Overview

Acne can be frustrating and is not a skin condition that just affects teenagers. In fact, blackheads and whiteheads can affect you no matter your age, leaving you feeling self-conscious and lacking the clear skin you desire. However, many treatments are available for clearing up these mild forms of acne so you can soon put your best face forward.

Definition

Blackheads and whiteheads are forms of mild acne. They both involve the clogging of a pore. Blackheads look like a spec of dirt on your face, but they are really pores clogged with oil, dead skin cells and pigment cells (hence, the black or brown look). Whiteheads are partially clogged pores that contain a pus material and may pop when bumped or touched.

Cleansing

A fairly straightforward way to deal with blackheads and whiteheads is to clean your face thoroughly every day. This means using a mild cleanser to remove oil, dead skin cells, makeup and dirt. Use your fingertips to massage the cleanser onto damp skin and rinse well with warm water. Do not scrub your face because this can aggravate your blemishes.

OTC Treatments

If simple cleansing does not work, medicated creams from over-the-counter (OTC) preparations might knock a dent in your blemishes. Cleansers, creams and lotions containing benzoyl peroxide can dry up blemishes and kill bacteria. Those with salicylic acid encourage the sloughing off of dead skin cells to prevent new blemishes from forming. Other ingredients you may find helpful include resorcinol or sulfur. It usually takes up to two months before you can properly evaluate if an OTC treatment is effective.

Prescription Treatments

If your acne is stubborn, a prescription treatment may be required. Tretinoin is a common choice since it helps unclog pores. It is made from Vitamin A and helps remove dead skin cells faster. If bacteria is to blame, a topical antibiotic might be effective as well, like erythromycin or clindamycin.

Use Medication Continuously

Much of the time, acne treatments require continual usage to sustain positive results. Some prescription treatments may be discontinued over time like topical antibiotics, but OTC medications like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide require that you use them consistently every day. Otherwise, your blemishes will return. Consistency will be your best friend when it comes to the treatment of blackheads and whiteheads.