Chemical Peel for Whiteheads and Bumps?

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

I tend to agree with Dr. Lupo's approach. These whiteheads can be very firm encapsulated cystic like structures that require evacuation using mechanical means using manual exttraction or microdermabrasion as recommended by Dr. Rand. Tazorac or Reticn may decrease the tendency for these recur.

Closed comedones or "whiteheads" are often worsened by chemical peels and lasers. Instead, I recommend manual extraction followed by Tazorac or Retin A to prevent recurrences. See your dermatologist.

A salicylic acid peel would be helpful and safe to use. Salicyclic acid, very similar to the chemical found in aspirin, will break up the keratin and open up pores.
Pretreating with a retinoid makes the sal peel work more effectively. Salicylilc acid peels are by far the most common of the Beta peels.

Depending on the strenght of the chemical peel, these treatments carry some small risk of scarring and hypopigmentation.  Rather than taking on any risk, I would recommend that you try microdermabrasion first as its exfoliative effect should keep your pores from plugging.