When it comes to treating acne, even the best products won’t deliver results if they’re not used correctly.

Many people unintentionally make simple mistakes that can slow progress, render a treatment ineffective, or even make their acne worse.

Here are the most common acne treatment mistakes — and how to avoid them.

1. Not persisting with a treatment long enough.

Patience is key when it comes to acne treatment. There is no treatment that will deliver overnight results, so it’s important to wait at least 6 weeks for any treatment to deliver an improvement. If you then notice positive changes, continue using the treatment.

2. Trying too many products at the same time. 

Avoid adding more treatments to Dr Mayson’s Anti-Acne Program if you don’t see results within a few days or weeks. Introducing more products could irritate your skin and force you to pause the entire program. Stick to the recommended directions.

3. Over-scrubbing or over-cleansing the skin.

Acne is not caused by unclean skin, so scrubbing or over-cleansing won’t help. In fact, excessive cleansing can damage the skin's protective barrier, leading to irritation, redness, sensitivity, and worsening of your acne. Gentle care is key to maintaining healthy skin and managing acne effectively.

4. Using the wrong skincare products and makeup on acne-prone skin.

Occlusive agents in makeup, skincare, and sunscreens can clog pores and worsen acne — and sometimes, even be the sole cause of it. Always choose non-comedogenic skincare products, only use oil-free foundations, and avoid powder compacts which typically contain large-sized oils. Use loose dusting powder instead.

5. Picking and squeezing at pimples.

Squeezing pimples can push the inflammatory contents deeper into the skin and cause acne scarring. Avoid squeezing and allow the pimple to heal naturally.

6. Waiting too long to seek an effective treatment.

Delaying effective acne treatment can lead to significant social, psychological, and long-term effects such as disfiguring acne scarring. Early intervention is crucial to prevent skin damage and emotional distress.

7. Over-using, under-using, and 'spot treatments'.

Always follow your acne treatment instructions carefully.

• Over-using it won’t speed up results and could cause irritation, redness, or flaking.
• Under-using - like forgetting or stopping too early - will prevent full improvement.
• Spot treatments are to be avoided. Apply the lotion to your whole face, not just the areas with pimples because you’re missing the adjacent areas where other pimples could be brewing.

8. Stopping the treatment as soon as the acne starts to clear.

The key to clearer skin is ongoing maintenance to prevent acne from returning. Consistent care and following the right skincare advice are essential for achieving and maintaining long-term results. Dr Mayson's Anti-Acne Program - Maintenance Formula after the 3-step Program is an excellent way to maintain your skin's clarity and reduce the chances of future breakouts.