We recently received the following question:
Question:
I always have a lot of black heads on my face. I’ve tried all sorts of treatments, including professional treatments with extractions. Is there anything more I can do to get rid of the blackheads? Does constantly extracting them make it worse?
Answer:
Blackheads, or small black spots prevalent on the forehead, nose and chin, are caused by overactive oil glands which don’t self-regulate. This overproduction of oil clogs pores, which darkens as it oxidizes.
To lessen the appearance of blackheads and control the overproduction of oil, the best plan of attack is to follow a daily regimen using products that don’t over-dry skin. Too much touching and squeezing can make the condition worse by inflaming the skin and causing it to produce more oil, or by introducing more bacteria to the skin.
Doctor D. Schwab specializes in treating blemished/oily skin conditions with natural products that restore skin to the optimal condition. Our oily skin line features all natural ingredients such as Cinnamon Bark Extract, Rosmaranic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, and natural forms of Salicylic and Lactic Acid.
In the specific case of blackheads, we would recommend cleansing with Soft Foam Deep Cleanse, controlling the overproduction of oil with Controlling Balm, exfoliating once a week with Bamboo Cream Peel, and treating blackheads with SRG Super Removal Gel, whose tagline is Kiss Blackheads Goodbye®. Below you can find a further explanation of these products as well as other product options for your regimen.
To address other forms of acne such as whiteheads or cystic acne, we created a three product regimen called Adios Pimples® which helps you to Cleanse, Treat, and Control blemished skin. In the case of cystic acne, you would also want to see a professional on a regular basis.
RECOMMENDED BLACKHEAD PRODUCT REGIMEN
CLEANSE
Twice daily cleansing is important for removing the dirt and oil that can clog pores. You will want to choose a cleanser that effectively gets rid of oil but doesn’t strip skin. Our advanced Soft Foam Deep Cleanse gets deep down into the pores to gently cleanse skin while helping to reduce oil and irritation. It purifies and clarifies, leaving skin soft with a fresh, clean feeling. Copper and Cinnamon Bark control oil, Propolis Extract cleanses deep into the pores, and Oat Amino Acids balance skin.
To use, wet face, add several pumps to the palm of your hand, massage onto face, and rinse. Use it in the morning and evening. To remove any residual makeup, use Azulene Makeup Remover or Herbal Toner. Check out the reviews online.
CONTROL OIL
In addition to cleansing, it is important to control the production of oil. Controlling Balm with Tea Tree Oil is a lightweight formula which helps to control oil and calm inflamed skin. Non-irritating and oil-free, it is a great everyday solution that won’t clog pores. Cinnamon Extract and Rosemary extract control oil, naturally occurring Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree keep skin clear, and Aloe Extract soothes and controls inflammation.
Use in the morning and evening after cleansing, smooth onto face until absorbed. Check out the reviews online.
EXFOLIATE (1-2x / week)
Exfoliating skin weekly sloughs off any dead skin around the pores and allows the oil to be more easily removed. Bamboo Cream Peel is a gentle, non-irritating exfoliator with natural bamboo, jojoba beads and crushed almonds that exfoliates dead surface skin cells for a softer, more radiant complexion.
After cleansing, massage gently onto skin for 30-60 seconds, avoiding the eye area; rinse thoroughly with warm water. Read the reviews online.
REMOVE BLACKHEADS (1-2x / week)
Finally, an important step to clearing blackheads is to use our unique SRG Super Removal Gel®, which is a natural bioactive gel that dissolves oil and helps to unclog pores and remove impurities with natural Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Nettle Extract, Hops Extract and Hamamelis.
Use 1-2 times a week after cleansing. Apply a thin layer to facial skin in problem areas only, avoiding the eye area. Wait 30 seconds to 2 minutes for the gel to settle, then either rinse the gel off the face or gently massage the gel in up and down movements to loosen and lift impurities and roll blackheads away. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Read the reviews online.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Herbal Serum for Blemished / Oily Skin Control with Tea Tree Oil | Intense Blemish Control Serum
Controlling Cream | Improves the Appearance of Blemished Skin
Controlling Mask with Tea Tree Oil | Helps to Unclog Pores
Citrusome | Diminish the look of Acne Scars
REVIEWS
Soft Foam Deep Cleanse and Controlling Mask were featured on Hello Dollface blog: http://hellodollface.com/2011/03/five-best-skin-products-right-now/