Will pimples go away on their own?

Jun 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am 22 years old and would like to know whether acne will go away on its own.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin

In general, if acne is mild or caused by hormonal changes during puberty or menstruation, and proper skincare is maintained, including keeping the skin clean, following a light diet, avoiding late nights, and ensuring adequate sleep, acne may gradually fade on its own. However, if acne is severe, or if proper skincare is neglected, and spicy or irritating foods are frequently consumed—leading to increased sebum production and clogged hair follicles—the acne may persist or even worsen, presenting as cystic acne, which is unlikely to resolve spontaneously and may become infected.

For persistent or recurrent acne, it is recommended to seek professional advice from a dermatologist. The doctor may prescribe medications, physical treatments, or biologic therapies based on the individual patient's condition. Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, refraining from squeezing pimples, and using gentle skincare products, can also help control the occurrence and progression of acne.

The formation of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and acne scars is closely related to skin inflammation. It is important to maintain proper cleansing and hydration in daily skincare and to avoid using irritating cosmetics. It is advisable to choose mild facial cleansers, exfoliate regularly, maintain the skin's oil-water balance, and reduce the formation of post-acne marks and scars.