This question is asked by 99% of clients who come to see me, "What is the best way to get rid of blackheads OR whiteheads?"
Whiteheads vs Blackheads: What's the Difference?
To treat blackheads and whiteheads, first, we need to understand what exactly they are. Blackheads and whiteheads are both forms of acne caused by plugs of substances, but they do differ quite substantially appearance and the way they are best treated. Blackheads are made up of oxidized oil and dead skin that sit in our pores, and it is this oxidation that makes the matter turn dark in colour. Whiteheads are white and form a white head raised above your skin. As tempting as it is to pick, extracting these comedones can cause impurities to spread which can actually cause more whiteheads or blackheads to form. Similar to popping blemishes, extracting or picking at whiteheads can also leave a mark or dark spot.
Blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores are more common in the T-Zone of the face where through adolescence these pores become larger to compensate for the increase of oil flow as a result of hormonal changes. Once the pores have been stretched so to speak the pores will remain as such.
There are a few tricks we can do to minimize the appearance of these unwanted friends. The secret is to focus not on the blemish but to focus on what is in the pore. In order to minimize blackheads we need to keep the pore clean and clear. Remember that blackheads are a build up of oil and dead skin within the pore with an oxidized oil cap. If we can keep the oil and dead skin from impacting within the pore we can then work on minimizing the pore. Keeping the skin very clean and hydrated is the best way to keep whiteheads tame, and remember... NO PICKING! Let your products do the job.
How to treat blackheads and whiteheads with Skin Matrix
1. BHA and/or AHA Spray: Blackhead removal and one of the best was to get rid of blackheads is to use a BHA product or Salicylic Acid product. Salicylic Acid is the best ingredient to dissolve blackheads within the pore. Salicylic Acid in a product that stays on the skin rather than in a cleanser will work best. Try the Cosmedix Purity Balance. Cleanse the face as per normal, then spritz the Cosmedix Purity Balance on to gauze or cotton round and wipe over the skin. Continue your skin care regime. Use AM and PM, reduce to once a day if your skin becomes irritated or dehydrated. BHA's can be drying on the skin so if you don't have any acne or breakouts an AHA product will be better suited.
2. BHA Masks: Salicylic Acid is also found in Facial Masks. Use once a week to combat those pesky blackheads. If you also get acne breakouts, apply to the entire face. Otherwise you can choose to just apply to the nose area. Try the Cosmedix Clear Deep Cleansing Mask or the Aspect Exfoliating Clay Mask.
3. BHA Serums : It can take your blackhead quest one step further. Keep in mind though that BHA's can be very drying on the skin, so slowly introduce your BHA products, you don't want to stress the skin out, become dehydrated and have the opposite effect which can happen. Skin Matrix Hello Goodbye Blemish Gel is designed for small area application only, perfect for the nose or individual spots. PCA Skin Intensive Clarity Serum not only combines the benefits of Salicylic Acid but also contains Retinol which brings me to my next point on the best way to get rid of blackheads.
4. Retinols or Vitamin : A prevent dead skin cells from sloughing off and clogging pores. Vitamin A in the form of retinol or retinaldehyde can assist in minimizing pores and reducing excessive oil flow. Skin Matrix Rebuild Level 1 or Level 2 is a great nighttime Retinol product. Skin texture and tone also improve.
5. Exfoliating Masks: enzyme masks digest dead skin buildup and are a great way of blackhead removal. Cosmedix Detox Mask is a gentle charcoal mask that is perfect for sensitive skins needing exfoliation. Cosmedix Pure Enzymes or Osmosis Polish as a gentler option works wonders as a once a week treatment. I would recommend using our physical AHA scrub once a week along with an enzyme treatment once a week.
6. Book in for once-a-month extractions with a Skin Care Specialist. This is my specialty, pore refinement takes time, I will not lie, but it is worth it and dedication to using the correct home care products along with regular in-clinic extraction sessions to remove the loosened compaction build-up is the only way to make positive progress. You can further increase progress by undertaking laser or skin needling for total skin rejuvenation. Remember all skins are designed differently and results with vary from client to client.
Book for a Skin Treatment Today and lets get you on the path to clearer pores!
Frequently asked questions.
Should I squeeze or extract the blackheads on my face at home?
The answer to this one is an absolute NO. Please leave all extracting to a professional. Extracting or squeezing at home can not only lead to redness, irritation and more breakouts, but can even cause scarring!
Can I scrub the blackheads and clogged pores away?
Alot of people think that the more abrasive teh scrub, the better... wrong! Using an exfoliant is only recommended 1-2 times per week. If you over exfoliate the skin, this can lead to dryness, and irritation only making the redness and spots worse. Opt for a gentle ezyme exfoliant, or if you like a physical scrub, why not get the best of both worlds by using our Skin Matrix AHA Scrub.
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