One of the most common questions in consultation is some version of: "I've tried everything, why won't my acne go away?" Usually, the answer is that "everything" was aimed at the wrong target.
Start with the pattern, not the product
Acne isn't one condition — it's a family of related problems that can look similar on the surface. Comedonal acne (blackheads, whiteheads), inflammatory acne (red, tender bumps), and cystic acne (deep, painful nodules) often need different treatment intensities, and hormonal acne along the jawline responds to a different approach than acne triggered by clogged pores alone.
The three levers we work with
Topical treatment — retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and other topical actives remain the foundation for mild to moderate acne, and are often underused simply because patients haven't been shown how to use them consistently without irritation.
Oral treatment — for hormonal or more extensive acne, oral medication (in some cases including hormonal therapy) can address the acne at a level topical treatment can't reach.
In-clinic procedures — chemical peels, laser, and other procedures accelerate improvement and help manage the marks acne leaves behind, particularly useful alongside a topical or oral plan rather than as a stand-alone fix.
What actually determines success
Consistency matters more than intensity. A moderate routine followed correctly for three months will outperform an aggressive routine abandoned after three weeks out of frustration or irritation. That's why the plans we build are calibrated to what a patient can actually sustain — not just what would theoretically work fastest.
If your acne hasn't responded to what you've tried, it's worth a proper diagnostic conversation rather than another over-the-counter product. Book a consultation to talk through your specific pattern.