Products with these active ingredients can cause allergic reactions. If your skin reacts badly, stop using it. [1] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source You can actually have more than one type, which is “combination”. For example, your nose and forehead may be oily, but you may have dryness on your cheeks. Most acne-prone skin is actually “sensitive”, as acne tends to react to products such as harsh soap, makeup, or fragrances. If in doubt, go with products designed for sensitive skin.
Look out particularly for products that combine salicylic acid with glycolic acid. [3] X Research source
The strength of the benzoyl peroxide usually ranges between 2. 5 and 10%. This, combined with how long you leave the product on your skin, can influence any irritation you may experience. If your skin is sensitive, you can try a product at the lowest percentage and don’t leave it on your skin too long. Benzoyl peroxide can be harsh on your skin, but it is also more effective than salicylic acid.
Use it in the same way you would a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid product, and always read the instructions. AHAs can increase sensitivity to the sun, so be careful if you are going out in bright sunlight after using this treatment. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If you have particularly sensitive skin take extra care and use more diluted versions of these solutions. Stop if any of these irritate your skin.
You can add a layer of tissue between each egg layer. Peel each layer off before you wash your face at the end. [8] X Research source Raw egg whites can grow salmonella. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Be sure not to ingest raw egg white.
Warm up some honey in a pan, or place a jar of honey in hot water. When the honey is hot to the touch, but there is no danger of you burning yourself, dab it onto your blackheads and let it dry for around ten minutes. Wash off your face with a damp cloth. You can leave this treatment on overnight, but make sure it has dried or you might wake up with your face stuck to your pillow!
There are no studies supporting the use of boric acid for acne. There is evidence to suggest that it does have antibacterial and antiviral properties; however it has not proven to be effective for acne. Although diluted formulations are known to be safe for abrasions and treating vaginal bacterial disease, boric acid if not diluted properly can cause severe skin and eye irritation. In addition, there are a few case reports of patients who used an ointment containing boric acid that caused an acne eruption. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Be aware that boric acid is a pesticide and be toxic to infants if inhaled or ingested. [11] X Trustworthy Source National Pesticide Information Center Organization run by Oregon State University providing objective, science-based information about pests and pesticides Go to source
Again, there is no evidence that this method actually removes blackheads. If left on your skin for too long or overused, iodine can cause severe skin reactions, or may put you at risk for hyperthyroidism. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Place a towel over your head so the steam can’t escape. You will feel the steam beginning to loosen your pores. You can also soak a washcloth in hot water and lay it over your face.
After cleansing your skin, place the loop over the blackhead and apply gentle pressure, then pull the tool down. The blackhead should pop out of your pore. [15] X Research source Do not press too hard. If the blackhead doesn’t come out with gentle pressure, treat it with a topical cream. Pressing too hard may damage your skin. [16] X Research source Make sure you clean your skin and the tool after use to avoid the spread of bacteria and possibly clogging other pores. [17] X Research source
For the best results, it’s a good idea to use a treatment cream for a few nights in a row to loosen your pores before you try using a blackhead strip. [19] X Research source
Your doctor may prescribe benzoyl peroxide. It is comedolytic (unclogs pores), anti-inflammatory, and also has been shown to reduce the bacteria thought to play a role in acne.
