I'm 36 and STILL have LOTS of blackheads

[jennifer_r]

O.K. so this might be a bit TMI but . . . am I the only one with this problem and how do I get rid of them? I've had facials but they've never "removed" all of them - gosh, they'd have to work at my face all day probably. I wash my face in the am and pm with a Clinique cleanser and use their clarifying lotion as well. Any other suggestions? Will the Biore strips work (I picked some up)? I think I have to figure out first how to get RID of them and then how to PREVENT them from coming back.

BTW, though I have blackheads, I am luckily acne-free so I think that soaps that get rid of acne maybe too strong for my needs. Also, I am combination according to the pros.

Hope I didn't gross anyone out.

Jennifer

Mom to:
Christopher 12/29/89
Adelaide 8/23/04
Bronwyn 11/9/05

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[katerinasmom]

No advice for you - only empathy. I too still get blackheads too. I've tried various things -nothing works. Sorry this isn't helpful - just wanted to let you know you are not alone.

[jennifer_r]

Well, if I come across a magic trick, I'll be sure to let you know. You would think that eventually this kind of stuff goes away. Oh, well.

Jennifer

Mom to:
Christopher 12/29/89
Adelaide 8/23/04
Bronwyn 11/9/05

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[JulieL]

I really really really love this soap, it really gives a good squeaky clean feel and is the only thing that helps my skin.

http://www.ddfskincare.com/Pages/MainPage.aspx?Page=Product&ProductId=298

You can find their products that the Bath and Body Work locations that sell various product lines.

[Marisa6826]

I still get them too. Fortunately I have found an amazing aesthetician. She's Russian and really means business. ;)

You might need something other than Clinique. I always had problems with breakouts when I used it many moons ago. I don't know that their line is really intended for mid 30s skin, but that's JMO. I've done Aveda stuff, Skinceuticals, L'Oreal, etc. It helps to have your skin analysed - sometimes what you think is dry, really is sensitive and oily. Are you using something that has a light acid in it? That really helps to keep the blackheads at a minimum by getting your skin cells to turn over more frequently.

I'm now using Peter Thomas Roth stuff and LOVE it. It's not super crazy expensive, a little goes a LONG way, and I can buy it at Sephora, or drugstore.com.

I've found that sunscreen really tends to make me break out. One thing that makes a difference is washing your face as soon as you come home from being out and about. Using a clean pillowcase and fresh washcloth (gets off the dead skin better than just your hands)also is a big deal.

The Russian lady is in Livingston if you want her contact information. I've gone to several different facialists both in NYC and NJ, and this one really rocks.

-m

[dhano923]

I have the same problem. I have large pores, so the blackheads on my nose are so noticable! I've tried everything -- scrubs, cleansers, masks, facials, microdermabrasion, nothing works! The microdermabrasion helps your pores look a little smaller because it scrubs off the dead skin cells, but it doesn't really remove the blackheads.

My uncle is a dermatologist and he said prominent blackheads are the result of oil in the pores, and the larger the pore, the more oil, hence the more noticable blackhead. He also told me that it's not possible to shrink pores -- they are determined by genetics, unfortunately. :(

[bostonsmama]

My DH is also in his 30s and has HUGE pores, so he always has blackheads all over his nose, upper cheeks and hairline. He does not get whiteheads, but every once in a while will get a cystic blemish. He did Acutane as a child (twice), and it worked for everything but the blackheads, which are genetic, i guess. All that to say that I sympathize....I have everything, since I'm still in my mid 20s.

First of all, ditch the Clinique system. That soap has wax in it, which will keep clogging your pores. The toner is harsh on the skin and probably is causing your skin to dry out and produce more oil, which clogs more pores...an artificial exfoliating scrub (like Neutrogena Pore Minimizing Cleanser) will work much better. Finally, the yellow lotion is AWFUL!!! All it is is polymers and mineral oil. Someone with combination skin shouldn't be putting oils back onto the skin. I like oil-free moisturizers like Clinique's Moisture Surge for Extra Thirsty Skin (pink gel)...which is so awesome, light, but smoothing, and moisturizing.

For sunscreen I've had good luck w/ Coppertone's SPF 45 Oil Free Lotion for Faces (white tall, skinny bottle w/ black cap on bottom).

