Is toner good for whiteheads?

How does toner help whiteheads?

Whiteheads are closed bumps formed when oil and dead skin block a hair follicle. Unlike blackheads, the opening stays closed. Salicylic acid helps break down whiteheads and prevent clogging inside the follicle. That makes it a useful ingredient for this particular type of acne, rather than simply a way to remove surface oil. Drying out the surface and treating a blocked pore are different jobs.45

What kind of toner should you choose?

Look for salicylic acid in a product intended for acne, with clear application instructions. Salicylic acid also comes in cleansers and lotions, so toner is not the only useful format. Hydrating ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid serve a different purpose: helping skin retain moisture. A bottle can say toner, tonic or essence, which gives the same shelf several job titles. For sensitive skin, avoid heavily fragranced toners and formulas with lots of dyes. An alcohol based astringent can be harsh and drying.34

How to use a salicylic acid toner

1. 1Test a small amount on one or two small affected areas for three days before starting regular use. If there is no reaction or discomfort, follow the package directions.
2. 2Wash with a gentle cleanser. Avoid scrubbing, which can irritate skin and make acne worse.
3. 3Apply the toner after cleansing and before moisturizer. Gently swipe or spray as directed; a toner normally stays on rather than being rinsed off. Follow any different instructions on your product.
4. 4For acne medication, apply a thin layer across the affected area where whiteheads develop, rather than treating only individual visible bumps. Keep salicylic acid away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
5. 5Start less often if needed for tolerability. An acid toner can be introduced every other day, then increased as tolerated within the label directions. Moisturize regularly, and never exceed the instructed amount or frequency.

How long before whiteheads improve?

Give one acne treatment six to eight weeks of consistent use before judging progress, rather than adding another treatment during that trial. If the treatment works for you, fewer breakouts can appear within four to eight weeks, while clearing can take about 16 weeks. An individual whitehead disappearing is not the same as the routine preventing new ones. Some whiteheads go away on their own within about seven days.24

When should you be careful?

Do not apply salicylic acid to broken, red, swollen, irritated or infected skin. Avoid combining it on the same area with alcohol containing products, abrasive cleansers, other exfoliants, benzoyl peroxide or topical retinoids unless your doctor directs you. If you already use prescription acne treatment, check before adding an acid toner. Discuss acne treatment with a clinician first if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding.256

Reduce use if dryness or irritation develops. Seek medical advice for severe or persistent irritation or stinging. Stop salicylic acid and get urgent medical help for throat tightness, difficulty breathing, faintness or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.6

What if toner is not enough?

Adapalene, a retinoid acne medicine, also treats whiteheads and helps clear pores. If a retinoid is prescribed, follow your dermatologist's directions rather than adding toner yourself. See a clinician if treatment is not helping after a few months, or sooner for deep painful spots, scars or persistent dark marks. Do not squeeze whiteheads: pressure can cause inflammation, infection and scarring.1247