Even if nearly everyone gets acne at one point or another, it shouldn’t be brushed off.
It’s important to note, however, that treatment isn’t one size fits all.
Here’s how to identify those pesky spots and the best course of action for each.
Surveying any changes in your lifestyle or hygiene habits could point to the cause of these issues.
Over-the-counter skincare products can also treat whiteheads.
Look for cleansers and ointments containing salicylic acid, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids.
If non-prescription remedies don’t help, see a doctor or dermatologist for a stronger solution.
However, only a dermatologist or facialist should pop whiteheads.
Blackheads
Blackheads are similar to whiteheads in that they’re both types of noninflammatory acne.
With blackheads, however, the top of the pore remains open, unlike closed-off whiteheads.
Then, bump it up to twice a day.
Besides treating existing blackheads, salicylic acid also exfoliates the skin to prevent new ones from forming.
If you don’t see an improvement within a few weeks, visit your dermatologist.
These blemishes can feel tender when touched, but they shouldn’t cause much discomfort.
Nodular acne is rooted deep in the skin and requires a dermatologist to treat it.
They often linger for a few days before turning into pustules.
Pustules
Pustules are inflamed acne blemishes with a white or yellow center.
When treating pustular acne, it’s important to double-check that it’s actually acne.
Pustules can also result from allergic reactions, infections, and bug bites, notesHealthline.
No matter their cause, never pop pustule blemishes you might make them worse by doing so.
“They work best on open, draining, healing pustules, papules, and cysts.”
See your dermatologist if these fixes don’t keep pustules at bay.
Nodules occur when the clogged pore becomes infected, creating a hard and inflamed bump.
However, these spots often require a lot more than a new face wash to treat.
If your doctor determines that hormones are the culprit, they may suggest yougo on the pill.
Isotretinoin, antibiotics, and steroid injections are other common options for dealing with these severe bumps.