For spot treatments I like Clean & Clear's (Johnson & Johnson product) Persagel, which is 10% Benzoyl peroxide and a great exfoliant for wrinkles.

I also hear Cetaphil for oily to combo skin works well, as do all (normal to combo, etc).

Good luck.
Larissa

My-oh-my, we're doing it in July!

Proud Aunt to Jack Dorian, born to my brother and SIL on 3/06
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[lizajane]

ditto on the ditch the clinique.

i use clearsil face wash. it works the best. i hardly EVER moisturizer. i am just too oily.

i am 30 and get breakouts all the time. sigh...

try keihls moisturizer/sunscreen. it is the ONLY thing that doesn't make me break out in any way.

but seriously. clearasil face wash. pretend it is for your teenage nephew. ;)

[nfowife]

The key is to use salicylic acid. It gets into your pores and cleans them out. It is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid). AHA's do not get into your pores. I use a solution from Paula's Choice (cosmeticscop.com) that is like a toner, 2% salicylic acid solution. Use it 1-2x daily (it doesn't sting, but you might have to work up to it if it irritates your skin). If you are consistent, you will see results. It is an exfoliant so you don't need to also scrub your skin (but you still can 1-2 times a week if you want, just not everyday). I use it with her mild cleanser and when I am consistent with it it really does make a difference. And it isn't expensive either. She has a lot of info on her website in the education/information section about blackheads.

[maestramommy]

Jennifer, I'm 37, and I STILL get acne. I think it's with me for life, although I will say things have really improved since my 2nd trimester til now. I have used the Bior strips, and they work somewhat. But really the only thing that got them all out was having a facial. The esthetician used some kind of tool to get all the blackheads and zits out. Rather painful, but I noticed after regular treatments, my skin did look better longer. However, I haven't had one since my last trimester, and I live too far away now to go in and have it done.

I can't use any acne soaps, or any OTC cleansers either, because they're too harsh and my skin ends up getting itchy bumps. I use Mary Kay products which I love. I use a mild cleanser, but a toner that is for blemish prone skin. I think it has salycic acid in it. T-line only. Works well!

ETA: I use Neutrogena sunscreen spf 45, the dry apply kind. It doesn't clog my pores at all. I used it a lot when I went climbing and needed a stronger sunblock. It worked great and didn't irritate my skin.

[denna]

The Biore pore strips work for me :D. But you do have to use them like twice a week I'd say. Also Biore has a blackhead remover/cleanser that I use a few times a week. I agree that cleanser for acne is too strong for your skin. I can't use acne cleanser either. I use St. Ives.

[cmdunn1972]

I've written Paula's book, "Dont go to the cosmetics coutner without me." I've never used her stuff, but, according to her, those Biore strips are a gimmick and waste of money. Some of Biore's other products rated okay though.

[katerinasmom]

"I think it's with me for life, although I will say things have really improved since my 2nd trimester til now."

-Now that I think about it a little more, the only thing that did actually dramatically improve my skin (and my hair and nails for that matter) was being pregnant. Just another reason to have that second baby. :)

[jennifer_r]

Well, I guess it's nice to hear that I'm not alone but it's NOT good to hear that there's not too much to do about it. I remember using a cleanser that worked really well many years ago (unfortunately, after doing an exhaustive search I couldn't find it) and it contained salicylic acid, so that must have been the reason why. It was the only thing that worked on my face back then. So, I'll pick up a cleanser with that in it. Oh, and Marisa, can you email/PM me the contact info of the aesthetician? No rush on that since I'm going to be crazy busy the next couple of weeks and won't be able to see her for awhile.

Thanks again for everyone's input!


Jennifer

Mom to:
Christopher 12/29/89
Adelaide 8/23/04
Bronwyn 11/9/05

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[jennifer_r]

Well, I guess it's nice to hear that I'm not alone but it's NOT good to hear that there's not too much to do about it. I remember using a cleanser that worked really well many years ago (unfortunately, after doing an exhaustive search I couldn't find it) and it contained salicylic acid, so that must have been the reason why. It was the only thing that worked on my face back then. So, I'll pick up a cleanser with that in it. Oh, and Marisa, can you email/PM me the contact info of the aesthetician? No rush on that since I'm going to be crazy busy the next couple of weeks and won't be able to see her for awhile.

