Blackheads - i could have paid off my mortgage- it has been my life's work so far

[Pillow]

To get rid of them, and to no avail. Have tried a LOT of things, including Mario Badescu power which I got from googling and was rubbish. Weirdly the only time they went away was on a trip to New York years and years ago when I had a horrible rash and had to see a doctor and he gave me tablets for a week, 7 tablets on the first day, 6 on the second etc. My great regret is not noticing what on earth the tablets were. Is there an American make-your-skin-lovely tablet? Anyway, any tips? And WHY WHY does any fake tan make them look like someone's attacked me with a black pen??????????

Not to be flippant, I appreciate the advice not to use harsh products btw.

So Cod, will you help? Do a piece on blackhead removally things? Btw an actual blackhead remover = instrument of torture. I paid £15 for one from Bliss as I thought it would be SOO much better than the £2 Body Shop one. THEY ARE ALL CRAP AND ONLY FACIALISTS WITH A FACIALIST DEGREE CAN USE THEM. imo

Any more? Particularly those in the US. Am SUCH a sucker for a US product NOT YET AVAILABLE in the UK.

Pillow - I have an amazing dermatologist (a woman) here in Paris who is the Acne and Blackhead Beating Queen Goddess of All Time.

CAT me if you want details.

hi Pillow, i asked beautician at a spa about my blackheads. She said to never use make up wipes to remove make up at night( which I do use) as this creates more oil or something. Have to the full cleanse,tone,moisturise thing and she also suggested a microdermabrasion kit from Boots-I see L'oreal are doing one for £25. I am hoping this works

Try mixing about six soluble aspirin into a paste, applying it to clean skin and leaving for ten minutes.

It does work if done weekly.

You can also add a bit of honey.

soluble aspirin? How weird. Does it work?

It does seem to pretty effective (from what I remember).

I think it's the sacylic acid (?) in the aspirin, acts as a very effective exfoliant.

Okay, Anna I am up for cracking this but trips to Paris might be a bit much. The asprin thing is intriguing but mashed up asprin calls to mind the Mario Badescu powder that i googled and had shipped over from the US. But nothing to lose i guess. Will report back...

Pillow, have you tried fresh farmacy www.lush.co.uk/products/Fresh_Farmacy_1904.aspxfrom lush. Its excellent at drawing out the gunk that blocks my pores. I have an oily t zone with open pores that block and turn into horrible blackheads. this stuff has really reduced their number. Its quite drying though and after about a week you might notice your skin gets worse, but stick with it inm 2/3 weeks you will see improvements.

salicylic acid is the biz - my favourite moisturiser is a Johnson's Clean & Clear one from the US with 0.5% salicylic acid - here

when I run out between trips my skin goes nuts - haven't found anything as good in the UK

My skin is at its best when i just use pears orange soap? Meant to be non pore clogging or something and just LEAVE MY FACE ALONE.
Which i find nearly impossible...and i ache to scrub at it with a nice hard exfoliating wash...but i do know if i just leave it it is better than when im rubbing and scrubbing and trying to fight them.
Sigh

Vichy normaderm is very very good. I used to use it and it really works.

cgi.ebay.com/4-Clean-Clear-Dual-Action-Moisturizer_W0QQitemZ130192701900QQihZ003QQcategoryZ29618QQrd Z1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQ_trksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem
Is this it? The clean and clear stuff?

that's the one - although it appears boots now do it in a different packaging - must investigate

we have two work conferences a year in the US though so I normally do ok.

ohhh and its on 3 for 3 in boots!

LOL 3 for 2 i mean

I went to boots and am now the proud owner of 3 of the J and J clean and clear things...forgot the aspirin...but hey ho half way there!

Any feedback charliecat?

Yes, very nice clean tight feeling
recommended!

Have you tried 2.5% benzoyl peroxide? It works for me but you have to keep using it or they come back.

pillow i'm sure i'm your spiritual blackhead sister. like you i feel i've tried everything and i still have a mass of little dots on my chin and nose - yuk.

will now be crushing aspirin in desperation....

Nice to know I'm not alone totalmisfit. Let me know about the aspirin crushing - have not been able to give it a go yet.

Retin-A You need a prescription

No, that didn't help either bigshopper. Even the strong one.