In this post, I will discuss what treatments are effective for both blackheads and whiteheads (known as “comedones” in medical terms) since treatment for both is the same — unless there are pustules, which will not be our discussion in this post.
There are some effective productgs that you can find in your local Hyper supermarkets like "Hyper Panda" and "Danube" in the skin care and makeup aisles. For example, Neutregena, Clean & Clear and Clearasil are the most popular in the Gulf region.
Most of these products have an active ingredient that is mostly based on "Salicylic Acid" — in some concentrations up to two percent — in the form of soap, gel washes, cream and toners. Now salicylic acid is a good comedolytic, but at the same time, it has a drying effect on the skin when used too much.
OTC products in pharmacies also usually contain Salicylic acid, AHA and Glycolic acid, which have a comedolytic effect as well as some level of superficial peeling. Some of these such as Rexol, DDF skin care, NeoStrata and Vichy, even come as home treatment kits.
A vitamin A derivative topical treatment, such as adaplene (eg, differen) , isotretinoin (eg, Isotrexine), and tretinoin (eg, Retin A), help in the expulsion of present comedones and prevent the formation of new ones. They cause an initial irritation effect on the skin with unpleasant side effects like flaking, redness and in some cases, a slight burning sensation. However, these side effects usually last three to four weeks, since the skin adapts and becomes less irritated when it is applied.
We can also use comediolytics, such as a peeling agent, very carefully with strict instructions to higher concentrations of Salicylic acid and AHA than is found in OTC products.
Azalaic acid, which has been mentioned in textbooks, can be added to help with comedonal acne treatments, along with adding benzyl peroxide.
I’ll start with simple things like acne treatment facials done in medical spas. These treatments, which are done by a specialized beautician, use the application of steam to open up pores. This allows for easy manual expulstion, which should be not be done in a forceful manner. They are then finished with special drying masks.
Then, there is the comedonal extraction procedure, which is done by the dermatologist with a certain kind of technique and instrument.
Lastly, there is the application of professional peels that fasten the response of treatment. There are different types of professional peels containing different components, while some are combined, that mainly contain salicylic acid, AHA and TCA. These have to be applied either by a doctor or by a trained nurse under a doctor’s supervision.
My usual last words of advice are: Only use products that are clearly labeled as "non comedogenic," "non pore clogging" or "for acne prone skin," whether it is makeup, powder, cream, lotion, fluid, gel or even soap. Otherwise, you will be prone to develop more comedones.
