3 replies to this topic

[carolinewxo]

Hi! It's my first post on this website but I've always read the forums through google.

My nose is covered in stubborn blackheads that won't get out. I've tried masks, high percentage of salycilic acid, pore strips, scrubs, everything. The only solution is to extract them with my nails one by one and sometimes that bleeds and leaves a mark, which is even worse. I also have clogged pores all in my cheeks, and very deep in my forehead. I can't even extract those.

I've tried everything but a facial at a salon, which I cannot afford, $90 a month? Sorry, I'm 13.

How can I get rid of these? They make me feel so ugly!

[lookingforthecure]

I've read that mandelic acid works well to bring out the gunk in blackheads.

[Reeja]

these may just be sebaceous filaments. Short of eliminating your face's oil production (possibly with Accutane) you, and most other people, are stuck with them.

[PinkOrange]

Yeah unfortunately, you're stuck with removing them yourself.

First thing is to keep your face clean. This is the hardest thing to do because it would mean washing your face every 4 hours and seriously, who's got the time for that. Clogged pores are caused by your skin producing oil and that oil becoming trapped and then covered by the dirt that's naturally on your face. So wash your face as constantly as you possibly can.

Second, get yourself one of these bad boys:
http://solution-acne.com/wp-content/upload..._extractors.jpg
It's a blackhead extractor. WARNING: It hurts like a mofo to use. But it gets the job done.

So once or twice a month (depending on the severity) do this:
- Wash your face thoroughly, preferably with a light facial scrub.
- Fill a large bowl or bucket with hot, and I mean freakin hot, water.
- Lean over as close to the water as you can and cover your head and the bucket/bowl with a towel as if you're making a tent over it.
- Stay like this for at least 15 minutes. It will be stuffy and uncomfortable but the steam will open your pores.
- Then use the blackhead extractor, gently, on your problematic areas.
- When finished, wash your face again, this time with something mild and use cool water.
- After you can either put on a bought calming mask or make one yourself from cucumber, oatmeal and mint.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes and again wash it off with cool water.

Remember, this will only remove your blackheads. It won't stop them from forming. For that you'd need oral medication or a specific gel and it's difficult to find the right one for individual skin.