[pacman]

For as long as I can remember I have always had blackheads - mainly all over my nose and also on my cheeks and very slowly spreading its not really bad but obviously I dotn like it.

At the moment I exfoliate twice a day in the shower for a few minutes apply moisuriser and thats where my skin treatment ends. (exfoliating scrub and moisturiser are both Nivea for men range)

I squeeze my blackheads but they are always there.

Whats the best treatment - or the best first step to try? I couldnt see a newbie guide anywhere.

 

[juniepoo]

Hi-You didnt say how old you are. That makes a difference.
If you are younger I would say you might grow out of it.
Hormones play a big role in acne. I am female older but Ive always had blackheads -on my nose mostly. You are doing the right thing in exfoliating every day. After your shower apply an astringent. Which will then disinfect and close the pores. If you use a moisurizer, make sure its oil free.
Also buy a peel-off cleansing facial mask. Use twice a week - this will remove any dead skin cells and unplug the pores. Place warm face-cloth on your face for about 5-10 min. to open the pores before using the mask. This is what Ive been doing and it seems to work.
I dont know if black-heads ever go away but keeping your face clean and free of oils and dirt can only help.
Hope I helped a little.
Have a great day.

 

[gymrat]

For as long as I can remember I have always had blackheads - mainly all over my nose and also on my cheeks and very slowly spreading its not really bad but obviously I dotn like it.

At the moment I exfoliate twice a day in the shower for a few minutes apply moisuriser and thats where my skin treatment ends. (exfoliating scrub and moisturiser are both Nivea for men range)

I squeeze my blackheads but they are always there.

Whats the best treatment - or the best first step to try? I couldnt see a newbie guide anywhere.

Pacman- Here is a link for some good info on blackheads. You would not want to take my advice, because I am a picker!!

But what worked for me, before I took Accutane, was to boil some water and put my face over the steam for awhile. That would release alot of them and make it easier to get rid of. Try this link and see if it helps-
Salicylic Acid

 

[fawnie]

I agree! Salicylic acid can really loosen things up for you! Here is a vid about making an aspirin (salicylic acid is aspirin) mask:

YouTube - Aspirin Mask

hope this helps and let us know!

 

[pacman]

Thanks for the responses been offline for a few days.

To answer questions I am 31 now - had blackheads since i was very very young

Whats an astringent? and how do I check if my moisturiser is oil free - should it jsut say "oil free"? any recommended?

 

[2blue]

There is a lot of talk these days about how very different male and female skin is, and that we need very different products. The practical facts are more like this: male tend towards more oil, larger pores, and have effects from shaving like irritation, ingrown hair... Male skin will always have more fatty lipids. Women tend twards dryer, thinner, finer skin, less visible pores. But there are many women with oilier skin than the avarage man, and there are lots of guys troubled with dry skin at any age. In general both men and women have the same skin issues, it depends more on the individual than on gender. The products and ingredients that target the different issues are exactly the same.

If your have normal to oily skin I would recommend trying a salicylic / lactic peel, once or twice a week. I really like the fairly strong ones (still, only affecting the top dead skin layer) and these will dissolve hardened sebum (the wax like clogg in the pore) and keep the pores clean and open. In three weeks you should notice a dramatic improvement. In combination with pore-strips all pores will be open and clean. I can almost guarantee you On my skin chemical peels work better than the grainy scrubs, and micro-dermabration type exfoliaters. In general chemical peels do a better job on oily to combination skin. You just have to try both to find what you like best. If you have dry skin pure lactic, malic or glycolic peels are better, they will help hydrate skin. But to me it sounds like you have an abundant oil production.

There are very effective products available, peels are one of them and they don't have to cost very much. Good luck

 

[juniepoo]

An astringent is like after shave. It cools the skin and closes the pores. Can be bought at any drug store. Unlike after shave it does not contain fragrance although some might. It usually contains alcohol.
They do sell moisturizers for men. And usually will state on packaging that it is oil-free
or for oily skin. You can try the peels that other people here have mentioned that will remove dead skin cells and unplug the pores.
Another suggestion is to eat healthy food. Cutting back on greasy foods.Eat lots of Fruit and vegatables and drink plenty of water. Drinking lots of water will cleanse your system.
You are what you eat - as they say.
Hope all of this helps.