I am in my mid twenties and the battle continues... So, after giving advice on this issue many times, I've finally decided to blog it as everyone keeps asking me to post!
I looked for over 8 years for a product against blackheads, flare-ups and oily skin that wouldn't make my skin breakout, crackup or look awful. I tried on and off a few different products, like Neutrogena, Retina-A prescription creams, Clean & Clear, sulfur-based soaps and several product containing either salicylic acid (works best on whiteheads) or benzoyle peroxide (works best for blackheads). While they did actually prevent new blackheads/ whiteheads from appearing and evened out my skin, they didn't REMOVE them, so I went to the beautician for a facial to have them physically removed (physical extraction). This did work but often the blackheads were not completely dried out yet or were difficult to remove and I was still unhappy with these partial results. I think that the above methods may work for some people, but if you have long term blackheads or these products aren't working then you might want to try Clarins Lotus Oil (erm... oil?!?).... So here goes, my ode to Lotus oil!!!
-->
Clarins has an awesome line that I have been successfully using for 4 months now and I guess this is why I decided to write about it, because I was posting on forums, trying to help people in my situation when I realized that one place, all the info, would be a great idea, so why not a blog? So read on to see if this might be something you want to try.
For night time, you need the toner and lotus oil. It's a special oil that dissolves blackheads (for real) and cleans your face overnight of impurities. I didn't believe that blackheads could be dissolved, not without something really strong anyways! But I did my research and spoke with a consultant at Clarins and here's what came out: Black heads are basically a hardened oil mixture that was secreted from your pores and oxidized (which makes the outside part black) and since water and oil don't mix, no water based product can "clean" your blackheads away, just try say putting certain foundations or makeups on the mirror and if you wipe it with water it smudges all over but put a little baby oil and wipe and tada! it comes off super clean AND dissolves it. So this is basically how this oil works. It's composition is such that the skin accepts it as a healing oil and it does not clog your skin but rather protects it while the plant extracts inside go down into the pores (this absorption is made possible by applying the toner to the skin before applying the oil and then applying the dabs of oil all over your moistened face/ problem areas), it then penetrates into the pores. Once the plant extracts reach your pores, the clinician explained to me that they work therapeutically to calm your skin and regulate the glands that produce the oil that makes you have blackheads in the first place! So, the oil "tells" your glands to relax the production of sebum (oil from your skin) all while working on the blackheads directly. This regulation of your glands will also help in the prevention of white heads and flare-ups.
What I noticed after the first 10 days of use was that this oil also dries up the pimples and the black heads all the way down. I recommend using it for 6-8 weeks then going for a facial (costs maybe 25$) and ask for a facial specializing in black head removal/extraction or you can do it yourself (read below for the paragraph on self-extracting).
So first off, yes, using a tissue paper not your fingernails really is better; I know cause now I have little brown spots and acne scars from years of picking with nails (another article needed on how to cure this!). The tissue forms a little barrier so that the sharp edge of your nails doesn't cut the thin outer cell layer of your skin. If the blackheads are on your back, arms, etc it's no as important, as the skin tends ot be thicker and less delicate in these areas, but I'd still recommend it.
To start off, you will need to wash your face and hands. As to what soap to use, I'm not sure what to answer, Clarins has it's line, the gommage is excellent, I am addicted to Clarins Bright Plus Gentle Brightening Exfoliator, full size is 50 mL, 1.9Oz., goes for about 12-15$USD on eBay I think (retails for over 40$ here in Canada), lasts 2 months when used twice a week, use sparingly. I think that if the anti-blackhead or anti-acne soaps work for you and don't dry up your skin too much then that's a good option, but because the plant extract will be working your skin, I think a neutral, perfume free soap without salicylic acid or benzoyle peroxide would be best. If you want to do a mask, you could do it either before or after, but keep in mind that your skin will be more sensitive after, so if you have sensitive skin you may want to do it before while your skin is untouched.
For the extraction, you may want to read up on black head extractors, it's a little tool with two loops, one on each side, one for black heads, one for white heads. There are many online sites that explain their use.
Blackhead/ Whitehead Extractor Tool
After your face is washed, you will need to steam. Steaming your face first will help TREMENDOUSLY because this will make the blackheads rise out as the pores open and also soften the skin around allowing blackheads to slide out quickly and completely (because half a blackhead out is still no fun). Make sure you thoroughly wash skin before starting the steam .To steam, put very hot water in a bucket or big bowl (you can add herbs, long lists of what is good online, feel free to add comments of what worked for you!), then you put your face over the bowl (not too close!) and cover your head with a towel, making a little "tent" and enclosing all the steam inside. Apparently it only takes 4 minutes for pores to open and any time between 4-8 minutes is good. The steam will allow the pores to open, making the blackheads just slide out with a little pressure. After you have finished extracting, rewash your face (very gently as some pores may have been damaged during extraction), finish off with cold water to close your pores, apply some toner and if you have dry skin then apply a light moisturizer. I wouldn't recommend putting on make-up for 12 hours after extraction, but you could definitely use the Clarins night regime as described right below. Or you could apply a hot, wet face cloth/ towel to your face for 4-8 minutes like in the image below!
