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Why do I have comedones and dark spots despite treatment?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have a lot of comedones on my forehead and pimples that are causing a lot of dark spots. Currently, I am using a Panthenol moisturiser and Azelaic acid. But it is not working. What should I do?

Kindly help.
Answered by Dr. Misha Saghir

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Misha Saghir is a dedicated dermatologist with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of skin, hair, nail, and cosmetic concerns. Her areas of expertise include acne, pigmentation, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, melasma, skin infections, and other hair and nail disorders. With previous experience as a general practitioner in government healthcare, Dr. Misha Saghir combines strong clinical knowledge with a patient-centered approach. She provides evidence-based online consultations, practical treatment plans, clear guidance, and appropriate follow-up care to help patients achieve healthy skin, hair, and nails.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I know how frustrating forehead comedones and pimples can be, especially when they leave dark marks behind. Since Panthenol moisturizer and Azelaic acid are not giving enough improvement, you need to go to the next step, which is shifting to Adapalene (a retinoid) at night. Use Adapalene cream, a pea-sized amount only for the entire face and not just on pimples, and always use it after moisturizer to reduce irritation. In the morning, make sure you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 50 every single day. This will prevent dark spots from becoming darker and will help your skin heal faster.

Avoid combining Adapalene and Azelaic acid, and you can use Azelaic acid later when your acne gets better. Use this for four to six weeks. If you can, please send a clear picture of your forehead and cheeks so I can check the severity and guide you on whether you need oral medication like antibiotics or not. I am here to help you step by step. Till then, continue this regimen, and your acne will be much better managed.

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

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At February 21, 2026
Reviewed At February 23, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Misha Saghir is a dedicated dermatologist with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of skin, hair, nail, and cosmetic concerns. Her areas of expertise include acne, pigmentation, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, melasma, skin infections, and other hair and nail disorders. With previous experience as a general practitioner in government healthcare, Dr. Misha Saghir combines strong clinical knowledge with a patient-centered approach. She provides evidence-based online consultations, practical treatment plans, clear guidance, and appropriate follow-up care to help patients achieve healthy skin, hair, and nails.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Dr. Misha Saghir
Dr. Misha Saghir

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Misha Saghir is a dedicated dermatologist with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of skin, hair, nail, and cosmetic concerns. Her areas of expertise include acne, pigmentation, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, melasma, skin infections, and other hair and nail disorders. With previous experience as a general practitioner in government healthcare, Dr. Misha Saghir combines strong clinical knowledge with a patient-centered approach. She provides evidence-based online consultations, practical treatment plans, clear guidance, and appropriate follow-up care to help patients achieve healthy skin, hair, and nails.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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