I'm 13 and I have fairly normal skin, but lately I have been
getting a lot of blackheads around my nose and chin. I've tried squeezing them
but I know that can lead to scarring and can even worsen the black head. Do you
have any tips or products that can help remove them?
You are so not alone with the blackheads. So many girls get
them. The best thing you can do is to resist the urge to squeeze them. Instead,
focus on using products that a) keep your skin clean and moist and b) fight the
blackheads for you.
Cleanser
I go to a dermatologist and one of the first things she said
to me was in order to combat acne and blackheads, it’s super important to keep
your skin clean. Wash your skin with a gentle cleanser morning and night before
applying acne creams and make-up. Brands like Cetaphil are available at all
drug stores and work for all ages and skin types.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $12, drugstore.com
Moisturize
People often overlook this, but it’s important to keep a
moisturizer in your skincare routine. The biggest reason? A lot of topical
treatments for blackheads and acne contain benzoyl peroxide, a drying agent.
Using a daily moisturizer morning and night keeps skin from getting too dry —
so no flakes! Many moisturizers contain SPF too, which is essential when it
comes to keeping your face protected against the sun.
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15, $15,
target.com
Blackhead Topical Treatment
When it comes to topical creams available without a
prescription, choices are more limited. Opt for a cream or medication that
contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Both are commonly used in the treatment
of mild acne and blackheads. Are your blackheads more severe? Stronger
medications are available, but they require a prescription. If you’ve tried
over-the-counter topicals and they haven’t worked, set up an appointment with a
dermatologist. She can give you an individualized skin treatment plan and
prescribe the right medications to keep blackheads under control.
Biore Pore Perfect Triple Action Astringent, $8,
amazon.com
BY ALYSSA BAILEY ON 3/9/2011 11:13:00 AM
POSTED IN skin problems, advice,