Acne Treatment Based on Acne Type

Acne, a skin condition that often affects teens and adults, occurs when your pores become clogged with oil and/or skin cells. Although it’s common and typically harmless, acne can cause distress and affect your self-esteem. Fortunately, many effective treatments can help to clear up acne and prevent future breakouts. 

In this article, we’ll review the available treatments for different types of acne, as well as self-care tips and complementary acne therapies.

Man getting acne treatment on his face

Biserka Stojanovic / Getty Images

Acne Treatment for Blackheads

Blackheads are caused by clogged pores that haven’t closed up yet. The top of the debris in your clogged pore forms a plug that looks like a dark dot on your skin. 

Acne: Open Comedone (Blackhead)

Mild to moderate acne breakouts can often be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) topical creams or face washes. Typically, they’ll contain one or more of the following acne-fighting ingredients:

  • A retinoid, such as retinol or adapalene
  • Azelaic acid
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Salicylic acid

Acne Treatment for Whiteheads

When blackheads close up and form a white center, they’re known as whiteheads (closed comedones) or simply “pimples.”  Whiteheads are treated similarly to blackheads. You may need to combine a topical retinoid with benzoyl peroxide wash for best results. 

Acne: Closed Comedone (Whitehead)

You may also use an acne face wash or cream containing a topical antibiotic to fight bacteria. Examples include topical clindamycin and erythromycin.

Treating Hormonal Acne

Hormonal changes sometimes cause acne. These may be caused by natural hormonal shifts that occur during puberty, periods, pregnancy, or menopause, as well as by stress and certain medications. Hormonal acne often develops along the jawline, chin, or neck. 

If you only need a “spot treatment” for hormonal acne in a certain area, acne patches that stick directly onto the affected part of your skin may be enough. Hydrocolloid patches absorb oil, speed up healing, and prevent bacteria growth. Some patches also contain acne-clearing ingredients, such as salicylic acid. 

Oral contraceptives, also known as the birth control pill, or “the pill,” are sometimes prescribed to treat stubborn hormonal acne. Some birth control pills may lead to breakouts. Your healthcare provider may recommend switching to a different pill if you experience this side effect.

Treatment for Deep, Painful Acne

If your acne won’t clear up with OTC treatments or turns into deep, painful cysts, you may need professional help from a dermatologist. Treatments for stubborn, severe, and painful acne include:

  • Prescription medication, such as isotretinoin or spironolactone 
  • Oral antibiotics
  • Light or laser therapy
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Dermatologist-led acne extraction or surgical incision and drainage
  • Low-dose prednisone

Specialist-Driven Acne Treatments

In addition to dermatologist-led treatments like corticosteroid injections, a healthcare provider may offer the following acne treatments to treat and prevent breakouts:

  • Extraction
  • Facials
  • Chemical peels
  • Microdermabrasion


Popping, Scabs, and Bleeding

Although it may be tempting, it’s important not to pop or pick at your acne. This could cause:

  • Bleeding and scabs
  • Painful pimples
  • Acne scars
  • Infections
  • Worsening breakouts 

Instead, you should see a dermatologist if your acne won’t go away. If your pimple does pop, or if you pick at it and it bleeds, apply a hydrocolloid patch to the affected area. This may help to prevent infection and scarring.

Acne Scar Treatment

There are several different treatments available to reduce the appearance of acne scars, including:

  • Skin resurfacing procedures, such as laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels
  • Dermal fillers
  • Microneedling to stimulate collagen production
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Skin tightening procedures, such as radiofrequency
  • Surgery to break up the scar tissue or “lift” the scar closer to the skin’s surface

Complementary Acne Therapies

Many complementary and alternative therapies aim to manage and prevent acne. However, research in this area is limited and ongoing. Still, evidence suggests that the following complementary therapies may be helpful in treating mild to moderate breakouts:

  • Products containing tea tree oil, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties 
  • Application of bee venom (e.g., in serums and face masks), which inhibits bacteria growth
  • A low-glycemic load diet (LGLD), which focuses on lowering sugar intake and decreasing blood sugar levels

Complementary acne therapies like acupuncture and herbal medicine have relatively little evidence to support their use.

Self-Care During Acne Treatment

In addition to over-the-counter and prescription treatments, there are several steps you can take to prevent future breakouts and stop your acne from getting worse, such as:

  • Washing your face with a gentle cleanser 
  • Washing all makeup off your face every night
  • Not using oil-based makeup
  • Not touching or picking at your face
  • Avoiding tight hats and headbands
  • Keeping hair out of your face
  • Avoiding harsh skincare products and facial scrubs
  • Shampooing your hair every day

How to Find a Dermatologist

Acne can often be treated with over-the-counter topical products and facial cleansers. However, consider contacting a dermatologist if your acne doesn’t go away or respond to at-home treatments.

Your healthcare provider may be able to provide a referral to a dermatologist who can help you treat stubborn or severe acne. Ideally, your dermatologist should be listed as a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD), which means they are board-certified in treating conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. You can also find a board-certified dermatologist through the online directory hosted by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Summary

Acne breakouts can often be effectively treated with OTC products, such as face washes and topical gels or creams that contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, and salicylic acid. Severe acne may require dermatologist-led treatments, such as corticosteroid injections, prescription drugs, or surgical extraction.

You should consider seeing a dermatologist if you have persistent and/or painful acne. They can recommend a course of action based on your needs and symptoms.

14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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By Laura Dorwart
Laura Dorwart is a health journalist with particular interests in mental health, pregnancy-related conditions, and disability rights. She has published work in VICE, SELF, The New York Times, The Guardian, The Week, HuffPost, BuzzFeed Reader, Catapult, Pacific Standard, Health.com, Insider, Forbes.com, TalkPoverty, and many other outlets.