Hi Chris,

black heads that are established don't tend to just go away. Having them extracted is the best method.

The products will prevent so many others from forming.

:)

I was wondering about this. If I have blackheads on my nose, they won't go away by themselves? I should get them extracted? Is that right?

Can I please get some information about this? It sounds like something that would be very worthwhile. What does it involve? What does it cost? Have you had it done? How did it go? Would you do it again? etc...

Thanks!!

I tried those pore strips that you stick on then peel off when I had a horrible hormonal stage with my skin. Talk about gross! :vomit: Its a bit like a wax strip as it will also pull out small facial hairs too along with the blackheads. It doesn't get all of them but certainly removed a good deal without damaging the skin by squeezing it.
An interesting concept.

I've used those too Medusa. They were all the rage a few years back. It is really odd seeing the little blighters on the strip when you pull it off! Did you find the strips really drying though?

Unfortunate but true, blackheads cannot "go away" by themselves. Essentially they are a pore that fills with sebum (oil). The black appearance is when it reaches the surface, it oxidises.

I remove the few I have around my nose after a shower with well padded fingers. As the pores are usually enlarged, it is also inevitable that they "refil". Proper cleansing, deep cleansing masks and refining treatments help though.

I've used those too Medusa. They were all the rage a few years back. It is really odd seeing the little blighters on the strip when you pull it off! Did you find the strips really drying though?

RBB, they might appear drying as they usually take a good layer of skin with them!:(

Hey, that must be it! :chuckle:

What's your take on professional extractions?

I've also found the Alpha H Microcleanse and Purifying Clay Mask have helped reduce the appearance (and re-appearance) of blackheads.

Hi RBB,

Yes, some fantastic products around to lessen their return and refine skin texture. I think those strips are ingenious but darn they hurt! As mentioned earlier they tend to recur as the pore itself is enlarged and will fill fairly quickly.

Most therapists will do extractions during a facial, usually after using the steam. Sort of the same thing I do at home after a shower. Care is needed not to bruise the skin and only persisting when they are coming out with ease. I am personally against those metal do-dahs that have a donut like end. They are lethal!:shockedhair:

As the pores are usually enlarged, it is also inevitable that they "refil". Proper cleansing, deep cleansing masks and refining treatments help though.
Yeah! What is with the refilling! :flames: I have one spot in particular on the corner of my nose (where the oil sits) that persistantly get a little whitehead every now & then. I'm talking since I was about 16! :mad: I try to clean it right out & heal it but the damned thing always comes back!!! Very annoying & very sore.

I agree that peeling the skin with scrubs, AHAs & masks does refine the skin.

What about scarring from squeezed pimples. Yes I know don't lecture me, :dunce: its a done deed. Any tips on fading a scar?

What about scarring from squeezed pimples. Yes I know don't lecture me, :dunce: its a done deed. Any tips on fading a scar?

Know what you mean!:redcheeks:

Alpha H's Hydradefense has a ton of repairing ingredients. Vitamin E is usually used for scarring, but they take some time to fade. Your current arsenal of active products will have an effect too.

What about scarring from squeezed pimples. Yes I know don't lecture me, :dunce: its a done deed. Any tips on fading a scar?

I want advice on this too! Skin is very fair and blemish RIPs seem to take ages to fade...would the U/C Eventone Serum help, I wonder?

I want advice on this too! Skin is very fair and blemish RIPs seem to take ages to fade...would the U/C Eventone Serum help, I wonder?

Yep, definitely worth a go. Glycolic and Salicylic acids should help to refine skin and the other ingredients should also help with fading. Long processs though! :yawn:

Hi RBB,

Yes, some fantastic products around to lessen their return and refine skin texture. I think those strips are ingenious but darn they hurt! As mentioned earlier they tend to recur as the pore itself is enlarged and will fill fairly quickly.

Most therapists will do extractions during a facial, usually after using the steam. Sort of the same thing I do at home after a shower. Care is needed not to bruise the skin and only persisting when they are coming out with ease. I am personally against those metal do-dahs that have a donut like end. They are lethal!:shockedhair:

OMG !! Those metal blackhead extraction thingies really hurt, I made the beauty therapist stop when she started on my nose OUCH! - yeh I'm a wuss.

