Little Black Heads?

[AverageJoe]

So my face is covered by little black heads. You can only really tell when you're close, but I don't I don't like them. What's the best way to get rid of them? Seems like washing my face doesn't do the trick, and the only thing I've seen to get rid of them are little strips for the nose.

On another note, I keep looking older and older. It sucks. I'm only in my 20s and it seems like the skin on my face is already getting looser and rougher by the day. Oh well. That's life. Just need to get rid of the stupid little black dots.

 

[KaraBulut]

Two questions-

1. What are you using to clean/wash your face?
2. Do you exfoliate?

 

[AverageJoe]

I just use an anti acne face cleanser. I don't really get acne much, but I figured it would help. I didn't notice much of a difference.

I guess I've never really heard of exfoliating. I looked it up, and it said that shaving with a wet razor pretty much does the trick. If that's the case, then yeah. I usually scrub pretty hard when I wash my face. Not sure if that counts.

 

[PhoenixRising]

Ok, first off, ditch the acne cleanser; its likely too harsh for your skin, and won't do much good anyway (way too little contact time to be effective). Just a basic, gentle cleanser is all you need.

Second, there are several types of exfoliation. You can either do manual exfoliation by using a washcloth, or those exfoliating fave scrubs with the crushed shells or beads in them. This is not really reccomended, and it could cause micro abrasions on thr skin which can easily become infected and cause red bumps on your skin.

On the other hand, there are chemical exfolitants which are better for your skin (IMO). There are two basic types to choose from: the water soluble alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) or the lipid soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA). AHA is also known as glycolic acid (there are 4 other AHAs, but this is the most common) which works on the surface of the skin. BHA is also known as salicylic acid, and is lipid soluble, so it works best as an inner pore exfoliant. This is what I would recomend for you to help clean out the blackheads from the inside out. I use the Neutrogena 3 in 1 Acne Stress Control treatment gel. It comes in a 2 oz tube, and is in the correct pH range to be effective (obviously acids work best at an acid pH).

Hope this helps!

 

[AverageJoe]

So, I tried out the mechanical way with a brush thing I found around the house (probably made for this) and scrubbed really hard. My face was full of red blotches, but after then went away, it really looked better. My face feels really smooth now too.

How often should I do that? I'm assuming it's not something I should do often??

I might have to try the chemicals too.

 

[gingentleman]

RULE #1...Never, ever scrub your face. Facial skin is far too sensitive for that. It will cause premature aging of your skin.

RULE #2... Go see a dermatologist or esthetician for the blackheads. They need to be professionally removed, as no over the counter product will get rid of them.

I know of which I speak, as I was a cosmetologist for over 25 years and worked in salons that employed estheticians and I was also a cosmetics artist for a time. Don't make the mistake of thinking that cleansing your face more frequently or more vigorously or by using harsh chemicals will make the problem go away.

 

[KaraBulut]

As you get older, you have to change your routine a bit.

Most acne cleansers are benzoyl peroxide based. This works well for teenagers who have oily skin and lots of breakouts because it is drying and antibacterial.

Once you get a bit older and you don't have active breakouts, your skin needs a "turnover" agent- something that peels the skin but isn't as drying. Benzoyl peroxide can make the skin flaky which blocks the pores and can actually make things worse for some adults.

The AHA or BHA exfoliants work well. A mild astringent like Sea Breeze or plain Witch Hazel will also help clean up the pores.

If these things don't work for you, the gingentleman is correct- you should either see a dermatologist or make a day spa appointment for a facial.

 

[bankside]

Sleep more, make sure you drink plenty of fluids. When you pee it should be light in colour, otherwise you're dehydrated.

If you take care of those things, your skin will thank you.

Also, wash oily areas with something very mild like Cetaphil. Cetaphil has the advantage of looking like cum, so for comical effect you can squirt it across your face like a cum shot every time you wash. (No reason why skin care can't also be naughty fun.)

And, a doctor or dermatologist should be able to help. My understanding is that oils, which normally would just flow out of the skin, can back up in the pores and become a habitat for bacteria. This turns into a blockage, what you see as a blackhead. Antibiotics can clear that out so the natural oils in the skin can clear out more easily.

However this may be overkill and it is good to avoid unnecessary antibiotics.

 

[AverageJoe]

You were right. I was using benzoyl peroxide, and I dropped that. I have used an astringent, and I picked up some more.

Ging, exactly how bad is long term manual exfoliation? I mean, it really did help a lot. My skin in general is pretty rough. I think that might be part of the problem. Is it going to make my face sag or something later on?

Anyway, it looks much better. Thanks for the tips. I'm pretty clueless when it comes to skin care.

 

[winterknight]

My nose is FULL of blackheads and nothing I do seems to shift them

 

[cityboy-stl]

The worst thing for your skin is exposing it multiple times per day to toxic chemicals from the end of a burning cancer stick. Not to mention what it does to your lungs. If you smoke; quit. Second, wear a good sunscreen when you're outside. Sun damage will make you look years older than you are.

 

[Harke the Boeotarch]

My nose is FULL of blackheads and nothing I do seems to shift them

I'm not very knowledgable in these matters, but for a quick fix a clay-masque helps me get rid of the worst of them.

 

[JUICY1]

You can also try using a blackhead extractor. They are located in most drug stores in the section with the nail clippers and files.