How to Treat Pimples & Blackheads

Creams or gels with benzoyl peroxide are often used to treat pimples and blackheads.

Acne is a common skin disease that affects over 85 percent of teenagers. Many adults have acne problems too---it's estimated 25 percent of men and 50 percent of women develop acne in their adult lives.
Acne can be divided into two categories: pimples and whiteheads/blackheads. Pimples occur when a pore ruptures and the surrounding skin becomes infected, forming a red bump. Whiteheads and blackheads are skin follicles that have become filled with sebum and dead cells.
You can treat pimples and blackheads with over-the-counter medications containing benzoyl peroxide. If your acne persists, you may need to see a dermatologist.

Things You'll Need

• Mild facial cleanser
• Acne cream with benzoyl peroxide
• Retin-A
• Topical or oral antibiotics

Instructions

1. Avoid touching your face. It may be hard to resist, but don't pick at your pimples or blackheads. You may spread bacteria or increase chances of scarring if you do.

2. Wash your face everyday. Wash your face with a mild facial soap to clean off make-up, bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells. You can find a wide selection of cleansers at your local drugstore. You should use a cleanser specifically for sensitive skin if your skin gets irritated easily.

3. Use benzoyl peroxide. Apply a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide cream to your face everyday to break up bacteria and dead skin cells clogging your pores. You can purchase acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide at your local drugstore. Benzoyl peroxide products work best with mild to moderate cases of acne.

4. Use a cream or gel with 2.5 to 5 percent benzoyl peroxide once or twice a day. If your acne doesn't clear up in 4 to 6 weeks, you may use a cream with 10 percent benzoyl peroxide. Be careful though: benzoyl peroxide may irritate your skin. If your skin is sensitive, use a lower concentration of the cream once a day.

5. Try Retin-A. Retin-A works especially well against whiteheads and blackheads. It's available with a doctor's prescription, but you may also find over-the-counter solutions at your drugstore. Retin-A should be used with caution, though. It can dry out your skin, make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and cause harm to pregnant women.
   If you decide to use Retin-A, talk to your doctor first and then use extra sunscreen to protect your skin. It's very important to speak with your doctor if you are a female who may be pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

6. Take antibiotics. If your acne is severe, speak with your doctor and obtain a prescription for an antibiotic that treats pimples and blackheads. These antibiotics (such as tetracycline and erythromycin) kill bacteria that lead to whiteheads and can be very helpful against swollen and red pimples. Antibiotics are available by prescription only and can be applied topically or taken orally. Make sure to drink plenty of water if you are taking antibiotics to treat your acne.

7. Use Accutane. Accutane is a powerful medication used to treat severe cystic acne. It is only available via prescription and you should only use Accutane if your doctor recommends it. Accutane causes various side effects and can be very harmful to fetal development in pregnant women. Women who want to take Accutane may have to use two forms of birth control to ensure they don't pregnant.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash your pillowcase every week. Bacteria and oil on your face can get transferred onto your pillowcase, which in turn can get transferred back onto your skin. Make sure to wash your pillowcase often to remedy this problem.

• Avoid oil-based make-up and lotions. Oil-based products can lead to clogged pores. Use water-based products instead.

Resources

• 12 Ways to Get Rid of Acne
• Acne -- Blackheads and Whiteheads