I have only just started using Even Skintone, so can't comment yet. Will let you know how it goes.

Thanks for the info and discussion, girls! I'll look into those little pore strips. Any brand recommendations?
If I need more I'll get a facial from somewhere and ask about getting them extracted. Girls from Canberra: where should I go for a facial? I have no idea!

I find that using a mild exfoliator every day helps keep mine under control... presently I'm using Dermalogica Microfoliant, which is great (if a bit messy - it's a powder you mix with water to make a paste). Dr.Hauschka Cleansing Cream is another good one in this category.

Thanks for the info and discussion, girls! I'll look into those little pore strips. Any brand recommendations?
If I need more I'll get a facial from somewhere and ask about getting them extracted. Girls from Canberra: where should I go for a facial? I have no idea!

Toastie there's a place in Civic that uses Dermalogica and MD Formulations...they do a "face mapping" exercise as part of the facial so they can help recommend products for you. Pretty sure they do extractions as well. I haven't been there for a couple of years though. It's called Urban Body and it's in Moore Street.

Toastie there's a place in Civic that uses Dermalogica and MD Formulations...they do a "face mapping" exercise as part of the facial so they can help recommend products for you. Pretty sure they do extractions as well. I haven't been there for a couple of years though. It's called Urban Body and it's in Moore Street.
I just looked at their website, they look great. Thanks rb!

I get heaps of blackhead on my nose and few tiny ones on my chin but poer strips do not cut it...they dont get anything out of my nose as the blackhead is completely flat (i.e. the plug is not sticking out of the pore if you know what i mean).

I find they only thing is attacking them after a shower when my pores are enlarged and then holding an ice cold face cloth over my nose to take away the redness.

I get heaps of blackhead on my nose and few tiny ones on my chin but poer strips do not cut it...they dont get anything out of my nose as the blackhead is completely flat (i.e. the plug is not sticking out of the pore if you know what i mean).

I find they only thing is attacking them after a shower when my pores are enlarged and then holding an ice cold face cloth over my nose to take away the redness.

PS, when you tried the pore strips, did you moisten it to ease removal or removed when it was stiff and dry? Sometimes if you moisten it (although this does lessen the pain when you remove it) it doesnt seem to work. Also, they require a good amount of pressing down so they have a chance to "grab" onto the blackheads.

Ooh can I have in on this conversation, I love an extraction! If anyone lives in Sydney, you have to see Dee at Clear Skin Clinic in Double Bay (9327 5033). Her steam-and-clean facial is amazing. Cleans every little nook and cranny. I go once a month and it's up there with buying shoes on the satisfaction scale.

I still quite love those pore strips. But the best product I've found to deal with this is Clinique's Anti-Blemish Overnight Gel. It's salicylic acid-based. You just apply it where you tend to get blackheads or any breakouts and it helps prevent clogging. They're phasing it out unfortuantely so you'll need to stock up. Or Ultraceuticals has a great Clearing Gel (which also works well for preventing ingrowns on the bikini line BTW).

Oh and I love those masks that heat up (Bioré has a great one). They're good for opening pores, then you can just wrap tissue around your finger tips and gently nudge the sides of a pore to get a blackhead out.

Hmmm writing about blackheads with a slight hangover is not the best idea. Have a great weekend, guys.

Hey Gals!!

I have found and in salon treatment... Microdermabrasion is awesome for helps to get rid of black heads. It uses a combination of either crystals (essentially sand blasting the skin) combined with simultaneous suction to suck up the crystals and the exfoliated skin cells and other debris like blackhead plugs, Or a diamond head (which I personally prefer for the reason its less messy, no crystals in my ears) which gently abrades the skin. I find my pores are SOOO clean afterwards and the skin renewing properties it stimulates is perfect for refining open pores. It is only going to get the opening of the blockage, sometimes it'll suck out the smaller surface ones, so the rest of the black head moves up the follicle essentially working to grind away the plug. After a few treatments it is possible to have to blackheads gone but obviously one would need to maintain at home with exfoliation, masks, treatment serums etc.

I like Even Skin Tone Serum even if you dont have the need for evening because of the exfoliating benefits. The Lactic acid in it is great for helping to munch up the blockage. I also love Dermalogicas Medicated Clearing Gel it's designed to help munch up clogging and congestion at night while you sleep.

Let me know how you go

Much Love
:typingb:
The_Beauty_Addict

I absolutely love an extraction too! I must admit I am occasionally naughty and have a squeeze at my own. I just love it when I get the plug out, it's like a natural high that I have gotten rid of the little sucker. Fortunately I don't get a lot of blackheads and thankfully don't have any scarring as yet. When I get blackheads they are usually very tiny and embed themselves in the crease of my chin under my lip.

So do the stips for your nose work well?...I don't want little hairs being waxed though?

hey chicks!! my IPL lady/beautician/Dermalogica consultant (woo! 3 in 1!!) told me not to use pore strips on pain of death. they rip off skin, rip out hair - essentially waxing you and are just annoying.

i saw the black head removal tool that she uses and freaked myself out! but i tend to give mine a light prod after a hot shower once a week. I also use the Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub 3 times a week and find it's made a slight difference.

Anyone used Joey New York Pure Pores Blackhead Remover Gel? It sounds great. Also, has anyone used the at home dermabrasion kits you can buy?

Hi girls, today I bought a blackhead remover from Priceline. I have to say, I'm afraid. I hadn't noticed that it has some kind of big fat needle at the end of it. Apparently I use the hoop bit around the blackhead and press down and if that doesn't work I use the Big Scary Needly Bit to gently scrape away skin. Is this the best way to use it? Any other tips? Thanks!

Geeze Toastie, be very careful. If you are unsure of what you are doing you could scar yourself so please get some advice off either Luisa or Allison before you attempt this.

Hi girls, today I bought a blackhead remover from Priceline. I have to say, I'm afraid. I hadn't noticed that it has some kind of big fat needle at the end of it. Apparently I use the hoop bit around the blackhead and press down and if that doesn't work I use the Big Scary Needly Bit to gently scrape away skin. Is this the best way to use it? Any other tips? Thanks!

Toastie, sorry to be rude, but was the remover expensive? have you used it yet?

Toastie, sorry to be rude, but was the remover expensive? have you used it yet?
Hi eleni! :waving:
No it wasn't expensive, fit was $4.95. I haven't used it yet, hopefully I'll give it a go tonight. I will be very careful PCC and I won't do anything with the needle end until I've heard from Luisa or Allison! :)

I used the pore strips last night then exfoliated in the shower and most of my blackheads are gone.

Hi eleni! :waving:
No it wasn't expensive, fit was $4.95. I haven't used it yet, hopefully I'll give it a go tonight. I will be very careful PCC and I won't do anything with the needle end until I've heard from Luisa or Allison! :)

Hi there!

Ok, ok, so I knew some of you might want to give this little apparatus a go!

If you insist on doing so, make sure you do it after a shower and cleansing. The donut end is the one which is designed to be pressed on the skin to force the blackhead and gunk to the surface. The needle end is actually designed for whiteheads where there is skin covering the blockage. Both sides can cause bruising and scarring. When I remove mine, I wait until after a particularly steamy shower ( I dont put the fan on) and wad my fingers well and press around the spot (not staying in the one place on skin). If it doesnt budge LEAVE IT! This also applies to pimples with heads. All you are doing is pushing around the gunk and asking for an infection and prolonging the healing process.

Be gentle girls!!

Holy Cow! Think I'll be leaving mine well enough alone. I am a bit over enthusiastic when it comes to performing minor surgery on myself and it is sure to end in disaster!

Hi there!

Ok, ok, so I knew some of you might want to give this little apparatus a go!

If you insist on doing so, make sure you do it after a shower and cleansing. The donut end is the one which is designed to be pressed on the skin to force the blackhead and gunk to the surface. The needle end is actually designed for whiteheads where there is skin covering the blockage. Both sides can cause bruising and scarring. When I remove mine, I wait until after a particularly steamy shower ( I dont put the fan on) and wad my fingers well and press around the spot (not staying in the one place on skin). If it doesnt budge LEAVE IT! This also applies to pimples with heads. All you are doing is pushing around the gunk and asking for an infection and prolonging the healing process.

