one of the most frustrating skin conditions because it often feels like a moving target. Just when you think you’ve figured out what works, your skin changes—or the breakouts come back worse than before. If you’ve been on this cycle of trial and error, you’ve probably wondered: Is there such a thing as a permanent acne solution? Or are all treatments just temporary fixes?

Let’s explore what makes some acne treatments short-term band-aids and others long-term solutions—and how to choose the right approach for your skin.

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY “TEMPORARY” VS. “PERMANENT”?

When we talk about acne treatments being temporary, we mean that they only keep acne under control while you’re using them. Once you stop, breakouts usually return. These treatments are typically aimed at managing symptoms rather than fixing the root cause.

Permanent treatments, on the other hand, target the underlying mechanisms that cause acne in the first place—like overactive oil glands or hormonal imbalances. These approaches aim to reduce or eliminate acne long-term, even after you stop active treatment.

TEMPORARY ACNE TREATMENTS

1. TOPICAL PRODUCTS (OTC OR PRESCRIPTION)

Most creams, gels, and serums—including benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene, and clindamycin—are effective at reducing breakouts while you’re using them. But if you stop, your acne often comes right back. Why? Because they don’t actually change your skin’s oil production or how your pores function. They’re managing flare-ups—not preventing future ones.

Topical treatments are valuable, especially for mild to moderate acne. But think of them like brushing your teeth: you need to keep using them consistently to maintain results.

2. ORAL ANTIBIOTICS

Oral antibiotics like doxycycline or minocycline work by reducing inflammation and the C. acnes bacteria that contribute to breakouts. They’re often used for moderate to severe acne.

But they come with a big caveat: they’re not meant for long-term use. Most dermatologists recommend staying on them for 3–6 months at most. Over time, your skin can become resistant, and stopping the medication often leads to relapse.

3. HORMONAL MEDICATIONS

Options like birth control pills or spironolactone work by regulating hormones that trigger oil production. They can be incredibly effective for hormonal acne, especially in adult women.

Still, these are maintenance medications. If you stop taking them, your hormones return to baseline—and your acne may come back.

4. FACIALS, EXTRACTIONS, AND CHEMICAL PEELS

These in-office treatments help improve skin texture, reduce pore congestion, and calm active breakouts. They can offer fast relief and improve the appearance of your skin.

But again—they don’t change your skin’s behavior long-term. You’ll likely need to repeat them regularly to maintain results.

WHAT COUNTS AS A “PERMANENT” ACNE TREATMENT?

Now for the big question: Can acne ever be truly cured?

The truth is, no treatment can guarantee that you’ll never get another pimple again. But some treatments do change the way your skin functions, offering long-lasting (and often permanent) improvement. These powerful treatments are considered the closest thing to a “cure” for treatment-resistant acne.

1. ISOTRETINOIN (ACCUTANE®)

Isotretinoin works by shrinking the oil glands themselves, dramatically reducing oil production and making it harder for acne to form.

About 85% of people who complete a full course see long-term clearance. However, side effects can be significant (dry skin, joint pain, mood changes, and the need for monthly blood tests and birth control for women). And some people do experience a relapse and need a second course later.

2. AVICLEAR® LASER TREATMENT

AviClear® is the first ever FDA-cleared laser that targets the oil glands directly—without the side effects of medication. Like isotretinoin, it works by shrinking the sebaceous glands, which means less oil, fewer clogged pores, and dramatically fewer breakouts.

It’s a series of just three 30-minute treatments and most people see up to 97% clearance within 9–12 months after finishing their last session.

Unlike temporary treatments, AviClear® doesn’t just control acne—it actually changes the way your skin behaves.

WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

IF YOU’RE DEALING WITH OCCASIONAL BREAKOUTS…

A temporary treatment may be all you need. A consistent skincare routine with over-the-counter or prescription topicals might keep your skin clear.

IF YOU’VE BEEN CYCLING THROUGH TREATMENTS FOR YEARS…

You’re likely ready for something more permanent. If you’ve tried antibiotics, spironolactone, or even Accutane® and you’re still breaking out—or the side effects were too much—then it’s time to consider a long-term fix like AviClear®.

WHY TEMPORARY FIXES CAN FEEL SO FRUSTRATING

We hear it all the time at CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers: “I’ve tried everything, and nothing works.”

But what most people have tried are temporary solutions—the creams, pills, facials, and peels that treat the symptoms, not the source. They can work great in the short term, but they don’t stop the acne from coming back. That’s where the frustration lies.

What’s different about permanent treatments like AviClear® is that they address the root of the problem: oil glands that are stuck in overdrive. Once you calm those glands down, your skin doesn’t just get better—it stays better.

A WORD ON EXPECTATIONS

Even permanent treatments aren’t instant.

For example, AviClear® results develop gradually over 9–12 months. Isotretinoin takes about the same amount of time. That means you may still experience flare-ups along the way. But the difference is that you’re moving toward long-term relief—not just managing breakouts one week at a time.

THE BOTTOM LINE: YOU DESERVE LONG-TERM RESULTS

At CLEAR Acne Treatment Centers, we specialize in helping people finally break free from the acne cycle. If you’re tired of temporary fixes that only work as long as you use them, AviClear® may be the solution you’ve been searching for.

It’s safe, non-invasive, and truly life-changing for many of our clients.

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