Frequently Asked Questions To Skincare Coach Jenna: Blackheads and Pimples

  I have very dry and flaky skin. And since I was a child I have had problems with black heads not on my face but on my arms and all over my legs. No matter what body scrub or soap I use combined with scrubbing they will not go away. This has made me a little shy which is not me what so ever. Along with having these red bumps I have battle with picking at them and have a few scars. I don't know what to use or how to get rid of them. Can you please give me some advice on what to do. Thank you.

  Short Answer "Washing and Exfoliating" - Blackheads are blocked pores filled with pus, whose heads have oxidized and therefore turned black. They're like pimples without the redness or swelling, and the head is black instead of white. Removing blackheads does make a difference, as they likely must be removed or they won't go away on their own.

DIY with an extraction tool or go to an aesthetician who can professionally extract them, to reduce the chances of scarring and the damage to the collagen structure that occurs with scarring.

Finally, regardless of sebaceous filaments or blackheads, the best way to reduce, prevent or prevent the appearance of them is with gentle daily chemical exfoliation.

Not scrubbing, not physical exfoliation. CHEMICAL exfoliation.

This means using chemicals that gently “unglue” the skin cells from each other, helping your skin turnover naturally - and a bit quicker than it would on its own.

AHAs - alpha-hydroxy acids - are great chemical exfoliators, typically recommended at 10–25% concentration. These are water-soluble, and great for surface-level turnover.

BHAs - beta-hydroxy acids - like salicylic acid, are better for blackheads and acne-prone skin. The BHAs are oil-soluble, so they penetrate deep into the pore. A good concentration is 1–2%.

  Hi yesterday I tried popping a clogged up pimple I had and I applied too much pressure and it took off a piece of the first layer of my skin! I was wondering if that was going to turn into a scar or a dark spot even if I didn't touch it?

  Everyone's skin texture is different but I do not think that this will leave a scar or a dark spot. Even though it is recommended that you do not pop pimples, it is something that you just can't help but do. So in that case you should remember the following: Thoroughly cleanse your skin with cleanser and popping a pimple right after a shower is the best time to do so. Gently apply pressure over the pimple head. If material is expelled, absorb it with a clean tissue. Then press again to be sure all material is expelled. Wash the area again, thoroughly with anti-bacterial cleanser. Apply a clay type acne masque followed by an acne fighting product and contains Tea Tree Oil, a natural antiseptic, disinfectant and antibacterial.

  How come I can wash my face every night with the same soap and my face will clear up and then about a week later after my face has cleared up my face will get pimples again? I do wear a lot of make-up, I try to hide my pimples with cover up and all of that. What can I do to keep my face clear for good?

  I do not recommend using soap on your face. You should either use cleansing milk or cleansing lotion. You should also use a herbal mask once or twice a week for a deep cleansing.