What is the treatment for my blackheads and dark spots?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a female, a 19-year-old. My skin has a lot of closed comedones and dark marks. I have a lot of blackheads on my nose and chin. What should I do?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I know how distressing acne can feel. You are not alone, and this is treatable with the right approach. Based on what you have described, you are experiencing post-acne dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) along with whiteheads (closed comedones) and blackheads, hence you are having comedonal acne with its complications.

The reassuring part is that this condition is completely treatable; however, it does require patience and a consistent skin care routine, as dark marks naturally take time to fade.

These dark spots develop because, after a pimple heals, the skin produces excess pigment, especially when there is repeated inflammation, oily skin, or ongoing sun exposure. The whiteheads and blackheads are caused by clogged pores in the oil-prone T-zone, which explains why new pimples continue to appear and later leave marks behind.

With the right care and regular treatment, both the acne and the pigmentation can improve significantly over time. I am giving you a step-by-step routine to manage it.

In the morning and at night, cleanse your face gently using a mild, non-medicated cleanser suitable for sensitive skin.

Morning:

Apply Clindamycin 1% gel in a thin layer only on active acne lesions.
Follow with a non-comedogenic moisturizer suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Apply a broad-spectrum, oil-free sunscreen every morning, even indoors, to prevent worsening of redness and darkening of acne marks.

Night:

Cleanse your face gently.
Apply Azelaic acid in a pea-sized amount over the entire face five nights per week.
Apply Adapalene gel in a pea-sized amount on the other two nights of the week.
Follow with a moisturizer to reduce dryness and irritation.

Mild redness or dryness in the first few weeks is normal and usually settles with continued use. This routine helps with acne, comedones, and pigmentation.

Please avoid scrubs and harsh face washes. Avoid picking or squeezing acne, as these significantly worsen redness and scarring. Consistency is key, and visible improvement usually takes eight to twelve weeks.

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

Thank you.