How to Get Rid of Dark Spots & Whiteheads

Prevent whiteheads and dark spots by treating acne.

Teenagers and adults can suffer from whiteheads and dark spots, common symptoms of acne. An overabundance of oil, bacteria and perspiration block pores. The pores close over, creating a whitehead. Whiteheads appear as raised, cream-colored bumps on your face, chest or back. Careful cleansing and topical products provide positive results for treating whiteheads. Once whiteheads have healed, dark spots may appear, especially on skin of color. According to the Mayo Clinic, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, fade eventually, but proper treatment speeds the process.

Things You'll Need

• Benzoyl peroxide acne treatment
• Salicylic acid acne treatment
• Over-the-counter skin lightener
• Sunscreen

Instructions

Treating Whiteheads

1. Choose a gentle cleanser, and wash acne-prone areas twice each day.

2. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, which only inflames the skin.

3. Purchase products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to treat oily skin and remove dead skin cells.

4. Keep your hands, phones and your hair away from your face.

5. Wear clothing that allows your skin to breath. Tight clothes hold in sweat that can further aggravate your acne.

6. Wear powder-based makeup instead of creamy foundations and blushers.

7. Wash make-up brushes and sponges regularly, or replace them with fresh ones.

8. Visit a dermatologist if your home treatment does not improve your acne, or if it worsens.

Treating Dark Spots

1. Prevent dark spots by treating breakouts before they become too severe.

2. Consult a dermatologist before using benzoyl peroxide if you are prone to dark spots.

3. Choose an over-the-counter skin lightener for existing dark spots.

4. See a dermatologist if over-the-counter lighteners are not strong enough.

5. Use sunscreen. Excessive sunlight may worsen dark spots.

Tips & Warnings

• Use only noncomedogenic cosmetics and moisturizers. Noncomedogenic products contain no oils that clog pores.

• The American Academy of Dermatologists cautions that tanning is not a safe treatment for acne. Tanning beds, sunlamps and sunlight only increase your risk of getting skin cancer.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Acne
• Acne Net: Treating Acne in Skin of Color
• American Academy of Dermatology: Acne