What is the treatment for my acne, spots, and open pores?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had these problems for a few years, and now I am 18 years old. I have many dark spots on my back, and on my face, I have open pores and acne. I have combination skin and experience breakouts easily. I want to solve these issues to feel more confident. Please help me. I really need your help.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can genuinely understand how difficult and frustrating it is to deal with dark spots on the back, acne, and open pores for so many years, especially when these problems have been present since the early teenage years. Skin concerns at this age not only affect appearance but can also deeply impact confidence and self-esteem.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is the dark pigmentation left behind after back acne or folliculitis, is very common and treatable. Facial acne, open pores, and combination skin suggest increased oil production in certain areas along with sensitivity in others, making the skin prone to frequent breakouts. The most important thing to know is that both active acne and dark marks can be improved gradually with the right approach. A basic treatment routine is advised to manage these concerns.

In the morning and at night, cleanse the face with a gentle, non-soap cleanser suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
In the morning, apply Clindamycin phosphate 1% gel in a thin layer only over active acne lesions. This should be followed by a non-comedogenic moisturiser suitable for sensitive skin.
After moisturizing, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF – sun protection factor) 50 every morning, even while staying indoors, as sun exposure can worsen redness and darken acne marks. An oil-free, acne-safe sunscreen suitable for sensitive skin should be used.
At night, cleanse the face gently and apply Azelaic acid 10 to 20% gel in a pea-sized amount for the entire face at bedtime, starting five nights per week.
On the remaining two nights of the week, apply a pea-sized amount of Adapalene and Benzoyl peroxide combination gel.
Always follow nighttime treatments with a moisturizer to reduce dryness and irritation.
Mild redness or dryness during the first few weeks is common and usually settles with continued use. These treatments help improve acne, comedones, and pigmentation.

Scrubs, harsh face washes, and picking or squeezing acne should be strictly avoided, as these can significantly worsen redness, pigmentation, and scarring. Consistency is essential, and visible improvement usually takes 8 to 12 weeks.

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

Thank you.