AcneDay

Blackheads are not serious acne. Doctors usually recommend an over the counter medicine for people with mild signs of acne. You can apply the medicine directly to the affected skin.

There are many acne lotions, creams, and solutions on the shelves. The major ones that specifically deal with blackheads are:

• Resorcinol – can help break down blackheads and whiteheads
• Salicylic acid – helps break down blackheads and whiteheads.
• Sulfur – helps break down blackheads and whiteheads.

So look for these when you purchase at CVS or other drugstores.

Source: NIAMS

Doctors usually recommend an OTC or prescription topical medicine for people with mild signs of acne. Topical medicine is applied directly to the acne lesions or to the entire area of affected skin.

There are several OTC topical medicines used for mild acne. Each works a little differently. Following are the most common ones:

• Benzoyl peroxide – destroys P. acnes, and may also reduce oil production
• Resorcinol – can help break down blackheads and whiteheads
• Salicylic acid – helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. Also helps cut down the shedding of cells lining the hair follicles
• Sulfur – helps break down blackheads and whiteheads.

Topical OTC medicines are available in many forms, such as gels, lotions, creams, soaps, or pads. In some people, OTC acne medicines may cause side effects such as skin irritation, burning, or redness, which often get better or go away with continued use of the medicine. If you experience severe or prolonged side effects, you should report them to your doctor.

OTC topical medicines are somewhat effective in treating acne when used regularly; however, it may take up to 8 weeks before you see noticeable improvement.

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration