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4 Basics for Dealing with Blackheads and Whiteheads
Cleansing the face
Do not apply bar soap because the ingredients that prevent in its bar form can clog pores, and irritation can cause skin cells to flake off before they're ready and compile in the pore. The best kinds of cleanser are those gentle, water-soluble types. Men w/ dry skin would want to consider a slightly more moisturizing cleanser. Still, cleansers that are too emollient can contain ingredients that add to the sebum in your skin causing further problems.
Exfoliating
Exfoliation can both remove the extra skin cells on the surface of the face so they don't build up in the pore, and exfoliate inside the pore to improve the shape of the pore and allowing a more even flow of oil through it. The pore is a lined with skin cells that can build up to produce a narrow shape that it doesn't allow for oil flow out of the pore naturally. Avoid over exfoliating because removing too many skin cells can cause problems and hurt skin. Exfoliation is important for both dry and oily skin to cut blackheads or whiteheads. Men w/ dry skin will want to use an exfoliant with a moisturizing base.The best exfoliants on the market are either a 1% or 2% beta hydroxy acid (BHA) or an 8% alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) products. BHA is preferred because it can absorb into the pore lining and improve conditions.Note: Topical disinfectants, like benzoyl peroxide, or topical antibiotics available by prescription, do not help in the treatment of blackheads and whiteheads because there is no bacterial involvement related to these conditions.
Deeper Exfoliation
You might like to consider these optional treatments for stubborn blackheads and milia. Microdermabrasion, can either from an at-home treatment or from a dermatologist's office or spa are choices. AHA or BHA peels and laser resurfacing may have a positive impact on the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads. Keep in mind that none of these treatments can change hormone function, the structure of the pore or improve pore up. Rather they can temporarily get rid of the surface problem and make the skin look better in the short term.
Absorbing Excess Oil
This step is for men w/ oily skin. It is not necessary for men w/ whiteheads and dry skin because w/ dry skin, the problem isn't about extra surface oil but the oil trapped inside the pore. Men with oily skin might want to apply clay masks that don't contain irritating ingredients of mint, peppermint, camphor or the like. Oil-absorbing papers can also help to help oily skin at bay.
Medical Options
Retinoids are forms of vitamin A and play a crucial role in banishing blackheads. It can assist skin cells function normally and improve the shape of the pore so that oil flow is normalized and clogs are far less likely to occur. Retinoids are tretinoin that are found in prescription medications like Retin-A, Renova, Avita, and Tazorac and adapelene as found in the prescription drug, Differin. These can be used on their own or with a BHA product. Tretinoin and adapelene are proved to have positive effects on how pores function, and these products should be a strong consideration for battling blackheads or breakouts in general.