Acne is characterized by a variety of skin lesions that can plague men and women, young and old. While more serious acne forms like cysts and nodules require dermatological intervention, some forms like whiteheads and blackheads can be treated at home or with mild prescription-strength medications. These lesions can be spotted by looking like a small dome of pus (whitehead) or a black spot within the pore (blackhead).
Step 1
Use an over-the-counter face wash to clear away oil, dead skin cells and dirt from your skin. This cleanser should contain salicylic acid to clear out blackheads and minor whitehead blemishes most effectively. Be mindful not to scrub your skin, as this can cause more harm than good.
Step 2
Keep your hands away from your face and keep your hair clean. Touching your face all the time will introduce bacteria into your skin and prolong your breakouts. Likewise, having dirty hair can cause blemishes to sprout up around your hairline and on your cheeks, so be certain to wash your hair at least every other day to remove excess oil.
Step 3
Wear a lightweight makeup that won't clog your pores. It should be oil-free and clearly state that it is noncomedogenic on the packaging. When you can, don't wear any makeup to allow your skin to breathe and heal.
Step 4
Apply an acne-fighting cream to your skin at least once a day. It should contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help slough off dead skin cells or kill acne bacteria.
Step 5
Visit a dermatologist if your whiteheads and blackheads worsen or do not get better using over-the-counter treatments. Prescription medications like topical or oral antibiotics and topical retinoids may be given to kill surface bacteria and unclog pores.
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