Thanks again for everyone's input!


Jennifer

Mom to:
Christopher 12/29/89
Adelaide 8/23/04
Bronwyn 11/9/05

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_garnet_6m.gif[/img][/url]

[TaChapm]

Serious Skin Care's Continuously Clear line of cleansers contain Salicylic acid. I have problem skin and they have really done the trick for me. You can find them at HSN.com and they are not that expensive. I also use a Mary Kay Formula 3 toner with Salicylic acid in it and use their Microderm set every 2-3 days. In all of our trainings one of they key things we are told is to get rid of the dead skin cells that can cause the pores to look larger and become clogged. This combination has worked wonders for me.

Tara
Mommy to Jackson 11-10-02
Tyler William 6-9-05
OMG!!! It's a GIRL!! Due September 5, 2006!

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[Vajrastorm]

Salicylic acid is too harsh for my combination skin. I have never had good results with it.

I have had good success with AcneFree, which is like Proactive but cheaper. I get it at Costco.

Before AcneFree, I was using Cetaphil and benzoyl peroxide. It worked ok for my acne, but was I having a hard time finding the right moisturizer to finish up with. The AcneFree leaves my skin feeling balanced - not too dry and not too oily, with less break outs.

[amyff]

The Paula's Choice line has helped me a ton. I really love the 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Gel! Good luck!

http://www.cosmeticscop.com/learn/article.asp?PAGETYPE=ART&REFER=SKIN&ID=71

[jerseygirl07067]

I second the salicylic acid recommendation to try first. If that doesn't work, and I'm surprised this hasn't been mentioned yet....but Retin-A rocks. It's by prescription only, but what can I say, I'm vain. :) Normally I'm a natural kind of gal and hate taking meds, but this is my only exception. I hate wearing makeup so if my skin is clear and blemish free I don't have to!

You can get it in a topical cream or gel formulation. I use the gel .025% topical. It's expensive, many insurances won't cover it, so I get mine from Canada for $40 bucks including shipping, vs. the $100 bucks it costs here.

It is normally prescribed for acne, but also does a great job of clearing the pores of all the gunk and congestion. It helps with wrinkle prevention and can even help to reverse sun damage and its associated wrinkles too, as well as areas of hyperpigmentation (melasma, etc.) So much so that derms are now prescribing it for just that. It's the most effective wrinkle fighter out there, so when you get to that point, you don't have to waste your money on expensive lotions, creams, etc. You just need to wear a good sunscreen with it though. So the way I see it, if it works on acne and wrinkles at the same time, it's the product for me!

If you want to go over the counter, I second the recommendation for the salicylic acid. The issue it has to be at the right pH to work correctly. A really good one is from cosmeticscop.com. Get the 1% and then work up to the 2%. Then after a few weeks they should be able to be extracted quite easily by your facialist, if they don't dissolve on their own, and if you keep using the salicylic acid, it will keep them from returning to the degree that you have them now.

If you're allergic to aspirin or its derivatives, though you can't use the salicylic acid.

Oh, wanted to add, you can't use it (Retin-A) when you're pregnant. And some OBs will tell you not to use the salicylic acid too when pregnant, but it depends on your OB.

Good luck!
Marcy

[s7714]

I'm pretty much the exact same way. I always have lots of blackheads, but almost never any other acne. Everytime I have a facial, the tech will always remark about how amazingly stubborn my blackheads are, and they usually end up not getting many out. :( Needless to say those pore strips don't do much for me either.

I've only been using a salcylic acid cleaner for about a year now. I have noticed a reduction on the number, but I still have a lot. Maybe I'll have to check out some of the other cleansers people have mentioned here!

So don't worry, you're not alone!

Jennifer
Mommy to
DD 3/03
DD 6/05

Calling fellow BBB SoCal moms...we'd love to meet you!
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[ppshah]

I second the Retin-A recommendation. You can also try osmething with retinol which is not as strong and may take longer to work, but it's available over the counter and is cheaper.

[katrice1]

I am using Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Correction pads and they are controlling my blackheads. I am under the impreesion that you can never get rid of blackheads completely, just keep them under control. You will notice a difference in the first few applications.

Hope that helps

Dora's mom