STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

jacL · Coach

Proactiv: a question

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

I imagine proactive is fine for blackheads, but I think you could do better with regular exfoliation, masks, and visits to the esthetician for deep cleaning facials (extraction time!). If you keep ahead of them (and I am not saying that you aren't), then you may have fewer of them to deal with.

jacL · Coach

pollyjean23 wrote:

I imagine proactive is fine for blackheads, but I think you could do better with regular exfoliation, masks, and visits to the esthetician for deep cleaning facials (extraction time!). If you keep ahead of them (and I am not saying that you aren't), then you may have fewer of them to deal with.

What kind of mask would help? I am pretty clueless when it comes to blackheads; I am only trying to help out my BF. He currently uses a salicylic acid exfoliator and cleanser with a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment. He doesn't like to get too fussy, but he would probably do a mask. As for going to the esthetician, though...I don't know if he would do that...maybe if I went along and got a facial too :)

-- Edited by jacL at 11:01, 2008-02-13

Mitz · BCBG

I've used Proactiv for years and it didn't do much for my blackheads. The only thing that really worked for me were getting them extracted.

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

Any clay mask will work or maybe that charcoal one from Origins (seems more manly). You want one that draws out impurities and deep cleans.

"Clear Improvements" Mask

"You're Getting Warmer" Mask

Clarifying Detox Mask by boscia

Zirh clay mask

I don't have any recommendations, although I remember liking the Queen Helene Mint Julep mask that you can get at the drugstore for pretty cheap.

Elle · Hermes

Salicylic acid is what targets blackheads, not benzoyl peroxide. There are special men's products, but this works great for me and doesn't dry out my skin in the process:

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Plus, the Proactiv cleanser and lotion bleach every thing they touch!

jacL · Coach

Thanks for the recs, Elle and Pollyjean23! I will have him check them out; and it sounds like the Proactiv is not going to be his best bet.

-- Edited by jacL at 03:41, 2008-02-14

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

Proactiv is based on benzol peroxide ingredients which mostly target inflamations and infections (sort of works as a disinfectant if I recall correctly).

He is better off with a salicylic acid approach, however BHs are hard to get rid of just with a "program". Some things that help are Retin A, regular exfoliation (scrubs or peels), and extractions. Also I think drinking lots of water can help prevent them in the long run.

BargainQueen · Marc Jacobs

I highly, highly recommend Neotrogena Oil Free Acne Stree Control 3 in 1 Hydrating Acne Treatment. Oh.....actually thats the one elle recommended! Duh! I tend to get a lot of tiny blackhead all over my nose and this thing works wonders!

relrel · Marc Jacobs

Elle wrote:

Salicylic acid is what targets blackheads, not benzoyl peroxide. There are special men's products, but this works great for me and doesn't dry out my skin in the process:

That Stress Control wash is actually what I use, and I haven't been very impressed by it. I get pretty bad blackheads on my chin and this hasn't done much for them. What worked the best, I found, was the heating cleanser that Biore made, but I can't seem to find it anymore.

Elle · Hermes

Relrel - It's the lotion/gel stuff I use, not the wash. I've found that most medicated washes don't do jack, especially for blackheads which are so stubborn to begin with!

Lilykind · Hermes

Mediated washes are IMO a waste of time, since the mediation is washed away. The active ingredients need to sit on the skin for a period of time so they can penetrate and do the job.

I'm also a HUGE fan of the Neutrogena 3-in-1 stress control gel. I've been using it for about 4 months now and it has helped out my acne greatly. Right now I only have one stupid cyst because it's that TOTM, but otherwise, my skin looks better than ever.

I think Proactiv can be great if you're not used to a skin regimen, but it's really harsh on your skin and your sheets.

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

Lilykind wrote:

I think Proactiv can be great if you're not used to a skin regimen, but it's really harsh on your skin and your sheets.

GOod point. I forgot about the bleaching effect. I can't tell you how many towels and sheets my sister messed up from Proactive. It works though.

Mmmm...I just love the smell of eggs...

ILoveChoo · Hermes

DH really loves the Anthony line. They make a facial scrub that works amazingly on his skin, but in't too "girly"

eta: this is the one he likes
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P9036&categoryId=C16386

-- Edited by ILoveChoo at 19:28, 2008-02-15

subwolley · Kate Spade

What about buying a blackhead extractor for home use? You can get either one of these at Sephora.

fairywings · Dooney & Bourke

I know of an amazing mask for blackheads! It's made by Astara and it's called the Blue Flame Mask. It's a clay based mask with a high percentage of tea tree oil so it clears up your breakouts naturally and without drying them out. The brand Astara is also really innovative because all of their ingredients are raw materials (they don't cook them), making the products ultra potent. I have been using their masks for almost two years now and they are fabulous for killing a problem before it gets out of control. I just prefer using something naturally strong on my skin as opposed to a lot of harsh chemicals.