What is the primary reason antibiotics fail to provide long-term solutions for acne?

The primary reason antibiotics fail to provide long-term solutions for acne is that acne is not inherently a bacterial issue. While Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is associated with acne, the condition itself is multifaceted, involving factors such as excessive oil production, clogged pores, hormonal fluctuations, and inflammation.

Antibiotics can reduce the bacterial load and provide some temporary relief, but they do not address the underlying causes of acne. Because the root issues—such as skin cell turnover and hormonal imbalances—remain unaddressed, any improvements seen with antibiotics are often not sustained over time. This limitation highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to acne treatment that focuses on all contributing factors, rather than solely targeting bacterial infection.

Antibiotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and their efficacy diminishes when the other underlying causes of acne are not considered and treated appropriately.