Solution to Terrible Blackheads

[Anonymous]

Although i’m definitely not exempt from white heads, i have really big clogged pores. Like most of the pores all over my face have blackheads.Anyone know how to help? I’ve tried numerous Salicylic acid face washes and am using both a wash and moisturizer with it but that doesn’t seem to help. I have also tried tea tree oil for the irritated red blackheads and plenty of mud masks.

[averylayne]

@MK5226 PHILOSOPHY - Purity Made Simple Pore Extractor Maskthis one has been amazing for me.  It's a clay mask with salicylic acid.  There are gentle exfoliation beads that help buff your skin when you apply the mask.  Since it is a clay mask, your skin will feel a little tight when the mask dries.  But when you rinse it off, you can use those same beads to gentle exfoliate your skin some more.  So it's dual chemical/physical exfoliator and it leaves your pores very clear

[bakeamuffin]

@MK5226 BHA's are great at targeting Black Heads. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™ AHA + BHA Mask 1.69 oz/ 50 mL really helps! I also find improvement when I use DRUNK ELEPHANT - T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum once a week.

[Dayana411]

One thing i learned about blackheads is it’s definitely a patience kind of a thing. Exfoliation is the game changer in my opinion but i hate scrubs so i opt for chemical exfoliants (like farmacy honeymoon glow for instance). Ive noticed my blackheads receding SLOWLY. It’s definitely not something that can be fixed overnight but diligence helps. Essentially you want to make sure all your dead skin cells and dirt dont get caught up in your pores and oxidize so thus exfoliation. These are my two cents but I’d suggest you do your own research as well because you know yourself the best after all! Since the masks failed maybe an AHA/BHA serum is the answer here. If all else fails seek a dermatologist. Sending you lots of success!

[sprocketta]

@Anonymous I am also in agreement with @RGbrown BHA will make a difference and I use Paula's Choice. It really helps.

[Jessbrent21]

What specific products from Paula's Choice or Sephora would you recommend for blackheads?

[greeneyedgirl107]

@Anonymous I totally agree with @RGbrown and her recs!

[RGbrown]

@Anonymous 

Salicylic acid (BHA) is your best bet for blackheads. However, a wash off formula (your cleanser) isn't really on your face long enough to make much of a difference. There's no harm in having it in a cleanser, but it won't help much either.

What BHA moisturizer are you using (and cleanser, while we're at it)? The percentage of BHA is a key piece of info that could help with further recommendations, but I will go ahead and make this one:

A leave on BHA is your best bet, and finding one can be surprisingly tough. I *highly* recommend Paula's Choice for this....they've got several formulations (liquid, gel, lotions, etc) and several different percentages, all the way from 1% to 9%. 2% is the general starting point for most folks, but you may find that's not enough. For example, I use 2% 6 days a week, and get a little extra oomph from 4% once a week.

[Jessbrent21]

What specific products from Paula's Choice or Sephora would you recommend for blackheads?

[RGbrown]

@Jessbrent21 

I agree with @greeneyedgirl107. Look at their BHA category, and start to narrow it down based on your preferences for texture and strength. I do generally recommend 2% to start with, though if you're worried it might be too much, perhaps try 1% instead.

I haven't tried any of the other formulations, but I can give you a rundown of the 2% liquids real quick:

Skin Perfecting 2%: The original. Watery texture, but with a slick/slightly oily feel. Soaks in well and doesn't interfere with anything else I've ever layered on top, but the oily feel turned me off a bit.

Clear 2% (regular and extra strength): Watery texture without the oily feel. Soaks in well. I've used both and couldn't really tell a difference between the two. This formulation has a few more redness-calming/skin soothing ingredients than the original.

Resist 2%: also watery with no oily finish. Soaks in well. Has the added bonus of peptides, a key building block for your skin. This is the one I buy. 

Instead of using the liquids with a cotton round (they go quickly that way), I put a few drops in my palms and apply to my face like I would an essence. I find it really stretches the supply, making the most of what I would consider a fairly pricey product!

[averylayne]

@greeneyedgirl107 @Jessbrent21  would also agree with @RGbrown regarding Paula's Choice BHA products.  I had to go without it while I was pregnant, and my skin suffered.  The difference is definitely noticeable now that I'm able to use it again.  

[greeneyedgirl107]

@Jessbrent21 You may wish to tag @RGbrown so that she reads this.

I'm also a fan of Paula's Choice BHA.  I would rec starting with their Skin Perfecting BHA Exfoliants.  The 2% may be your best beginning point.  It comes in a liquid, a gel and a lotion.  I personally prefer the gel.  There was a time when you were able to buy their BHA products in a travel size, but I'm no longer seeing that option on their direct site.  I also don't see the option to buy a sample, which used to be available.  Anyway, after you see how that works, you can determine if you want to move onto the RESIST Advanced Pore-Refining Treatment 4% BHA, or the BHA 9 which is 9% BHA.

Good luck!

[RGbrown]

@greeneyedgirl107 

I wonder if they're phasing some of the samples/travels out? I still see one or the other (or both) on several listings, but I also see a few items without them.

[greeneyedgirl107]

@RGbrown It would be a shame if they phased them out 😞  I liked buying the travel sizes, and I found the samples to be so convenient for trying out new products.  I was disappointed when they stopped including free samples with purchase.  It seems like the company has undergone a lot of changes recently - probably since it was sold.  

[mazzkm]

Have you thought about going to a dermatologist? They may suggest something a little stronger like a chemical peel or microdermabrasion and they can perform it safely!