Many people in Ghana struggle with acne that refuses to go away, even after using strong creams, antibiotics, facial products, or after seeing a dermatologist. This can be frustrating, embarrassing, and emotionally draining. But recurring or worsening acne usually has a clear explanation.

In this guide, we break down the real reasons your acne keeps coming back, what mistakes you may not know you’re making, and what actually works based on dermatology best practices.

1. You’re Treating the Symptoms, Not the Root Cause

Most over-the-counter creams only dry out pimples on the surface.
But acne is caused by deeper issues:

Excess oil production
Clogged pores
Bacteria
Inflammation
Hormonal imbalances

If the underlying cause is not addressed, the pimples will keep returning no matter what cream you use.

2. Hormones May Be Triggering Your Breakouts

Hormonal acne is extremely common, especially in:

Women with irregular periods
People with PCOS
People under stress
Teenagers
Adults in their late 20s to 30s

If your acne gets worse:

Around your period
On your jawline
On your chin
During stressful weeks

…then hormones are likely involved, and topical creams alone won’t solve it. You may need oral medications, hormone evaluation or lifestyle changes guided by a specialist.

3. The Creams You’re Using May Be Too Harsh

Many people unknowingly damage their skin barrier with:

Excessive exfoliating
High-strength benzoyl peroxide every day
Harsh soaps or black soaps
Toothpaste on pimples
Alcohol-based toners

When the skin barrier is damaged, the skin becomes:

Inflamed
Dry
More acne-prone

This often makes acne worse instead of better.

4. You’re Mixing Too Many Products

A common mistake is using:

A scrub
A face mask
A toner
Acne cream
A brightening cream
A bleaching cream
A moisturizer
Sunscreen

…all in one week.

This confuses the skin, causes irritation, and worsens acne.

Acne treatment needs consistency, not overload.

5. Diet and Lifestyle Are Affecting Your Skin

While food doesn’t directly “cause” acne, it can trigger breakouts.

Common triggers include:

Sugary drinks
White bread, pastries
Milk and dairy products
Junk food
Energy drinks
Oily street foods
Too little sleep
Stress

If you notice breakouts after certain foods, they may be part of the problem.

6. Your Routine Keeps Changing

Switching products every week or every month prevents your skin from improving.

Acne treatment requires 6–12 weeks minimum to show full results.
If you keep changing creams because “it’s not working after one week,” you’ll never see improvement.

7. You’re Not Using the Right Medication Strength

Sometimes the treatments used are:

Too weak
Not suitable for your skin type
Incorrectly combined
Applied at the wrong time
Used inconsistently

This is why dermatologists customize plans with:

Retinoids
Antibiotics
Benzoyl peroxide
Azelaic acid
Chemical peels
Acne facials
Oral medications (in severe cases)

8. You Might Have a Different Condition That Looks Like Acne

Not every bump is acne.

Conditions that mimic acne include:

Fungal acne
Skin allergies
Contact dermatitis
Rosacea
Hormonal cysts
Heat rash

If the wrong treatment is used, the condition gets worse — not better.

This is why accurate diagnosis is key.

9. You’re Picking or Touching Your Face

Picking pimples:

Pushes bacteria deeper
Causes more inflammation
Leaves dark marks
Creates new pimples
Slows down healing

Even leaning your face on your hands can trigger breakouts.

10. You Need a More Comprehensive Treatment Plan

Acne, especially moderate to severe types, often needs:

A combination of 2–4 treatments
Routine adjustments
Peels or facials
Oral medications
Lifestyle changes
Follow-up visits

One cream is rarely enough.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

Book a professional evaluation if:

Your acne keeps worsening
You get painful cystic pimples
Your creams stop working
You’re left with dark spots or scars
You’ve had acne for more than 6–12 months

Early treatment prevents long-term marks and scarring.

Conclusion

If your acne keeps getting worse despite creams and hospital visits, the issue is usually deeper than the products you’re applying. Acne is complex — involving hormones, lifestyle, skin barrier health, and sometimes underlying medical conditions.

With the right diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan, most people see dramatic improvement in just a few weeks.