Hot, wet towel allows pores to open
I saw Fab Face Food Thermal Sauna Face Mask (Strawberry & Cream) and Gentle Exfoliating Mask (Peach & Elderflower) available at http://10dollarsnow.com/beauty_health.html for only 1$ each, here they usually retail 2.99$ each so this is a great deal plus they smell awesome!!!
I saw Fab Face Food Thermal Sauna Face Mask (Strawberry & Cream) and Gentle Exfoliating Mask (Peach & Elderflower) available at http://10dollarsnow.com/beauty_health.html for only 1$ each, here they usually retail 2.99$ each so this is a great deal plus they smell awesome!!!
Hmm... 12 pm and you just got an extraction buzz? Go for it! :) While it may be better to wait for a time you know you won't be bothered, sometimes we just go ahead and pick and then bang... there we are, clean but red faced with little marks all over our face and our significant other is coming over IN 10 MINUTES!!!!! Hopefully you've read this till the end when this happens and you're prepared with yogurt. Yes, yogurt, also yo·ghurt \ˈyō-gərt\ n. : I never thought much about squishy banana and avocado masks and the likes but one night I did a very very simple yogurt masque that consisted of yogurt! The wonder of this mask lies in the fact that it really removes most redness from your face and if you apply it cold (does anyone keep yogurt in the cupboard? ;) it seriously reduces swelling, bumps and weird nail shapes that may have appeared during the extraction. I usually use plain yogurt (0%, 2%, 8% fat content, it's all good) and just apply a nice medium layer all over my face then lie on my back with cucumber slices or cold used tea bags over my eyes... with happy music and a foot massage ... and... Am I getting carried away ?!? :P The mask gets a bit runny so if you are not going to lie down make sure to put on a thinner layer. But if redness isn't an issue and you're out (as in out of availability) for the night then you can skip right on to the Night Regime.The body shop also has an awesome mattifying moisturizing tea oil face gel. Be sure to ask the clerk about their monthly specials as the moisturizing gel is usually around 14$ but they go on special 2 for 20$.
The Body Shop Tea Oil Mattifying Moisture Gel
The night regime is to be used every night. Start by washing your face with warm water and rinse off with warm water (leaving your pores open will allow the plant extracts to do their job). Pat your skin to remove excess moisture (your skin doesn't have to be 100% dry as you will be liberally applying toner right after.
Next you need toner. I have listed the complete product information at the end of this page, so you can use the Clarins toning lotion (with Iris) that is formulate for oily skins (which would be the category blackheads fall under even if your skin is at times dry don't worry as this toner/ oil combo doesn't dry out the skin). The toner goes for around 12$ on eBay (36$ here in Canada at the pharmacy) so at first I used a Neutrogena alcohol-free toner but later changed o the Clarins line. I personally think you can go ahead with any toner as long as it's alcohol free and doesn't contain salicylic acid or other anti-acne medications.
You apply toner on your face first (usually I dab it on with my fingers but you could use a cotton ball/ cotton pad). When your face is still moist, you put 4 drops of oil (one on each finger, you only need a teeny bit), then rub your finger tips together on the other hand to warm up the oil a bit and after a few secs of rubbing use your finger tips to dab it on top of your moist skin... just be careful not to put more than 4-6 small drops of oil and make sure that your face is moist (but not dripping!) from the toner and to dab it over not rub.
What you need
Exfoliator: Clarins Bright Plus Gentle Brightening Exfoliator, full size is 50 mL, 1.9Oz., 12-15$
Toner: NEW Clarins Toning Lotion with Iris OILY Skin Toner 200mL, found it for 10-12$ on eBay (retails for around 36$ in Canada). You can find it cheaper on eBay as it is a bit pricey in stores.
Oil: CLARINS Lotus Face Treatment Oil Combo SKIN 1.4oz/40ml 13-15$ on eBay (retails for 54$ here in Canada at the pharmacy).
Moisturizer: THE BODY SHOP Tea Tree Oil Lotions (they discontinued the one I used to used!)
http://www.thebodyshop.com/by-line/tea-tree/new-tea-tree-pore-minimiser.aspx
http://www.thebodyshop.com/skincare/moisturisers/tea-tree-skin-clearing-lotion.aspx
http://www.thebodyshop.com/skincare/moisturisers/tea-tree-night-lotion.aspx
Another Moisturizer I use: Organic Tea Tree Oil Anti Bump Lotion (great for ingrown facial hair!), it's made by Organic Root Stimulator (don't ask!) and sells for around 6.50$ on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Root-Stimulator-Lotion-Ounce/dp/B00CBFBMM2
Also only use non-comedogenic products (these products are less likely to block your pores and therefor to cause blackheads (open comedones) or whiteheads (closed comedones)). It will be normally written in small on the label if they are non-comedogenic.
On eBay, be sure to check eBay Stores and Buy it Nows, often even cheaper than the auction, for Clarins products anyways.
I hope this helps and please feel free to leave comments, I hope we can kick the buggers out, once and for all!!!
