I
have a lot of blackheads that are very stubborn around my nose and
chin. I’ve used a scrub to help the problem, but I don’t want to cause
any damage to my skin yet I do want the blackheads to go away. Any
suggestions?
The
best product to super-clean your skin and the least likely to cause any
damage would be a clay mask. If you have stubborn blackheads, I
recommend using a mask more often at first and seeing how effective it
is. With clay, and especially when using it frequently, you really need
to heed my advice and keep the clay moist when it is on your face. Clay
deep cleans and can definitely help to de-clog your pores. The more
stubborn the problem, the more diligent you need to be about doing your
routine.
I
would be careful about using scrubs on stubborn blackheads. Why?
Because when you have a lot of impacted material (dead skin and oil)
held within the pores, you want to gently lift it out, not potentially
drive it back into the pores. When using a scrub, the motion is to mash
it into the skin—no matter how gently you are using it. If you do drive
the debris back into the pores, you may cause infection, leading to all
kinds of problems that are worse than stubborn blackheads. There is not a
lifting action during the scrubbing process like there is with a clay
mask.
Where
this rumor got started I’ll never know. Just like the myths about using
common household cleansers for problem skin, the best things to use on
your skin are products made for your skin. Clay mask along with essential oils like geranium or lavender are your best bets for clearing up blemishes. Try using
toothpaste, but I am sure you will find it does nothing, except possibly
dry out and even irritate your skin. Toothpaste is for cleaning your teeth not for
clearing your skin!
One of the tips I got from your book [Timeless Skin] that I do religiously now and have benefited enormously from is the clay masking. I've always had dry skin and have avoided clay masks a all costs until I read your tip about keeping it moist. That has been a tremendous help for my skin. Once or twice a week I use a clay mask as well as geranium oil for overnight spot therapy on the occasional monthly blemish. Thank you for your helpful tips!
For more about the importance of using a clay mask and other helpful information, see:
One of the tips I got from your book [Timeless Skin] that I do religiously now and have benefited enormously from is the clay masking. I've always had dry skin and have avoided clay masks a all costs until I read your tip about keeping it moist. That has been a tremendous help for my skin. Once or twice a week I use a clay mask as well as geranium oil for overnight spot therapy on the occasional monthly blemish. Thank you for your helpful tips!