Why Pimples Keep Coming Back — Even After You Treat Them

Few things are more frustrating than dealing with pimples that just won’t stay away. You try creams, face washes, and even change your diet — only for new breakouts to appear days later. Persistent pimples are often a sign that the root cause hasn’t been addressed. Let’s understand why they keep coming back and what you can do to stop them for good.

1. Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormones play a major role in triggering acne. During puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or stress, your body produces excess androgens, which increase oil (sebum) production. This extra oil clogs pores and creates the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive.

2. Excessive Oil and Clogged Pores

Even if you wash your face daily, excessive cleansing or using the wrong products can dry your skin, prompting it to produce more oil to compensate. This oil mixes with dead skin cells, blocking pores and causing pimples to return repeatedly.

3. Using the Wrong Skincare Products

Heavy, oil-based creams, or makeup can block pores and worsen breakouts. Always check for “non-comedogenic” labels when buying skincare or cosmetics — these products are less likely to clog pores.

4. Bacterial Growth

When pores are clogged with oil and dead cells, they become a breeding ground for Propionibacterium acnes — bacteria that trigger inflammation, redness, and pus-filled pimples. Without controlling bacterial growth, breakouts will likely recur.

5. Poor Diet Choices

Foods high in sugar, dairy, or processed fats can spike insulin levels, which in turn increases sebum production. This makes your skin oilier and more prone to acne. Try including fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains in your diet instead.

6. Touching Your Face Frequently

Constantly touching or picking at your face spreads bacteria and irritates the skin, causing pimples to worsen or reappear in the same spots. Make it a habit to avoid touching your face unnecessarily.

7. Stress and Lack of Sleep

Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that increases oil production in the skin. Combined with poor sleep, this can throw off your body’s balance and cause chronic acne flare-ups.

8. Dirty Pillowcases and Towels

Oil, sweat, and bacteria from your face and hair collect on your pillowcase and towels. If not changed regularly, they can transfer back to your skin, causing repeated breakouts. Wash pillowcases at least twice a week.

9. Genetics

Sometimes, persistent acne runs in families. If one or both parents dealt with chronic pimples, your skin might be genetically predisposed to excess oil production and slower healing.

10. Environmental Factors

Pollution, humidity, and sweat can mix with oil on your skin, clogging pores. Always cleanse your face after exposure to outdoor environments and avoid harsh soaps that strip natural moisture.

Ayurvedic Perspective: Balancing Skin from Within

In Ayurveda, recurring pimples are often linked to an imbalance in Pitta dosha, which represents heat and metabolism in the body. To balance this, Ayurveda recommends consuming cooling foods like cucumber, coriander, and aloe vera, and using herbal remedies such as neem, turmeric, and manjistha to purify the blood and detoxify the skin naturally.

For powerful health transformation stories, subscribe to the Ayushakti YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/AyushaktiTV

For regular health tips & updates, visit Ayushakti’s Social Media Pages: 

• Facebook – Ayushakti Ayurved | Facebook
• Instagram – Ayushakti Ayurved (@ayushakti)
• Pinterest – ayushaktiayurveda

Get all the updates about Ayushakti Ayurved on WhatsApp directly. Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel

Ayushakti's mission is to help people in every way possible. Our Ayurvedic experts are available to give you a consultation either over the phone or through a video consultation. We recommend customised diets, home remedies, and detox therapies to help you recover from health problems. Book your consultation now!

If you would like to know the location or visit one of our centres, please click here: https://www.ayushakti.com/home/p/contact

For more information, write to us at info@ayushakti.com or call our toll-free numbers: 18002663001 (India) and +18002800906 (Global). 

Blog Author: Dr. Hemang Parekh

Expert Review: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram 

Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying or consuming any medicines, home remedies or treatments mentioned in this blog. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease