Clogged pores or whiteheads, and what to do about it?

I have been breaking ot all over my face lately. I don't know what it is. I've always had good skin. I've only had to use water and a mild cleanser. It's not really zits but just a lot of little white heads that won't bust and some black heads. What can I do? I'm not up to date on skin care and don't have a clue where to start.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Blackhead and whitehead is a yellowish or blackish bump or plug on the skin and is a type of acne vulgaris. It is caused by excess oils that have accumulated in the sebaceous gland's duct.

Cleanse the area thoroughly and apply a good mild exfoliating scrub on that. Apply a medicated cream or gel containing resorcinol, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. This helps is soaking the oil and helps in peeling away the blackheads. If benzoyl peroxide leaves your skin dry, apply an oil-free moisturizer after 10 minutes of applying benzoyl peroxide.

If the symptoms still persist then please consult a dermatologist and get cysts ruled out.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.