BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Beauty Basics Blackhead Cure?

Does anyone have a proven blackhead cure? I feel like I've tried everything. I tried clearasil on my nose but all it does is give me dry skin on top of the blackheads!! The dry skin flakes off and the blackheads are still there! So frustrating.
I've tried all of the blackhead strip removers and none of them work.
Also, I can squeeze a ton of them on my nose and they return the very next day!! I had a professional facial not too long ago and within two days they re-appeared.
Any tips/info would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

Try a good retinoid cream.

Blackheads are a form of acne that is usually caused by the build up of dead skin cells, oils and bacteria. Using a good gentle skin care regimen twice daily might benefit you.

Apart from synthetic medication, natural products may work just as well. In some cases they are even preferred as they don't block pores like some synthetic products.

Gentle exfoliation products are also useful in treating blackheads. This is because they remove dead skin cells which would otherwise block the skin pores. Care should be taken not to over-exfoliate as this would irritate the skin. Start out exfoliating three times a week.

Many people scratch the blackheads or try to pop them. This usually causes the bacteria surrounding this area to be pushed deeper within the skin causing further irritation and infection. Furthermore forcibly removing the blackheads might leave behind scars. It is much better to use products that will help clear the blackheads as this doesn't result in scarring.

I hope you find this information useful.

Try gentle exfoliation as revro mentioned above, and then try a weaker topical benzoyl peroxide -- Most are 10% and that is too strong. Try a 5% every other day at first. I personally use "on the spot" by neutrogena as it's only 2.5% and I use it very sparingly and infrequently, but for pimples and not blackheads. For blackheads, you probably need to work up to every other day, but give it a few weeks for your skin to adapt, and use a good oil-free non-comedogenic moisturizer, too.

Hope this helps. Oh, I think removal is okay if you do it gently--steam or put a hot washcloth on your face for a few minutes first to loosen, then squeeze gently, then follow with washing with anti-bacterial soap and benzoyl peroxide. And don't do it daily.

I use hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball and that seems to work the best for me and then a 5% BP acne topical gel/cream.

Some people swear by dotting a bit of the regular paste toothpaste on black heads/pimples overnight dries them up and clears them out. I have never tried it.

I am turning 40 in less than a month and I break out like a teenager and have the oiliest skin ever I am sick out it. I just had a hysterectomy and my new years goal is to see a derm and clear my skin up. <img src="/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Pl. do not try anything that may increase your pore size.

I agree with everyone who recommends exfoliation. I have very dry skin, and dead cells seem to pile up really fast on the surface. I've noticed that the areas most prone to dead skin buildup are also the areas that get the most blackheads.

So, you don't have to have oily skin to have a blackhead problem!

I also have noticed that when I exercise regularly and sweat a lot, I get more blemishes. Normally, sweating helps clear your skin of waste products, but that can't happen if the pores are blocked. (And it's worse if you don't wash your face to remove makeup before working out!).

I tried one of the home microdermabraion kits and found that it was a big help.

That was why I said use retinoids.They do what dermabrasion does.

Blackheads cannot be "cured" only treated and perhaps prevented.

They are the bodies way of disposing of certain debris through the pores of the skin. Increased external and internal cleanliness of the body combined with nutritional changes can reduce the incidence of blackheads dramatically. Some find that in addition to these practices that the help of a dermatologist can be of benefit. Depending on which part of the body the blackheads are located upon, one may consider whether there is internal infection in the tissues and organs of the body.

Regular and frequent scrubbing with a sterilized soft brush and antibacterial soap and warm water, in showers or in soaking baths, treatment with rubbing alcohol, supplement ing with high doses of beta-carotene ( not vitamin A, directly, as it can have poisonous side effects). Lots of fresh raw and or steamed veggies, fresh raw carrot juice, clay masques applied frequently all have proven very beneficial to many. Of course eliminating excess sugars and junk foods, and replacement with highly nutritious foods is very beneficial. Drink lots of water.

Proactiv is an amazing system for clearing up troubled skin. I got some for my teenaged son and the whole family is using it now. It's totally amazing how quickly it works and how you can see the results in what it brings to the surface.