Skin Dilemma

[Anonymous]

I have a huge problem... I thought I needed more exfoliation (which I kinda did), and I ended up destroying my perfectly healthy young skin. It’s irritated and makeup looks horrible on it now. Makeup looks scaly on and up close my bare skin does. But the problem is I have black heads on my cheeks and nose badly so if I stop my more harsh skincare routine I’m afraid they’ll get worse. Keep on mind I have dryyy skin yet blackheads... someone please give me guidance on what to do that will fix my over-exfoliated skin and blackheads and doesn’t involve me buying more products! Thanks!

[fantaji]

Stop exfoliating (I know it's hard, but you have to let it be for a few days, just cleanse and moisturize), make sure to review the ingredients in all your skincare - there are AHA/BHAs in everything these days, wait for the skin to heal (it takes my skin a couple weeks to bounce back), then try re-introducing gentle exfoliants - I would say no more than a couple times a week. 

[k617]

Yes, I agree @fantaji

At this time, you need to give your skin a break. A "harsh" skincare routine is no good for any skin type, even ones with lots of blackheads. Don't add any products right now, just do cleansing and moisturizing. You need to back off, otherwise the irritation will likely continue and you might cause damage to your skin. 

Are you sure the "blackheads" are not sebaceous filaments? 

[Anonymous]

Yes, I am sure. When you squeeze them, stuff will come out. And they make me appear as if I have enormous pores... I’m currently using a non foaming cream cleanser and cetaphil and I added vitamin E oil so I’ll see how it works. Also, for a long time I used both chemical and physical exfoliants just because I didn’t think it would hurt anything but I have learned better since then and I’m just tryng to recover from the effects🙃

[Anonymous]

Hi,

There are two different types of exfoliants, there are physical and chemical. 

Physical exfoliants have beads in them that are actually too aggressive for the skin on your face. Especially if you are being harsh on your skin, they can create microtears in your skin and do more harm then good. Using a washcloth to wash your face should actually be enough exfoliation for your face, without being too much. Chemical exfoliants get rid of dead skin with active ingredients, and are actually more gentle for your face. Look for products with fruit enzymes if you have particularly sensitive skin, as they will gently exfoliate dead skin. 

[KayRinker]

I'd look into purifying masks. Boscia has some good products! 

[kaatiemich]

I definitely understand you, dear! I have dry skin and black heads all around my nose. I use the Origins Rose Retexturizing Mask 2-3 times a week ONLY on the parts of my skin that have blackheads or acne. The mask has Jojoba beads in it that gently exfoliate, and the mask pulls out all the gunk! This mask gets rid of my blackheads instantly, I'm in love with it. Be sure to use a thick moisturizer (Or overnight moisturizing mask) right after washing the mask off to help the dry skin/scaliness. I know when your skin is feeling rough you just want to scrub it all away, but remember exfoliate only 2-3 times a week and keep on that moisture-game. ❤️

[Anonymous]

The problem is that most of my blackheads are where my bad irritation is... hence why it’s over exfoliated😕