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| Image:www.clinique.co.uk |
Let’s talk about blackheads. They are something most of us have, regardless of skin type. Excess sebum can block the pores and once the melanin pigment within the oil oxides, it becomes black. This then appears on the skin as blackheads.
There are lots of claims within the beauty industry from products stating they will close your pores, thus preventing blackheads. This isn’t true. Pores don’t contain muscle so they don’t have the ability to close. Blackheads really need to be managed rather than eliminated. It’s an ongoing process that requires maintenance, nothing will ever be a one-stop shop or quick fix in skincare, you’re in it for the long haul!
There are certain ingredients within products that help to manage blackheads. Glycolic acid or Salicylic acid are active ingredients that help to remove the build up of dead skin cells and help to clear out the pores. Other treatments that help are steaming the skin or facial peels. Both of these treatments are best carried out professionally however. Hot steam can lead to broken capillaries and peels can be irritating for some skins.
There are a lot of products you can purchase to assist in reducing blackheads and I’ve been recently testing out Clinique’s relatively new blackhead solution.
It comes in a nifty 20ml tube with a rubber, knobbly cap. The idea is to massage the abrasive cream into the areas of concern, dampen with water and then massage the rubber cap over the blackheads to, in their words, extract them.
The product contains Salicylic acid, which, is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It acts upon the bacteria within the skin. It speeds up cell renewal allowing the skin to replenish itself quicker. This ingredient works in tandem with Bamboo Powder and Pumice to exfoliate away the dead skin cells and help to dislodge the oil build up within the pore. Once you add water to the area, thermal active technology gives the skin a pleasant warming sensation.
After 30 seconds of massage, you can then wash away the product and continue with your regular skincare routine.
Does it work?
Don’t assume this is going to extract your blackheads before your eyes. I personally don’t think it does. What it does do really well is remove the dead skin over the area that may lead to further blockages. It also, over time, removes the build up of oil within the pore and calm down any redness around the area. The heat sensation works in a similar way to steaming in that it can dislodge the build up and possibly make it a bit easier to remove the blackheads using gentle extractions.
The skin is massively softened, due to the abrasive texture and any dryness or dull skin is sloughed away revealing a brighter texture.
It’s not a miracle worker but teamed with regular use (once a week would be enough due to the pumice) and a good skincare routine to compliment, you will be able to keep on top of the blackheads and overtime see an improvement.
The Clinique Blackhead Solution is £22.00 and available here.
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