Blackheads

[BeanieBabyZ]

I have dry skin and perpetual blackhead bumps that I can not seem to get rid of. I am alternating retinol and lactic acid nightly but the little buggers like to linger. I am using niacinamide in the AM.  Am I being impatient or does someone have an exterminator for these pests?

[emmieats]

Try the peeling pads from dennis gross! Extra strenght daily peel works great. Have also had my eyes on their blemish solution that seems promising 

[MvLL]

With dry skin, maybe consider the O.C.M. oil cleansing method. Massage face with (plain, unscented Mineral) oil; follow with a (gentle) BHA cleanser, etc.

re. my suggestion of Formula 10-0-6 stuff (below): I dig it, but I've tough, combo skin. 

[RGbrown]

@BeanieBabyZ 

Salicylic Acid (aka BHA) is what you need for blackheads; AHAs (like lactic acid) only work on the surface of the skin, but BHA is oil-soluble and can penetrate through that goop in your pores to clean them from the inside out. 

I highly recommend Paula's Choice for BHA; they've got multiple formulations and strengths so that you can find the one that's perfect for you. 

[MvLL]

Agreed. A BHA wash, plus a clay / mud mask can help.

P.T.Roth 2% BHA Wash is quite good; InkeyList has a S.A. Wash too.   

Formula 10-0-6 mud masks and 'Skin So Clean' lotion (not at Seph). give me results in the summer, when the need to clear out excessive gunk is urgent. 

[coraldragonfly]

I have a question about mud masks.  They seem to fill up all of my pores with their mud, and make everything worse.  Would I be correct to assume that mud masks aren't for everyone?  Maybe a white clay mask would be better for me?

[MvLL]

Once (a mask) is removed thoroughly, pores shouldn't have any Mud it 'em. Sebum or clogs perhaps, but not the mud or clay. Maybe use a washcloth or other additional exfoliating method after the mud mask? Say, a Toner of some type ?