Probably everyone whose skin is prone to acne dreams of a acne treatment products that will work overnight. 

Sadly there is no magic ingredient to treating acne.

So you then ask yourself the follow up questions, how long will it take for my acne-prone skin to look normal?

However, in order to alleviate acne-prone skin, a certain period of time is necessary.

This is mainly because acne-prone skin is a genetic and hormonal challenge with complex mechanisms.

Read on to find out more.

Can I Get Rid of Acne Prone Skin Overnight?

Forget it.

Blemishes cannot be magicked away overnight.

Realistically, from days to weeks are needed to alleviate acne-prone skin.

But why you ask?

Acne-Prone Skin Is Partially Genetic!

Acne is a partially genetic condition: in other words, it runs in the family. It's due to some people's genetic predisposition to produce a lot of sebum (skin oil), which clogs pores and creates a breeding ground for pimple-causing bacteria.

No acne treatment can change your genes.

So, should you have the genetic predisposition, it will take longer for acne treatments to show their effects.

But don't lose hope!

With the right acne treatment and a good skincare routine, you will start to see changes in your acne. And avoid the urge to pop pimples.

Acne-Prone Skin Is Hormone Related

Mild or severe acne-prone skin can have many causes, such as dietary habits, lifestyle, or medication.

However, hormones are among the main cause for some people.

Therefore, acne-prone skin may increase during puberty and the female menstrual cycle.

Acne-prone skin is common: it affects 80% of teenagers and 40% of adults.

Hormones such as androgens are produced in the testicles of men and the ovaries of women. They stimulate the sebaceous glands of the skin, which can lead to increased sebum production (basically excess oil is produced on your skin).

Oily skin is in turn an optimal breeding ground for pimples. Increased sebum production can cause pores to clog more easily, which can lead to blemishes.

Since hormonal acne is a complex process, it takes time to alleviate.

One effective treatment for hormonal acne in women is the birth control pill. It balances hormones and can lead to clear skin. This option should be discussed with your doctor.

If you are male, or do not want to take the birth control pill, there are professional products available at the pharmacy that can help soften acne-prone skin. Even the most comprehensive solution can take a few weeks to work.

Acne-Prone Skin Can Become Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is a severe form of acne-prone skin with deep, tender, red and swollen pimples called acne cysts.

Because the lesions are especially prone to infection, treating cystic acne takes some time. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, such as doxycycline, to kill the bacteria responsible for the cystic acne infection.

In most severe cases, your doctor will prescribe a powerful medication called isotretinoin (Accutane) to reduce the skin's excessive sebum production, making it drier and less prone to pimples.

Both strategies take time to work. However, after about a month, your skin should become clearer.

Acne is Also Affected By Dry Skin

Pimples, blemishes, and blackheads are common with oily skin, but you can also be acne-prone with dry skin.

Even with dry skin, the acne mechanisms are basically the same.

Pores become clogged with dead skin cells and sebum, and can thus become a breeding ground for a bacterium called P. acnes, which can multiply in blocked pores and cause infections (in other words, pimples) there.

Treating dry skin prone to acne can take longer, as it is especially important to take a decidedly gentle approach. Harsh skincare products can attack the skin and make it sensitive, as well as cause redness and flaking.

One way to treat dry skin prone to acne is with a hemp face wash. Hemp seed oil is high in linoleic acid, which thins out the skin's sebum allowing it to be flushed from pores more easily. And hemp seed oil is hydrating too, so you'll get a thorough cleanse without over-drying.

Just as with other forms of acne-prone skin, patience is the key to effective treatment and to keep your skin hydrated.

How to Alleviate Acne breakouts

Acne prone skin is a chronic condition and can last for years, but with the right treatment you can get it under control in a matter of weeks. The trick is choosing the right treatment and then sticking with it!

Mitigating acne prone skin also starts with proper cleansing.

So When Will I Finally Get Rid Of My Pimples?

Pimples and blackheads always appear at the most inopportune moments. And of course, they can't be magicked away so easily. Whether on the face under makeup, on the chest, back, or other parts of the body, pimples are bad everywhere.

If the pimples are due to stress, medication, your diet or improper skincare, you have it in your own hands, so to speak, how long the pimples will stay. In addition, home remedies can help you in the fight against acne.

If a hormonal change is a reason, time helps on the one hand. And on the other hand, you can reduce skin irritation, redness, and itching within a few weeks with the right skin protection.

If you are more affected by fungal acne and have a lot of small pimples on your forehead that can't be squeezed, the typical blemish or acne treatments may not help.

It's best to talk to your doctor about possible therapy with antibiotics.

The Best Care for Acne-Prone Skin?

After cleansing, use a moisturizer for acne-prone skin. Some products combine active ingredients like salicylic acid to unclog pores, niacinamide to soothe irritation and vitamin C to prevent pimples. You can read more about these ingredients here.

There is no magic application to make pimples disappear overnight. But you can quickly calm irritation for a less reddened face and gradually soften your acne-prone skin for cleaner, more radiant skin in just a few weeks.