These lesions can take a long time to heal and may leave permanent scars if not treated appropriately.

A dermatologist can distinguish nodular acne from other skin conditions and determine whether prescription medication or another medical treatment is necessary.

3. Your Adult Acne Keeps Coming Back

Acne doesn’t automatically disappear after your teenage years.

Many adults experience recurring breakouts, particularly around the chin, jawline, cheeks, and lower face.

Adult acne may be influenced by several factors, including:

• Hormonal fluctuations.
• Genetics and family history.
• Certain medications.
• Stress and lifestyle factors.
• Skincare or cosmetic products that clog pores.
• Underlying medical conditions in some individuals.

If your acne repeatedly returns despite using appropriate skincare products, a dermatologist can help identify possible contributing factors.

It is also important to remember that adult acne is not necessarily caused by poor hygiene. Washing your face excessively or scrubbing aggressively can irritate your skin.

4. Your Acne Is Leaving Permanent Scars or Dark Spots

One of the most important reasons to seek professional acne treatment is the development of scars.

Severe inflammation can damage the skin and leave different types of acne scars, including:

• Ice-pick scars: Small, deep indentations in the skin.
• Rolling scars: Uneven areas that create a wavy skin texture.
• Boxcar scars: Wider depressions with defined edges.
• Raised scars: Thickened areas of scar tissue.

Some people also develop dark marks after pimples heal. These are commonly known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Although dark marks may gradually fade, certain acne scars can be permanent.

Early treatment of inflammatory acne can help reduce the risk of lasting skin damage.

5. Over-the-Counter Acne Products Are Not Working

Drugstore acne cleansers, creams, and gels can help manage mild breakouts.

Common ingredients include:

• Benzoyl peroxide.
• Salicylic acid.
• Adapalene.
• Azelaic acid.

However, these products are not equally effective for every type of acne.

If you have consistently used an appropriate acne treatment for several weeks without improvement, consider arranging a dermatology appointment.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends allowing many acne treatments approximately six to eight weeks to show improvement, although the appropriate timeframe depends on the treatment.