Be gentle girls!!

Luisa I have never once been able to squeeze my own blackheads, not even after a steamy shower or after using my facial steamer. I squeeze but nothing comes out! What gives? They're stubborn little buggers! Even when I have an extraction it takes forever and is generally not too effective!

Anyone used Joey New York Pure Pores Blackhead Remover Gel? It sounds great. Also, has anyone used the at home dermabrasion kits you can buy?

Hi Racky, yes i have used a microdermabrasion cream from the Caci Clinic (not sure if you have those in Australia) and the L'oreal microdermabrasion kit.

Id have to say the one from my beautician was a bit better but I absolutely love microdermabrasion. It makes your skin sooo smooth and feels like you have really cleaned your pores out

Luisa I have never once been able to squeeze my own blackheads, not even after a steamy shower or after using my facial steamer. I squeeze but nothing comes out! What gives? They're stubborn little buggers! Even when I have an extraction it takes forever and is generally not too effective!

Mmm, tricky one! Could be something to do with the size of your pores or their location. We have talked about products that are designed to refine the skin texture and assist with keeping pores clear - maybe an answer lies in there!

Just wanted to repeat Racky's question, has anyone used the Joey New York Blackhead Remover? It looks promising but it could also be a big crock. I'd love to hear a review!

I've used it a couple of times. It's no magic wand - you have to use it quite regularly to get results. It's based on salicylic acid, which is oil-soluble and therefore a very good ingredient for dissolving pore gunk; however it's only 0.5% I think, so there are stronger things available (e.g. Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Serum).

I have noticed quite a few blackheads reappearing on my nose lately, this is been a lifelong problem for me. Well this morning after my shower I popped one of those pore strips on. They are not really cut the right size (I used Biore) as I had to fold over the top bits so it didn't stick near my eyes.
Well! When I (gently) pulled it off I couldn't believe my eyes! :shockedhair: Stax of blackheads came out! My nose looks so much clearer. I then toned & applied my Evenskintone to really get in & deep clean those pores. My skin feels fine, not dry but a bit smoother. I know its gross but I still have the strip, I can't stop looking at it. Its amazing. :ashamed:

I have noticed quite a few blackheads reappearing on my nose lately, this is been a lifelong problem for me. Well this morning after my shower I popped one of those pore strips on. They are not really cut the right size (I used Biore) as I had to fold over the top bits so it didn't stick near my eyes.
Well! When I (gently) pulled it off I couldn't believe my eyes! :shockedhair: Stax of blackheads came out! My nose looks so much clearer. I then toned & applied my Evenskintone to really get in & deep clean those pores. My skin feels fine, not dry but a bit smoother. I know its gross but I still have the strip, I can't stop looking at it. Its amazing. :ashamed:


what a good feeling to get those suckers out :glee: , i must try the strips again , it has been a long time

Isn't it gross when you see them all on the strip?! Shocking to think they actually came out of the skin!

I had an extraction with Allison as part of a facial, skin felt so much better afterwards. She was firm but gentle!

I know, I can't stop looking at them all standing up on the strip. :rollthoseeyes: Can you tell my boy is away? I've become obsessed with my pores. It even sucked out some tiny blackheads on the top of my cheeks. I didn't even know I had blackheads there! I want to do my chin now....

I am going to get a facial with Allison when I next go to Melbourne if I can get in.

I have had a horror skin fortnight. A few weeks ago I found a heap of tiny black dots embedded deep within my chin. I was of course extremely alarmed, as my skin is otherwise perfect and I take any skin issus very seriously. I immediately got to work on these black dots. My Mum and friends couldn't even see them they were so small but I knew they were there and that's all that matters.

Here is what I have done:

Started using my steamer

Cleansing the area with more attention than usual

Exfoliating more often with microcleanse and leaving it on for 5 minutes

Used Alpha-H Clay Mask and Mario Badescu Mask

Used Liquid Gold and Even Skintone Serum on alternative nights

Bought Ultraceuticals Moisturiser Gel for oily skin to use on the area


However only a few have come out. There are still some buried in my chin. Another heap of teeeny weeny dots (sort of like baby pimples or perhaps eczema) have come out around the corners of my chin/mouth area. They are so tiny I can only see them with my face pressed up against the mirror but if I give the area a little "squeeze" some white tiny tiny little stuff comes out!

