Discover effective solutions to bid goodbye to blackheads and whiteheads for good. Get smoother, clearer skin with these proven techniques.

Everyone craves smooth, clear skin. But the pesky presence of blackheads and whiteheads can mar that dream. Let's dive deep into understanding these skin foes and how to send them packing.

Understanding the Enemy: Blackheads & Whiteheads

Before jumping into solutions, it's important to understand what we're dealing with. Blackheads, also known as open comedones, appear black because of the oxidized melanin in them. Whiteheads, or closed comedones, remain white as they are trapped under the skin's surface.

Steps to Achieve Clear Skin:

1. Regular Cleansing:

Begin with a gentle, water-soluble cleanser. This ensures your skin remains free from excessive oil and makeup residues.

2. Exfoliate with Salicylic Acid:

Salicylic acid works wonders as it sheds the skin surface and unclogs pores from within. Include it in your skincare routine for best results.

3. Embrace Retinoids:

From over-the-counter retinol creams to prescription retinoids, these vitamin A derivatives promote rapid skin turnover and prevent clogging.

4. Choose Non-comedogenic Products:

Invest in skincare and makeup that won't block your pores. Always look for the "non-comedogenic" label.

5. Clay Masks for the Win:

Use masks rich in clay to absorb extra oil and minimize the chances of pore clogging.

6. Warmth is Your Friend:

A warm compress before cleansing softens the sebum inside, making it easier to clean.

7. Consider Professional Help:

If home remedies don't seem to work, seek an esthetician or dermatologist for professional extractions.

Prevention is Better than Cure:

Cleanse post workouts and before bedtime.

Regularly change your pillowcases and sheets.

Hands off! Avoid touching your face unnecessarily.

Clean objects that often touch your face – think phone screens and spectacles.

ᴄᴇᴛᴀᴘʜɪʟ ɢᴇɴᴛʟᴇ ꜱᴋɪɴ ᴄʟᴇᴀɴꜱᴇʀ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ 👀 

To kick off the first week of my Easter holidays, it’s time to review one of my favourite types of skincare products: cleansers! 🧼 And today it’s all about the Cetaphil Gentle Skin cleanser, so let’s get into it 👇 

This cleanser is marketed as being non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores), fragrance-free, soap-free and pH balanced to very gently cleanse the skin without irritating or overly stripping it. It’s meant to be suitable for those with skin conditions who want a basic, solid way to cleanse without worrying about causing further damage, and it’s even suitable for babies too! All of this sounded like exactly what my skin was craving, as my face tends to be pretty reactive to strong, active ingredients in skincare 😬 

Thankfully, my skin got on great with this one! I used it morning and night and I never felt like my skin got too squeaky clean or sucked of moisture. It got rid of the grime of the day all while caring for my skin, something which not a lot of cleansers can do for me 🙏 

My only gripe with this product is how much of it you need to use each time - it’s a very runny, milky texture and so to feel like you’re properly covering your face with it you need at least a couple of pumps’ worth. The bottle is a big one at 236ml, but I still wish the texture was just a bit thicker so that you can reduce how much product you’re using every time and for a better sensory experience 💆‍♀️  

Rough, bumpy skin is a pesky and irritating thing to deal with. Not only does it look and feel bad, but getting rid of it is an ongoing challenge. Here’s 4 tips for tackling bumpy, congested skin once and for all 👊

     1. Use the right cleanser for you

 As cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine, it’s important that you’re using the right one for your skin type. If you suffer from congestion then make sure to use a cleanser with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil to purge your pores of any buildup. This way, any products you use afterwards have a better chance of helping you achieve smoother skin. 

     2.  Exfoliate!

After cleansing, it’s crucial to exfoliate your skin in order to eliminate the dead skin cells that contribute to bumpiness. Use either a physical scrub that’s gentle on the skin (look for jojoba beads for example) or a chemical exfoliant like lactic acid. Personally, lactic acid has done great things with regards to my skin’s texture, so I’d recommend trying that. Try using it a couple of times a week at nighttime. 

    3.  Try a face mask 

There are many different types of face masks out there (check out my post here) so it’s a good idea to do a bit of research on which one is suitable for you. Clay masks are usually ideal for treating congestion as the clay works to draw out impurities, therefore keeping your pores squeaky clean. Look out for face masks that include charcoal too, to truly banish any hidden grime for good.

   4.  Remember to moisturise 

Benefits of Oil-Free Ceramide Moisturizers

Non-comedogenic sunscreen is a crucial component of maintaining healthy skin, protecting it from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The sun’s UV rays can cause a range of skin damage, including sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. The Problem of Comedogenic Sunscreens Comedogenic sunscreens, on the other hand, can exacerbate skin issues by clogging pores and causing…

Mickey Alan Kravitz MAK Hair Product non-comedogenic hair paste, hair spray and shampoo, eyelash and brow growth serum, hair growth serum