Hi, my problem is a lot of blackheads on my face. They just keep coming. Especially the forehead/temple area. I want these blackheads to go away and stay away. I very rarely get inflamed acne. My problem is blackheads/clogged pores.


In the pinned topic "A non-inflamed acne regimen", it is recommended that an exfoliate be used in the day, and a Benzoyl Peroxide Gel be used at night.


I just started applying PC BHA 2% daily, and am wondering if I need to add a Benzoyl Peroxide Gel? What other products do i need to add to my regimen? The only topical I am using is the PC BHA.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks

This post has been edited by intotherain: Nov 7 2009, 05:59 AM

benzyol peroxide is used for inflammatory acne, so if u don't have that its not really worth it, people just say to use it for non inflammed acne b.c. it has a little bit of a peeling effect so it helps get stuff out of your pores, but i heard that its not really a strong enough effect to spend money on it, not too mention its highly irritating. you could start retinoids at night too. just visit the retinoid section of acne.org.

BPO actually does have comedolytic effects if you use one that is at least a 5% concentration. It helps to peel out acne impactions and also helps prevent any inflammation of existing comedones, so they are less likely to flare up into inflamed lesions (which can sometimes happen when you start using BHAs, AHAs and retinoids).

Its a really good regimen and the one that cleared my acne - I had mostly noninflamed with occasional inflamed spots.

I would follow the pinned regimen as closely as possible - adding the BPO and a gentle cleansing scrub. Also, the esthetician who created that regimen (she owns an acne clinic) finds that mandelic works better than salicylic for a lot of her clients. If you have widespread problems an over the counter retinoid like Vivant Derm A Gel or Exfol-A might be necessary as well.

Comedonal acne is generally a lot more stubborn and difficult to get rid of than inflamed acne is.

[/quote]

I would follow the pinned regimen as closely as possible - adding the BPO and a gentle cleansing scrub. Also, the esthetician who created that regimen (she owns an acne clinic) finds that mandelic works better than salicylic for a lot of her clients. If you have widespread problems an over the counter retinoid like Vivant Derm A Gel or Exfol-A might be necessary as well.

Comedonal acne is generally a lot more stubborn and difficult to get rid of than inflamed acne is.

[/quote]


Thanks for the reply.
I am just going to try BHA+BPO for now.


Can I ask:

1. Is the scrub necessary? I have found cleansers just make my skin more oily. What would you recommend for a gentle cleansing scrub? My skin is somewhat sensitive.
2. In what situation would I need a retinoid? My blackhead problem is fairly bad.
3. If the BHA doesn't work should I replace it with Glycolic or Mandelic?

This post has been edited by intotherain: Nov 7 2009, 11:46 AM

can anyone answer the questions in my last post?

thanks