Have I completely stuffed up with the use of too many products (again):redcheeks:. Are these tiny dots black heads or just a reaction to all the products? My chin is very dry and peeling is this good? Does this mean the blackheads are coming to the surface. Should I give up on the more active products.

Help please all you agony aunts out there Pinkcupcake needs your help!

Woha woman!

Keep the routine simple would be my suggestion. The trouble is they need to be professionally removed although a routine combining exfoliation and deep cleansing will also assist to keep other pores free. I would also get some advice as to what to do to minimise their refilling.

Woha woman!

Keep the routine simple would be my suggestion. The trouble is they need to be professionally removed although a routine combining exfoliation and deep cleansing will also assist to keep other pores free. I would also get some advice as to what to do to minimise their refilling.

Oh Geeze! Have I bought all this active stuff for nothing? I might go and get me a facial next week although I HATE the way they all use exactly the same stuff on me that I use at home. It kind of makes the facial experience somewhat uneventful!

Now Miss Luisa you know I get very excited about new products and it's really not my fault that I have ended up with all these things!:chuckle:

Oh Geeze! Have I bought all this active stuff for nothing? I might go and get me a facial next week although I HATE the way they all use exactly the same stuff on me that I use at home. It kind of makes the facial experience somewhat uneventful!

Now Miss Luisa you know I get very excited about new products and it's really not my fault that I have ended up with all these things!:chuckle:

No not your fault at all but they need to be used in the right context with no huge amount of overlap.

I dont get facials for that very reason but your mission is to get those blackheads out and that's best left to the professionals! Good luck!

PCC maybe you should wack one of those blackhead strips on them just after a good steaming :rollthoseeyes::waving: I had the same thing happen. I think its a winter thing. I found the boost in using AHA/vit A products helped me but I too am considering the professional exfoliation. Just think if you can get thru the down side of an good extraction facial then you can benefit from a nice relaxing one when they clear up!!:hugs::waving::clapping:

I have made my appointment for a facial next week with a Dermatologist and skin clinic nurse. A bit extreem I know but I just want to make sure those little black heads come out in a safe way. My skin has always been something I have been proud of and I am a little bit vein about it so I'm heading right to the top to get it fixed.

Thanks for the advice on the pore stips I am going to get some this afternoon. I haven't used them in years! Any recommendations about a good brand to get?

Thanks for the advice on the pore stips I am going to get some this afternoon. I haven't used them in years! Any recommendations about a good brand to get?

Biore ones have worked for me, if you're interested..cheap too.

Just sent my peronal assistant (aka Mum) to the shops to get me some Raspberry!

Wish we had Biore here, any other suggestions????, im feeling a little gunked to.

Wish we had Biore here, any other suggestions????, im feeling a little gunked to.

PS I reckon just check out your local pharmacy or the health/beauty aisles of the supermarket; should be an equivalent there. I get mine from the good ol' chemist!

Im going to get me some too. I think i'm going to whack one on my chin and see what happens :chuckle::saber:

I have made my appointment for a facial next week with a Dermatologist and skin clinic nurse. A bit extreem I know but I just want to make sure those little black heads come out in a safe way. My skin has always been something I have been proud of and I am a little bit vein about it so I'm heading right to the top to get it fixed.

Thanks for the advice on the pore stips I am going to get some this afternoon. I haven't used them in years! Any recommendations about a good brand to get?

Good job, it usually takes me like six weeks to get into my dermatologist!! I reckon I'd be going straight to the top too, if I could get in. But those bloody GPs are always so reluctant to refer....

I have made my appointment for a facial next week with a Dermatologist and skin clinic nurse. A bit extreem I know but I just want to make sure those little black heads come out in a safe way. My skin has always been something I have been proud of and I am a little bit vein about it so I'm heading right to the top to get it fixed.

