How to treat persistent acne and clogged pores?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have struggled with acne and skin impurities since I was about nine years old (I recently discovered that I have been suffering from PCOS, which is probably why my skin broke out severely early on). I have been on and off medication and antibiotics for my skin, but ever since I started my two-hormone birth control, I found that I can keep my acne at bay with benzoyl peroxide. What never improved, though, is my clogged pores. I have big pores and oily skin, which is a bad combination. Still, after a lot of research and trial and error, I have found skincare products that help me with my oily skin, but no matter what I do, I cannot improve the state of my blackheads and whiteheads. I have tried exfoliating, mud masks, clay masks, home remedies like lemon juice, egg whites, baking soda, the highest over-the-counter concentration of salicylic acid and retinol, hydroquinone, charcoal masks, peel-off masks, and I have seen no results. My blackheads and whiteheads are small and deeply rooted in the skin, so nothing seems to penetrate enough to get rid of them. I have been picking at them until I scar my skin because I cannot stand the look of them anymore. I have been thinking about a chemical peel, but I do not know if it would do anything. Do you have any advice on what I can do? I mentioned my blackheads to a dermatologist once, but they told me there is not much medicine available to do about them, which feels pretty upsetting. What should I do? Currently, I am taking antidepressants (Prozac, Wellbutrin), birth control with Drospirenone, and Ethinylestradiol.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

In my opinion, you have already gone through many medications and cosmetic products. First, you need to understand acne is common at your age, and you may experience frequent worsening due to stress or periods. As you already know, these blackheads and whiteheads are resistant to treatment. I will suggest you do not use too many products. You already have used too many products, and your skin has thickened over time and has become non-respondent. All you have to do is to use only one or two products which suit you the best and try to forget the rest.

In my opinion, a chemical peel will help you in improving your whiteheads and blackheads. You can also apply adapalene gel only at night for one hour on the most prominent whiteheads or blackheads about the size of a pea that will be enough for the whole face. Do not apply too much, as you may experience burning. Also, use oil control face wash as it contains salicylic acid.

Please try to control your impulse to buy different over-the-counter products which claim acne treatment. Also, control your scratching habit as well.

Hope this helps.

Thanks and take care.