11 replies to this topic

[MeSays]

So on my nose, I don't really have blackheads, that is, pores that are black. But when I do squeeze my nose, pus comes out of my pores. Most of the time it is fluid-y, but sometimes it is a paste. I don't have any raised bumps and I thought that was the sign that you have clogged pores. Sorry if this is a stupid question, but it seems that most people on here have actual blackheads. Anything I can do to permanently clear out my pores?

I am on Differin and at times I exfoliate with baking soda, use diluted ACV, and apply aloe vera gel. TY!

Edit: Also they are not whiteheads

[Polka]

i don't think its pus, just grease?

[Wynne]

The more liquid stuff is likely oil. The thicker stuff is some of the clog from the clogged pores: meaning, you've got either whiteheads and/or sebaceous filaments.

All you can do is gentle daily exfoliation manually or chemically. There are many methods of manual exfoliation. See my signature for a link to the baby's hair brush method of exfoliation. Chemical exfoliation: AHA (or alpha hydroxy acids) and/or BHAs and various types of exfoliating treatments.

Baking soda use, even with apple cider vinegar, just sets your skin up for potential problems due to its alkalinity.

Be sure you're also using warm or cool, not hot water to wash, and that you're using a gentle or sensitive skin cleanser. Hot water irritates the skin and may dry it excessively, causing further breakouts and increased inflammation (red marks are more obvious, too). A gentle cleanser won't strip your skin of its needed emollients and will also maintain the acid mantle of your skin.

[padresfan]

Yeah, I have those sometimes too. I definitely know what you're talking about. They're sebum plugs. Dead skin and oil mix together but don't reach the stage of turning black. I just exfoliate with either a gentle scrub or glyclolic acid.

[Jenstar]

What about those pore strips you can buy and put it across your nose? Has anyone tried this? I seem to have tiny whiteheads/blocked pores on the centre of my chin and have been wondering whether pore strips might work. Anyone tried this on their nose or chin?

[Wynne]

What about those pore strips you can buy and put it across your nose? Has anyone tried this? I seem to have tiny whiteheads/blocked pores on the centre of my chin and have been wondering whether pore strips might work. Anyone tried this on their nose or chin?

All they do is get some of the surface clog. For me, personally, they don't work at all. If you try them, follow the instructions completely and use the pore strips after a nice warm shower so you have a better chance of getting some of the clogs.

[roymunson]

What about those pore strips you can buy and put it across your nose? Has anyone tried this? I seem to have tiny whiteheads/blocked pores on the centre of my chin and have been wondering whether pore strips might work. Anyone tried this on their nose or chin?

Mandelic acid. It's amazing how many people don't do research. Pore strips are not useful.

[Jenstar]

Mandelic acid. It's amazing how many people don't do research. Pore strips are not useful.

I am trying mandelic acid currently. I once lived in Tokyo and the Japanese girls there swear by pore strips - they use them all the time. I personally don't think they would work - I guess that's why I've never tried it.

[LionQueen]

So on my nose, I don't really have blackheads, that is, pores that are black. But when I do squeeze my nose, pus comes out of my pores. Most of the time it is fluid-y, but sometimes it is a paste. I don't have any raised bumps and I thought that was the sign that you have clogged pores. Sorry if this is a stupid question, but it seems that most people on here have actual blackheads. Anything I can do to permanently clear out my pores?

What you are seeing is sebum, not pus .... possibly with some dead skin cells mixed in.

So far as I know, nothing stops sebum production except Accutane.

Various products will help to keep the pores from clogging up and breaking out: mandelic acid, salicylic acid, and topical retinoids such as Differin can all be useful. But none of these are going to affect your sebaceous glands.

And even Accutane probably would not PERMANENTLY clear out your pores.

[bizarreOne]

I have those on my nose, i even scarred sum of my nose from thinking they were blackheads as a teen by trying to open one up with a needle. anyhow, i see a huge difference after i scrub with baking soda at night after i wash, i mean they are virtually gone, and i dont see them really til the nex evening. i use te baking soda as an exfoiliator every night, so it keeps them as clean and open as possible. It may help.

[sandyg1]

I get this too, but only on my chin and 1-2 weeks before my cycle. It's gross. It seems that retin a helps, but not 100%.

[Alona]

What about those pore strips you can buy and put it across your nose? Has anyone tried this? I seem to have tiny whiteheads/blocked pores on the centre of my chin and have been wondering whether pore strips might work. Anyone tried this on their nose or chin?

I've used pore strips before and after I took them off it looked like a mini forest! They worked for me on my nose and cheaks, but the acne on my chin was just too far down I guess.