Thanks for the advice on the pore stips I am going to get some this afternoon. I haven't used them in years! Any recommendations about a good brand to get?

Thats such a great idea PCC! Let us know how it all goes and how she does it. I would love to get this done. Did u need a referal or is she a friend???

[QUOTE=pinkcupcake;26893] I am a little bit vein QUOTE]

I love you PCC, but I am sure you may be a little vain, but definately not vein! :chuckle:

Please let us know how you find the Dermatologist. :hugs:

Help! :penguin: I have just spotted 2 tiny blackheads on my 5yr old's cheek! What to do with a 5yr old??? It must just be dirt but they are def black & I can feel the raised surface. Should I gently exfoliate her? She tends to be sensitive like me.

Help! :penguin: I have just spotted 2 tiny blackheads on my 5yr old's cheek! What to do with a 5yr old??? It must just be dirt but they are def black & I can feel the raised surface. Should I gently exfoliate her? She tends to be sensitive like me.

Mmm, tricky! Could be a "reaction" to sunscreen clogging pores? You almost need to use a flannel at night to remove the last bit of residue from it. You could gently exfoliate. I have been known to use my LG on Laura!

Help! :penguin: I have just spotted 2 tiny blackheads on my 5yr old's cheek! What to do with a 5yr old??? It must just be dirt but they are def black & I can feel the raised surface. Should I gently exfoliate her? She tends to be sensitive like me.

If it was my child I would hold a warm compress over te area after a warm bath and squeeze gently wit fingers wrapped with tissues. I am a die hard picker tho. I dont know if you could get a 5yr old to stay put this long. I didnt think 5 yr olds had an oil flow?? :confused:

If it was my child I would hold a warm compress over te area after a warm bath and squeeze gently wit fingers wrapped with tissues. I am a die hard picker tho. I dont know if you could get a 5yr old to stay put this long. I didnt think 5 yr olds had an oil flow?? :confused:

I like the idea of a warm compress but I don't fancy your chances of squeezing them! Miss won't let me near her skin!

Yes I think you are right Luisa. She would not let me squeeze them and I wouldn't want to damage her beautiful skin. I might just gently exfoliate them with a soft face washer.

Medusa, you should be fine to put a bit of a mildish deep cleansing mask on them? Do you have one?

No I am all go with the actives now. I might get my DIY natural skin care book out. Maybe I can put something like yogurt or mashed banana on it? That might be fun for her. :chuckle:

No I am all go with the actives now. I might get my DIY natural skin care book out. Maybe I can put something like yogurt or mashed banana on it? That might be fun for her. :chuckle:

She's love it, make sure you involve her in the concocting! Mumma might have to apply it to her face too! Do check out a simple deep cleansing mask if they persist. It has more of a "drawing" action but I would only apply it to that area for a few mins.

No I am all go with the actives now. I might get my DIY natural skin care book out. Maybe I can put something like yogurt or mashed banana on it? That might be fun for her. :chuckle:

What about some strawberry or grapes mixed with oatmeal That would calm and the fuit acids would help to exfoliate too. You can get White Clay from a health food shop too that you could mix up and customize urself.
Let us know how you go Medusa!! :hugs::waving:

Oh yes, the joys of children ith blackheads! :shakehead: Mr 12 gets the occassional blackhead, will come and ask me if that's what it is, then instruct me to extract it. Then he'll take off, then instruct again. We'll do this for 3 or 4 days, before he accepts that threatening a blocked pore doesn't work, and we use a warm flannel, and tissued fingers to extract. :spin:

PS I reckon just check out your local pharmacy or the health/beauty aisles of the supermarket; should be an equivalent there. I get mine from the good ol' chemist!

Well I got some and i KNOW i have blackheads on my nose, but absolutly nothing came out on the strip...garrrrhhhh! I think its because theres nothing at all sticking out of the blackhead as such, they are completly smooth.

Well I got some and i KNOW i have blackheads on my nose, but absolutly nothing came out on the strip...garrrrhhhh! I think its because theres nothing at all sticking out of the blackhead as such, they are completly smooth.


Oh, those are the worst ones! I have those too :shakehead:

Rosie I love your new signature! Very profound. :whipcrack: