I have acne and blackheads with red marks. What should I do?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand how frustrating acne, red spots, blackheads, and dark marks can be, especially at your age. The good news is that your concerns are very common in teenagers and usually respond well to a gentle, consistent routine.

First, I will provide you with management strategies for your acne, red spots, and blackheads. Once managed, you can contact us again for marks and dark spot management, as the latter products should not be used on active acne, as they can irritate it further. For your morning routine, use a mild, non-foaming cleanser to wash your face gently.

• Avoid scrubbing, as harsh friction can worsen acne and redness.

• After cleansing, apply a gentle moisturizer.

• Then apply Clindamycin 1 % gel in a thin layer over acne and red mark areas. This helps reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation.

Follow this with a light, noncomedogenic sunscreen of fifty or higher every morning, even if you stay indoors, as sun exposure can worsen dark spots and post-acne marks. For your night routine, cleanse again with the same mild cleanser. At bedtime, apply a pea-sized amount of Adapalene 0.1 % gel to the entire face, avoiding the eyes and corners of the mouth. Adapalene helps unclog pores, reduce blackheads, and prevent new acne, but it works slowly, so consistency is important. Always follow it with a gentle moisturizer, as this reduces dryness and irritation and helps your skin tolerate treatment better.

It is normal to notice mild dryness or slight worsening in the first week, which is temporary and usually settles as your skin adjusts. Avoid picking or squeezing pimples, as this can lead to dark spots and scars. Also, try to avoid frequent product switching. Give this routine at least six to eight weeks to show results.

To help me guide you better, please share clear photos of your face and let me know a bit more about your history, such as:

• When did your acne start?

• Whether it worsens with certain foods or stress?

• Do you have oily or sensitive skin?

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.