ClearPores is an acne skin cleansing system that offers four different types of programs for healthy skin. Each of the programs has a three-step formula that targets various areas of the skin with a view to effecting treatment solutions. When the treatment period is over you will no longer need to hide your face, or cover up your body with clothing. You can rest assured that your money will be well spent, because you are sure to get the results you desire.

What is the Cost?

As mentioned before, there are four different types of treatments to choose from. Payments may be made securely, online, using Visa, Mastercard, and American Express credit cards. Shipping is provided by FedEx, UPS, and DHL. ClearPores is so sure of the effectiveness of its products that it offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, or a full refund of the monies paid for the systems. The four treatments offered are, namely –

• ClearPores Facial System

This Facial System offers a deep facial wash, a herbal supplement, and a facial protection cream. Pricing begins at $53.99, but there are daily discounts to be enjoyed, sometimes as much as 25%.

• ClearPores Body System

This Body System provides a deep body wash, a herbal supplement, and a body protection cream. Its price begins at $56.39, and a discount of up to 30% can be obtained.

• ClearPores Complete System

This Complete System is able to deliver all of the benefits of the other systems combined. It therefore offers a deep facial wash, a deep body wash, a herbal supplement, a facial protection cream, and a body protection cream. The price goes from $83.99, and up to 35% can be discounted.

• ClearPores Herbal Supplement

This Herbal Supplement is a system all by itself, and also works in conjunction with the other three systems. Its price starts at $43.19, and a discount of up to 20% is available.

ClearPores Facial Cleansing Kit

The three components of the ClearPores Facial Cleansing Kit are a deep facial wash, a herbal supplement, and a facial protection cream. The combination provides a powerful force that leaves skin free and clear of blemishes and unattractive spots. Blackheads and whiteheads are eradicated, and redness and swelling, as well as scarring are reduced. The skin does not look shine, however, as happens after using other products. The trinity of products fights the bacteria which cause acne, from the inside to the outside.

How it Works

Step One, of the three-step system, goes to the root of the problem. It begins with the supplement which must be taken every day to help the restoration of the body’s internal balance, and fight acne from within. The herbals nurture the body and help it to stay free of acne bacteria, help the hormones to function normally, and help to flush the toxins which cause acne. The herbals also revitalize the skin, giving it a healthy-looking appearance. They also assist in maintaining normal sebum production, as well as the body’s defense mechanisms against redness, inflammation, swelling, and scarring. The result is that the blood is purified and its   circulation is good, the liver is cleansed and preserved, and digestion is regulated.

Step Two utilizes the deep facial wash to remove breakouts and stop flare ups, as it scientifically restores the external functioning of the skin. The bacteria which produce acne are removed, along with dead skin cells and excess sebum. Blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes, and pimples are cleared and blocking of the pores is prevented. The nutrients support quicker healing, and the skin’s natural pH balance is restored. Care is taken not to remove the natural oils the body needs for healthy skin while the dead skin cells and excess oil are being sloughed away.

Step Three involves the use of the protection cream which allows the skin to have a healthy and natural glow. Used daily, the cream nourishes the skin with vital moisture, keeping it looking radiant and fresh, while simultaneously protecting it from future breakouts. Anti-inflammatory relief is provided, and the skin is protected from clogging, which results in less spots. This is the work of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, so that the skin does not look tight, and flaky.

What Other Users Say

Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, and different persons have different experiences, even with very similar or the same products. My experience with this product has been a satisfying one, and there are many others who share a similar excellent experience. Nevertheless, there are others who would disagree because of the encounters they have had with the product.

Pros

Persons who have followed the instructions relating to the treatment in a committed and diligent way have reported excellent results. Their skin became clear after consistent use, with different persons experiencing good results within different time frames. Some have reported that even   taking a break from the treatment program for a long time did not bring a recurrence of the condition.

Cons

Many persons have found the treatment system to be expensive, but even some of them agree that it is more cost effective than visiting a dermatologist and having to pay for medications without health insurance. Persons have found that some parts of the system, namely the facial wash, finish before the others, but replacement involves the kit. They wonder whether the components of the kit could be sold separately, and in stores, instead of only by mail order.

The Final Word

I think the Clear Pores product is an excellent one, which lives up to its reputation. It is highly recommended, and is very effective. True, skin types are different, and acne might be at various stages when treatment commences. That may cause some persons to experience a worsening of the acne condition before improvement is seen. The treatment works like that, at times. The trick is: don’t give up. Don’t stop using the product, because things will get better. I’ve proven that. I definitely recommend this treatment program.

Top Treatments

One treatment is said to work faster than the average acne treatment, because it focuses on the main cause of blackheads. It therefore clears dead skin cells from the skin, and helps to clear sebum from the pores, using components of benzoyl peroxide as well as salicylic acid. This treatment is said to be fortified with the top ten super foods, which enable it to get rid of existing blackheads and stop future ones from being formed. All this is said to take place in 72 hours.

There is another treatment on the market available in the form of a pill. It is therefore an internal medication that naturally works from the inside to clean the pores and stop the formation of blackheads right at its source. This internal medication succeeds where topical treatments fail, because it blocks the sebum supply from underneath the skin. Success can be achieved in under seven days.

Yet another medication boasts about being an effective all-natural treatment. It is said to combine over 30 proven ingredients that are all natural, to cleanse pores, remove blackheads, revitalize and moisturize, as well as heal the skin, regardless of how severe the acne condition is. Three to four months of treatment is said to be available in one bottle.

Still another formula, the only one of its kind, utilizing only natural products, is said to be able to combine Mother Nature’s best ingredients for fighting acne to help clear blackheads in only seven days, minus any side effects and suffering. This unique formula is said to perfectly balance and strengthen the skin, refreshing and soothing blemishes, and attracting moistures which prevent drying, thereby eliminating blackheads in one step.

Another treatment boasts of being the perfect internal acne medication intent on finally conquering blackheads that are most stubborn. Working from within, this product cleans the skin and eliminates the toxins and bacteria which accumulate and combine to form blackheads. It therefore detoxifies, balances, and strengthens skin at the site of acne origination, and this provides results that are lasting.

We’ve written a comprehensive best blackhead treatment article you may want to read.

A Five-Step Program Solution

The body is constantly cleansing itself by expelling toxins and waste matter from its system. The skin, one of the large organs of the body, expels congesting toxins from the blood and lymph fluid that supply it with nutrients. When these toxins get to the surface of the skin and combine with excess skin oil (or sebum), a pasty glue is created. This glue clogs the pores and causes the development of blackheads.

Attacking the blackhead problem means preventing the formation of the pasty glue mentioned earlier. To accomplish this, the skin’s production of sebum has to be normalized, and the blood has to be purified of the congesting toxins. For eradication and prevention of blackheads, it is recommended that the functioning of the liver has to be significantly improved and strengthened. The liver is the organ responsible for deactivating and clearing excess or used hormones from the system. It also cleanses the blood of congesting toxins. The liver, therefore, needs to be strong enough to keep the hormones in balance, and the blood pure.

A five-step program is suggested for better liver functioning. It works in a specific way, however, and all the steps have to be completed for effective results. The first step explains how the body’s ability to make hormones can be balanced out. The instructions in this step are easy and usually generate quick results. However, it is not complete enough in and by itself, to cure blackheads. Steps two, three, and four explain how to eradicate internal system blocks that prevent the deactivation and expulsion of used or excess hormones from the body. These steps are more time consuming, and require total commitment, dedication and discipline to carry them out. Step five explains how the capacity of the internal hormonal regulatory system can be built and strengthened. The fifth step is the one most crucial for lasting freedom from acne problems, but the program is a systematic progression of fixes.

A Three-Step Program Solution

It is again emphasized that beautiful skin begins inside, and that skin conditions and breakouts are initiated and aggravated by internal factors such as stress, poor diet, hormone imbalance, improper functioning of the liver, and sluggish digestion, to name a few. The factors mentioned manifest themselves outwards through the skin in the form of acne, of which blackheads are one type. A three-step system has been formulated to work from both within and without to bring back balance to the skin.

The first step involves taking a daily supplement aimed at restoring an internal balance and fighting acne from the root. It does this by regulating hormones, promoting normal flushing of waste products and toxins from the body, and maintaining a healthy blood circulation. The supplement also preserves a cleansed liver, keeps blood at normal purity levels, and helps to regulate digestion.

The second step involves the use of a deep facial wash to clear breakouts and stop flare ups. The wash has been scientifically formulated to restore external skin functioning. It works by first unclogging the pores of dead skin cells and bacteria. It then gently exfoliates skin, removing the dead cells without also removing the natural oils the skin needs.

The third step utilizes a protection cream which gives a natural, healthy glow to the skin. It optimally combines both alpha and beta hydroxy acids in its protection. The alpha hydroxy acids attract moisture into the newly-treated skin, preventing tightness, flakiness and drying, while the beta hydroxy acids stop dead cells from clogging the pores. The result is a dewy and fresh appearance.

What are Pimples?

Another name for a pimple is zit, or spot. A pimple is a small skin lesion that can appear as a pustule or a papule. Skin lesions are inflammation of the skin. They are infected oil glands, due to the presence of bacteria in the glands. The glands fill up with pus, and become inflamed.

What are Blackheads?

Another name for a blackhead is an open comedo, and may appear as a yellow, brown, or blackish bump on the skin. It is a kind of acne, and is therefore caused by excess oil blocking the pores. The contents of these bumps consist of keratin and sebum, which becomes dark when it is mixed with air, hence the black appearance.

The Answer

The answer to the last question in the first paragraph is, simply, ‘NO’. Pimples and blackheads are not one and the same, even though they are both a type of acne.

Let’s Compare

Care and Treatment

Even though they have different properties, both pimples and blackheads can be removed from the skin without the use of acne treatments. Simple home remedies are thought to be very effective and fast acting. Dedication and disciplined care seem to do the trick. Certain instructions need to be followed. The suggestions are –

• The face should be cleansed two times per day, since pimples and blackheads are likely to appear more on dirty skin. A mild facial soap or suitable cleanser may be used to take off excess oil, makeup, debris, and bacteria from the skin.
• Witch hazel is recommended for the skin, as it can be naturally substituted for toner or even astringent. It is said to be able to dry up pimples and blackheads as it assists in the balancing of the oil levels of the skin. Daily use of witch hazel promotes clear skin.
• The skin should be steamed. A bowl should be filled with boiled water, the head covered with a towel, and the face held over the bowl. This would allow the steam to enter the pores, drawing the impurities from deep inside the skin, thereby promoting a clear complexion. If steaming of the skin is done one or two times per week, fewer pimples and blackheads would be experienced.
• Equal parts of baking soda and water can be mixed to form a paste. This paste should be applied to the pimples and blackheads, and allowed to remain for 20 minutes before rinsing it off. Baking soda effectively kills bacteria and absorbs excess oil, and this helps to rid the skin of pimples and blackheads.
• Lemon juice may be rubbed on the blackheads and pimples. Because lemon juice is naturally acid, it effectively absorbs the oil that causes blackheads and pimples. The skin is dried out only to the point of promoting an even complexion, which helps the skin look healthier and smoother.
• The skin should be exfoliated. This can be accomplished by creating a scrub with a mixture of equal parts of water and granulated sugar. The scrub should be applied to the skin, and circular motions employed in exfoliating the area. Since acne is partially caused by dead skin cells on the skin surface blocking pores, exfoliating the skin can remove, and may even prevent, blackheads and pimples. This activity can be employed twice or thrice weekly.

There is even an eight-step treatment for removing pimples and blackheads overnight. The instructions go like this –

• With clean hands, wash face with a gentle cleanser and warm water. Dry off with a clean towel, to avoid adding acne-causing bacteria to the face, which would only result in more pimples and blackheads.
• Apply a warm compress to the affected area, opening up the pores. This will make it easier for dirt and bacteria that are trapped under the skin to be removed.
• Using a Q-tip or cotton ball, apply a little raw apple cider vinegar to the pimples or blackheads. Apple cider vinegar effectively deals with any extra oil and bacteria on the skin.
• A clean cold compress may then be applied to tighten the pores and reduce swelling. This can be done several times.
• Before going to bed, prepare a mixture of baking soda and fresh lemon juice. A thick paste should result, and this should be put on the pimples and blackheads and left overnight, then rinsed off in the morning.
• Drink a lot of water. Eight glasses daily is the recommended amount.
• Use clean pillowcases, as dirty ones may be a source of bacteria reaching the face.
• Get a lot of sleep. Similar to water, the skin needs sleep in order to revitalize itself. At least seven hours are recommended.

Acne is a skin condition that occurs because there is some malfunctioning of the normal system. The oil glands in the skin produce oil that is intended to lubricate the skin. At the same time new cells are being born, and the old skin cells die.

During puberty excess oil is produced. This excess oil mixes with the dead skin cells and clogs the pores of the skin, which are openings through which hair protrudes. When this happens, oil becomes trapped and attracts bacteria that are usually present in the skin. As the bacteria feed on the oil they multiply and may eventually cause an inflammation.

Types of Acne

http://www.acne.org/whatisacne.html

Research has shown that there are two types of acne, inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne are said to be –

• Blackheads – which develop when the pores open to the surface and the oil, which has melanin, mixes with air, thereby oxidizing, and changes to either a brown or a black color. Some persons, thinking the black bumps are dirt, scrub them very hard in an effort to be free of them. Blackheads can be around for a long time, since its contents drain, very slowly, to the skin surface.
• Whiteheads – which come into existence when the trapped oil and bacteria remain beneath the surface of the skin. They appear as very small white spots, or the whiteheads may be too tiny to be seen with the naked eyes.
• Milia – which are small white bumps which form when skin that is being shed becomes trapped in little pockets in the skin’s surface. They are mainly seen on the nose and upper cheeks of newborn babies. Milia sometimes appear on the skin of adults, at times. As the surface of the skin is renewed, the dead skin is shed, and the bumps disappear. This disappearance can occur during the early weeks of a baby’s life. In adults, however, they may exist indefinitely.

The follicle walls of whiteheads may rupture and become inflammatory. There are four types of inflammatory acne. Progressively, they are –

• Papules – which occur when the walls of the follicles break. This causes white blood cells to pour in, and the pores become inflamed.
• Pustules – which form many days afterwards when the white blood cells travel to the skin’s surface. Other names for pustules are zits or pimples.
• Nodules – which form when follicles break at the bottom, resulting in a total collapse. The collapse causes a large inflamed bump to form, which can be painful when touched.
• Cysts – which are very big lesions filled with pus. They may occur because of severe inflammatory reactions.

How Acne Forms

Acne comes in different flavors: whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Each type of “acne” is a bit different.

Acne Formation

Acne results from the malfunctioning of the pilosebaceous unit of the skin. This Unit is made up of the hair follicle, the hair shaft, the sebaceous gland which produces sebum (oil), and the erector pili muscle that is responsible for the hair standing up whenever it contracts. The cells in the hair follicle divide themselves at a very fast rate.

The sebum that the sebaceous glands produce, moisturizes the hair and the skin. During puberty, androgen hormones cause the glands to expand and so manufacture more oil. The excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and rise to the surface of the skin. More dead skin cells tend to be at the top of the pores, which are the openings through which the hairs protrude. As the skin cells become sticky, they gather inside the pore rather than flow onto the skin. This situation attracts the bacteria which are normally present in the pores. As they feed on the sebum, the bacteria increase within the pores.

The bacteria’s presence causes white blood cells to rush to the follicle. The enzyme that the white blood cells produce, damages the wall of the follicle, causing its contents to spill into the dermis. When this happens, inflammation, as seen in papules (that is, red bumps), pustules and nodules, occurs.

HowStuffWorks.com has an interesting picture showing a visual diagram of both a blackhead and whitehead and how they differ:

Blackhead Formation

Blackheads are also called open comedones. This is because the follicle has a wider opening than normal. Comedones are little flesh-colored, dark, or white bumps on the skin, which cause the skin to feel rough. A blackhead is an acne lesion that is non-inflammatory, and is recognized by its characteristic black or dark brown plug at the pore’s surface. The dark color should not be mistaken for dirt. It results from a combination of sebum and dead skin cells that have mixed with air, or oxidized, through the pore’s opening.

Whitehead Formation

Whiteheads, on the other hand, are also referred to as closed comedones or pimples. Pimples are small papules or pustules that are infected with bacteria, fill up with pus, rupture and become inflamed. Whiteheads have plugs of sebum and dead skin cells. However, because their openings do not allow air to mix with their contents, the contents remain white.

Treating Acne

There’s quite a few different ways to go about treating an acne problem, depending on the severity of the acne. Simple topical medication over the span of a few months may reduce the acne problem or one may require  oral medications. In some cases, acne cannot be effectively cured.

The Severity of Acne and its Treatment

Research has shown that there are three stages, or levels, of severity where acne is concerned: Mild acne, moderate acne, and sever acne. Each stage really requires different treatments.

Mild Acne

http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/treatingmildacne.html

Small lesions, like blackheads, whiteheads, or pustules, are usually found during the mild stage of acne. These lesions tend to be at or close to the skin’s surface. Because of their location, mild acne can be controlled at home, sometimes. This involves:

• Washing the affected areas, gently, using a mild soap and warm water two times per day. This treatment helps to remove excess oil, as well as dead skin cells.
• Applying a topical acne treatment which has salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These can be acquired over the counter.

Chemical Treatments for Mild Acne

Treating skin problems requires a bit of  time.  This is because many of the treatments take quite a few weeks or months to effect any noticeable change. Some chemical treatments that have been proven effective are:

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is said to have an antibacterial effect on the condition. It may reduce, as well, the chemical reaction that causes the lining of the hair follicle to change. The plugging at the pores, which results in the formation of comedones, may also be limited. This could therefore help to stop other comedones from forming.

Tretinoin

Tretinoin is said to be the main treatment for blackheads and whiteheads. Derived from vitamin A, tretinoin increases the turnover rate of the cells, and reduces the sticky condition of the dead cells. It also helps to force out the material plugging the pores, thereby returning the pores to normal operations. Since it can irritate the skin, the instructions for using tretinoin should be carefully followed.

Extraction

Extraction is a method that may be used on blackheads by a physician. A device known as a comedone extractor is used to push down on the skin surrounding the blackhead. That action forces out the plug.

Here’s a video on how to properly extract blackheads:

Home Remedies for Mild Acne

The best remedy for preventing the occurrence of blackheads and whiteheads is to keep the skin clean and oil free. There are a few home remedies that are floating around however. We can’t verify if these will work though. Anecdotal reports from users (and reports scattered across the web) say these treatments are effective and do help, but understand there is certainly NO guarantee that you will be able to treat your skin problem. There is no scientific evidence these treatments will work.

Steam

The face may be held over a steaming bowl of water, with a towel over the head, for some minutes. The steam has the effect of opening the pores so that blackheads can be extracted easier, and whiteheads can absorb topical solutions.

Toothpaste

A layer of toothpaste may be spread on the affected area, twice weekly, before retiring to sleep at nights. The paste effectively draws bacteria out of clogged pores.

Corn Flour Paste

Corn flour may be combined with vinegar to form a paste, and this may be spread over whiteheads. This helps to remove the whiteheads, as the paste is useful for drying out the oil on the skin.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil, which is an astringent, may be brushed onto blackheads and whiteheads every time the face is washed. The oil should remain so that the skin may absorb it.

Moderate to Moderately Severe Acne

http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/treatingmoderatesevereacne.html

When acne is in its moderate or moderately severe stage, there are many more whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and pustules. These can cover between one quarter and three quarters of the face and other areas that may be affected. At this stage, a dermatologist may be consulted, and combination therapy may also be employed. Combination therapy means there are two or more treatment options being used at the same time. The treatments used at this level are:

• Physical strategies, like the extraction of comedones, or light therapy.
• Prescription medications, such as topical antimicrobials, topical retinoids, oral antibiotics, and oral contraceptives.
• Topical acne medications that can be acquired over the counter.

This stage of acne appears to be a crucial one, since at this level scarring is possible. For this reason, dermatologists recommend early treatment as a preventive measure. Acne scars may appear as either raised thickened tissue or in the form of a depression, like pits or pock marks. Treating acne early and over a long period reliably prevents or limits the extent of scarring. Persons who are prone to scarring and who have acne should be carefully supervised by a dermatologist.

Severe Acne

http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/treatsevereacne.html

The characteristics of severe acne are deep cysts, inflammation, widespread skin damage, and scarring. A dermatologist should be involved at this level, because an aggressive treatment program is required. Although there may be failures, for the most part success has been achieved. The physical processes and prescription medicines used by dermatologists include the following:

Drainage and Surgical Excision

Large cysts that are not helped by medication may need to be drained and extracted. This is a type of acne surgery, and should only be performed by a dermatologist.

Interlesional Corticosteroid Injection

Severely inflamed cysts are prone to rupturing and so may cause scarring. In order to treat them, dermatologists may inject a corticosteroid that has been diluted greatly. This effectively reduces the inflammation and promotes healing by melting the cysts.

Isotretinoin

This potent drug is available in pill form, and is the most effective acne treatment around today. However, it has some serious side effects.

Oral Antibiotics

These drugs effectively decrease inflammation. Treatment usually begins with a high dosage that is gradually reduced as the condition improves.

Easy Skin Care Tips

1. The first tip calls for a drastic spring-cleaning of the skin care closet. If the closet is filled with a myriad of products, that could be the first turn-off where cleansing is concerned. A multiple-step plan is not a necessity, as only a few things need to be done to keep the skin healthy. All expired products should therefore be thrown out. Spoiled products are next, such as creams or moisturizers that have water on top because it has become separated from the rest of the contents. These should be followed by products that have not been used regularly for more than one month
2. The second tip advises a morning skin care routine that is not burdensome. It actually only requires four products that can be used in three minutes. That should suit any lazy, or busy, person. The routine involves cleansing with a non-soap cleanser, then gently exfoliating the skin, followed by applying first a vitamin C and antioxidants combination cream, and then a sun block which offers UVA and UVB protection.
3. The third tip is for a similar routine to be employed in the evenings, but this time only two products are recommended. The skin, naturally, has to be cleansed first, and then a retinoid can be applied to carry out correction and/or repair solutions.
4. The fourth tip embraces products that can cater to more than one skin care need. For example, there is a product that is both a cleanser and an exfoliant combined. Similarly, another product has both anti-aging prevention and sunscreen capabilities in one container. These two could, perhaps, substitute for the four mentioned in the second tip.
5. The fifth tip encourages maintenance of a healthy skin without the use of products. That sounds like the easiest and cheapest of them all. It may or may not be. It involves eating right. The recommendation is to eat right and remain hydrated.  Eight ounces of water, daily, is the amount recommended. In addition, foods that are anti-inflammatory and have many anti-oxidants should be consumed. Suggested, too, are foods that have a low glycemic index. These include tomatoes, vegetables that are bright red and green, salmon – because it is rich in omega 3, olive oil, avocados, and blueberries. The condition of the skin is a good indication of the body’s internal health state.

It is felt that salt reduction is of critical importance, not just for preventing high blood pressure but, yes, for maintaining healthy skin. It appears that salt reduces the amount of water the internal organs take in, and when those organs are dehydrated, they draw water from the skin. This leaves the skin dry, sallow, and cracked. Dermatologists therefore encourage careful examination of quick, on-the-run food labels, to ensure that nutritional values are not being sacrificed.

It is further felt that the intake of proteins is essential for skin to look youthful and healthy. Dermatologists recommend at least 40 percent of protein intake. This is the amount needed to cause the amino acids found in the blood to stimulate the production of elastin and collagen.

Further Tips

Another tip is to know your skin type. Products tend to cater to specific needs and, consequently, specific skin types. Conveniently, many pharmacies utilize beauty technicians who patrol their aisles. These technicians are able to help customers determine their skin types, so they will know whether to purchase products for dry, oily, normal, combination, or sensitive skin. If there is still uncertainty about a correct diagnosis, a dermatologist should be consulted.

A further tip is to baby the skin while travelling. It is felt that extensive travelling can cause dehydration, due to the added stress involved in travelling. It is advised that makeup not be taken on the airplane. Instead, a moisturizer, some cleansing wipes, eye drops, and lip balm, should be carried, and water should be consumed to keep the body hydrated.

It is a bad idea, and a very big mistake, to go to bed with makeup on. This is because makeup left on overnight can block the pores and cause the skin to age faster. If it is too much trouble to get to the sink and remove the makeup, it is suggested that cleansing wipes be kept by the bed. These can be used to remove the makeup, as well as dirt and excess oil. Since multi-tasking wipes that cleanse, moisturize, and tone the skin are available, at a reasonable cost, there is no excuse for going to bed without cleansing.

There is, it appears, a bit of controversy as to whether the face should be cleansed once or twice daily. There seems to be no hard or fast rule, however, on this matter. What works for one person might not work for another. Only a daily routine would be able to provide that answer. This is another good reason why the skin type should be known.

It is no longer sufficient to simply go to a department store and pick up skin care products. An esthetician, or trained therapist in a beauty salon, should be able to check the skin and correctly prescribe suitable products according to the skin type. Notwithstanding, if that fails, there is always the dermatologist who is more than able to provide a proper diagnosis of the skin type, and a prescription or recommendation of an effective skin care program.

The First Tip

The first tip is: Consider Your Water. Dermatologists are suggesting that water quality, in terms of whether the water is soft or hard, affects skin care. They feel that if the water is soft it is unable to completely remove soap from the skin. This means that there would be soap residue on the skin. In that instance, dermatologists recommend using a nickel-size amount of face cleansers and a quarter-size of body cleansers on the skin.

At the other end, hard water, dermatologists feel, does not promote lathering. This causes more of the cleanser to be used, resulting in dryness of the skin. They recommend non-soap formulas that are gentle and not designed to lather. They are readily available on the market.

Most of the body’s weight consists of water, and it is felt that most persons are mildly dehydrated because enough of the liquid is not consumed. A body that is properly hydrated usually has skin that looks and feels better. The skin’s complexion is radiant as nutrients are carried to each cell in the body, and toxins are flushed out. An adequate supply of water in the body improves circulation and the flow of blood, which results in a healthy-looking skin.

The Second Tip

The second tip is: Drink Green Tea. It is felt that green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe red or blotchy spots on the skin. For those properties to be more effective, however, the tea should be consumed cold, since hot beverages can make the redness worse. As a second benefit, green tea contains an ingredient called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which may help to halt the destruction of collagen, resulting in a postponement of wrinkles and other skin damage. The recommendation is for green tea to be substituted for coffee in the mornings.

Green tea is now the drink that supermodels prefer, which has implications for its beauty benefits. Clinical evidence reveals that green tea is beneficial whether it is swallowed or splashed onto the skin. Even the leaves are guaranteed to make the skin glow. Research has shown that the extract from green tea is rich in antioxidants which help to fight free radicals. Free radicals are body particles which speed up the aging process and increase the risk of contracting major diseases. While smoking, exposure to pollution and excess sunlight should be minimized or avoided, more green tea should be consumed since it helps to give the skin a younger look.

The Third Tip

The third tip suggests: Keep Stress in Check. There is a suggestion of a mind and body connection where stress is concerned. Stress can cause the body to break out in acne, because stress is responsible for the body producing hormones like cortisol. Cortisol is credited with the skin becoming oilier and being less able to fight the bacteria which cause acne. It is recommended that stress be controlled through the regular use of special stress-management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga. Acne, it is felt, can also be treated with the same strategies.

Stress can precipitate a series of physiological body changes which result in the skin looking dull and lifeless, as well as wrinkling prematurely. The physiological changes are linked to the adrenaline hormone which the body produces in response to stressful situations. Adrenaline sends an extra supply of oxygen and glucose to the muscles and the brain when stress is being experienced. Consequently, blood flow is channeled from the skin, and its oxygen supply is decreased. Over time, the dull, wrinkly skin loses elasticity and excess oil is produced, which results in acne breakouts.

To fight stress, it is recommended that the stressor be eliminated, caffeine consumption be reduced, and the intake of antioxidants be increased.

The Fourth Tip

The fourth tip targets persons with acne. It suggests: Monitor Dairy Intake. Research has shown that both teenage girls and adult women who drink milk a lot are more prone to acne breakouts than those who drink it less. Whether the milk is skimmed, whole, or even organic, they are all offenders. The precise link between dairy milk and acne is not conclusive, but scientists surmise that the dairy’s natural hormones could be the culprits. Even cottage cheese, sherbet, and instant breakfast drinks can cause acne development. Avoiding or limiting dairy intake, by itself, is not likely to solve the acne problem, but it can greatly reduce acne breakouts.

The Fifth Tip

The fifth tip is: Improve Air Quality. It is suggested that just being in a smoke environment can promote the release of free radicals which damage skin and speed up aging. Smoky atmospheres should therefore be avoided as much as possible. It is also suggested that there are other indoor pollutants that can affect the skin. These include furnace air and cooking oil. It is recommended that the air filter in the furnace be changed regularly, and that a fan should be used over the cooking range when oil is being used. In addition, the dry air inside a building can cause skin to become dehydrated, thus more readily exposing the fine lines on the face. Running a humidifier in the bedroom is recommended for reducing that problem.

In addition to aging the skin prematurely and making it appear saggy, polluted air dries out the skin and promotes skin ailments such as eczema and acne. Both the air inside a building and outside it can be polluted. It is recommended that ventilation be improved by letting in more fresh air from outside. When outdoors, long-sleeved shirts should be worn to keep polluted air particles off the skin.

The First Myth: Tanning Clears up the Skin.

This myth has implications for skin that has been damaged by acne scars. It is a myth because tanning involves the sun’s action on the skin. A tan has the ability to mask acne temporarily, but the sun is able to dry out the skin and irritate it, paving the way for future breakouts of acne. There is no proof that exposure to sunlight prevents acne or even clears it up.

The rays of the sun contain two different types of ultraviolet radiation that act on the skin. They are known as UVA and UVB radiation. UVB radiation is the one that causes sunburn, since it burns the upper layers of the skin. UVA radiation results in tanning, because it goes to the lower skin layers where it triggers into action the cells that produce melanin, the brown substance that is responsible for tanning. Melanin is the skin’s protective mechanism against burning. However, it does not protect from skin cancer and other problems, even if the skin does not appear to burn.

Furthermore, a tan is obvious proof that the skin has suffered some cellular damage. If the skin is continuously allowed to tan, it may become wrinkled, may develop brown age spots and blotchiness, and may appear leathery and older than it really is. All the foregoing conditions are caused by tanning, and need to be cleared up. This means, therefore, that tanning cannot clear up skin.

The Second Myth: The More the Face is Washed, the Fewer Breakouts it will Experience.

This myth suggests that frequent washing is a cure for breakouts. That, in fact, could not be further from the truth. It is a fact that washing the face helps in the removal of dirt and oil from the pores. However, if the face is washed too often, it can become dry and irritated, which actually causes more breakouts. The face should not be scrubbed, either, because scrubbing can also irritate the skin. Instead, the face should be washed twice daily, using a mild soap and water, employing a circular motion, and should be pat dry afterwards.

Washing can also be done with a gentle cleanser that is water soluble, so that the skin is not irritated. The cleanser, however, should not need to be wiped off with tissue or a wash cloth. Warm, rather than hot, water should be used with the cleanser, leaving the skin feeling soft and clean, and neither greasy nor dry. It is therefore not the frequency, but the quality of the washing, done twice daily, that works in this instance.

The Third Myth: Bursting Pimples will Help Them to go Away Faster.

This myth suggests that bursting pimples will make them disappear. In fact, when a pimple is burst it may not be noticeable for a while, but that action of bursting can actually cause the pimple to stay around for a little longer. This is because when pimples are squeezed, bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells are pushed further into the skin. This causes redness and more swelling and, at times, a brown or red mark or a scar may be formed. These marks can sometimes last for months, but depressed scars tend to last for a lifetime.

Serious scarring, which is potentially lifelong, may result from the more severe type of acne, since nodules are produced. Nodules are lumps or painful cysts, filled with pus, which appear below the skin. Nodules are the most prone to leaving permanent scars on the skin. It is therefore not a good idea to burst pimples. They will not go away faster but may, instead, develop into the type that lasts for a lifetime. A doctor or dermatologist should be visited for treatment of even mild acne.

The Fourth Myth: Do Not Wear Makeup if Clear Skin is Sought.

This myth is suggesting that all makeup is bad for the skin, as they may have adverse effects. However, there are cosmetics that are considered to be nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, and these should not cause the skin to breakout with acne. It has been found that there are cosmetics known as concealers on the market, which have salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, two properties which help in the fight against acne. There are also tinted creams containing benzoyl peroxide that are able to hide the pimples while they are being treated.

The foregoing applies to mild acne. If the acne is moderate or severe, however, a dermatologist or physician should be consulted for recommendations about the best cosmetics to use. Recommendations may include avoidance of all cosmetics, or sticking to only certain brands, so that the acne does not get worse. Even if the product seems harmless enough, as long as it is irritating the skin, a dermatologist should be consulted.

The Fifth Myth: If Breakouts Keep Occurring, it Helps to Use More Acne Medication Until the Breakouts Cease.

This myth also suggests that more is better, more – in this case – being more medicine. Acne medications contain benzoyl peroxide as well as salicylic acid, which are drying agents. Using too much of them, therefore, may result in over drying, which leads to irritation and the production of more blemishes.

Medication available over the counter should be able to treat mild acne. If that is not happening, however, it could be an indication that a worse type of acne is being encountered. A physician or dermatologist should be consulted in that event. Also, if prescription medication is being taken for acne, the doctor’s instructions need to be followed carefully. Some medications may take as many as eight weeks before allowing signs of healing.

To find out whether blackheads are comedones, there first has to be knowledge of both blackheads and comedones – that is, their nature and causes.

What are Comedones and Blackheads?

The singular form of comedones is comedo, which is the Latin word for glutton. People of long ago believed that the remnants of a gluttonous worm made up the contents of a comedo. Comedones are defined as dilated hair follicles that are filled with keratin squamae, or skin debris, sebum – or oil – and bacteria. Comedones may be open or closed.

A blackhead is said to be a plug of sebum found in a hair follicle that has become darkened by oxidation, which is the action of oxygen on the sebum. It is a kind of pimple, therefore it is a kind of acne. Medically it is known as an open comedo, and it has a wide skin opening that is topped with a mass of skin debris that has become blackened, hence the name, blackhead. So, in answer to the question, blackheads are comedones.

Since they are comedones, blackheads need to be treated with care. Because of their black color, from the oxidation of the sebum, as well as the melanin pigment from the dead skin cells, there might be the temptation to scrub blackheads, thinking dirt is being eradicated. That should not be done, however, since scrubbing might make matters worse. A mild soap should be used to cleanse the skin once, or perhaps twice, per day, and then the skin should be patted dry. Also, cosmetics which have an oil base should not be used with blackheads, since that could aggravate the already oily condition at the site of the follicles.

Blackheads are different from other kinds of pimples because they tend to be very small, and are able to maintain that size. They are formed in a similar way to other pimples, but instead of becoming inflamed, the pimple turns into a blackhead. They can be found anywhere on the skin, as long as there are follicles, but blackheads are mainly found on the face and on the arms. If they are left untreated, they may become cystic or develop into scars.

Blackhead Treatments

As blackheads are a little more stubborn than other kinds of pimples, they may not disappear, even with regular cleansing aimed at targeting acne. The reason for this is that the oils are clogged in the pores, but there is no inflammation. Usually, when an inflammation is restricted, the pore that was blocked is cleared as a result. The absence of inflammation means that the treatment for blackheads has to be a little different. If regular treatment does not work, then other measures must be taken. You can see our comprehensive blackhead treatment post here.

These include:

• A Facial Mask

A facial mask may be used for acne treatment. A typical acne treatment facial is done by an esthetician, who starts by cleansing the skin. The skin on the different parts of the face is then examined with a bright light that magnifies the skin to reveal its condition. The facial skin is then exfoliated, utilizing hot vapor to open the pores and minimize damage to the skin. The mask is applied and allowed to remain on the face for a long time. Removal of the mask causes excess oils to be pulled from the open pores. The blackheads would be removed during this process, thereby clearing the skin. Facial masks are specific to skin types. In other words, there are masks for oily skin and dry skin, and so the facial masks should be applied accordingly. After the process, follow-up lotions tighten the pores or nourish the skin.

• A Facial Scrub

Facial scrubs are another common treatment for blackheads in both teens and adults. These scrubs usually have granules of various forms that are used with skin masks as well. Scrubbing helps in the eradication of dead skin cells and the loosening of clogged pores so that their contents can be released. As the facial scrub has the potential to irritate skin, it should not be used if other types of acne are also affecting the area. Facial scrubs can be purchased or made at home.

• Blackhead Extractor

Professional blackhead removers, or extractors, may also be used in the fight against blackheads. Some extractors have objects that put pressure on blackheads. In some extractors, the pressure objects are ringed devices, while in others they are fine or medium loops.

• Pressure Device

There are many pressure devices available for removing blackheads. Usually they are pressed on the skin around the blackhead. Applied pressure literally squeezes out the contents of the clogged pores. Sometimes the pores are loosened and expanded with a warm solution before the pressure devices are applied to the blackheads.

Blackhead comedones should be eradicated and prevented from recurring. This has implications for getting to the source of the problem. Excessive oil and dead skin cells, which are the cause of blackheads, should be removed. Natural ingredients that are not harsh, should be used, since harsh products remove oil from the skin, which causes the production of more oil, which causes more blocked pores, and so the cycle continues. Natural oils, such as jojoba or coconut oil, may be used to clean the skin, since they would not clog the pores. Products which contain alcohol, lanolin, and mineral oil, however, to name a few, should be avoided. Squeezing them with the fingers should also be avoided, as some of the contents could be forced deeper into the skin, causing permanent damage.

Yes, blackheads are comedones, and for this reason they should be treated with care. They should not be mistaken for dirt, and consequently abused in the name of cleansing. They should also not be washed with oil based cosmetics, as these could make them worse. In order to prevent blackheads from forming in the first place, the acne problem needs to be addressed from inside the skin. This is done by inhibiting the buildup of bacteria and strengthening the pores.

The truth is that it can be a bit of a crap shoot when it comes to treating acne and blackheads. Each person’s skin responds differently, so there is no one treatment that is guaranteed to work. In my experience, the most effective treatments that drastically reduce blackheads tend not to be the over-the-counter products, but a dedicated acne regimen (acne facial wash, acne treatment cream with Benzyl Peroxide, and some non-comedogenic moisturizer) that you apply once or twice a day. Just tossing on a few products once in a while WILL NOT BE EFFECTIVE.

If you are impatient and want to go straight to my number one recommendation to get rid of blackheads and acne, here it is: ClearPores

The real blackhead treatment is not found in some miracle cream or pill, but in a lifestyle change. Now I know that’s not what most of you people want to hear. Everyone wants a magic cure that takes no effort, works amazingly quickly, and promises fantastic results. If you want one of these cures, then you might as well just stick to watching infomercials – you’ll find such promises there. In this (large) article, I review the top 5 blackhead treatments that I’ve personally found to be effective.

If you want to skip ahead of the next section to the actual Best Blackhead Treatment recommendations list, click on this link to see the recommendation list

Ok, two ways you can get rid of blackheads (and acne). The free way and the pay way. The free way is through a concoction of natural blackhead remedies and diet changes that may (or may not) provide a cure. The pay way is by using tried and tested (real) acne medications that are often pretty effective. The best blackhead treatments, I’ve found, are really a combination of both “free” and “pay.” Now I’ve noticed there are a number of so called blackhead cures out there that promise to help get rid of blackheads, pimples, and skin care problems. The disturbing thing is that most of these so called cures actually make the problem worse. I like to call these blackhead scams. I’m always a firm believer in providing people with the best, most up-to-date, most real information around. And that’s what I’m aiming to do here.

I’m going to start with giving the Top 5 best blackhead medications that actually work. And I’m going to give you some good free remedies to and lifestyle advice that WILL absolutely help reduce your blackhead problems. I make no claims of a 100% cure for anyone, but I do know through personal experience and through other people I have helped, these medications (and lifestyle remedies) CAN make a bit difference and sometimes a dramatic difference.

Why Do You Get Blackheads

Blackheads are also known as open comedones. They are basically follicles that have a slightly bigger than normal opening and filled with plugs containing sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The sebum plugs (as they are sometimes known) are discolored a darker color because of the oxidation of melanin that occurs on the surface. This gives the blackhead that “blackish” look.

According to the Acne Resource Center, some causes of blackheads and acne are:

• Genetics
• Hormones — (puberty, pregnancy, etc)
• (some) medications
• Stress Level
• Humidity
• Physical Irritation
• Cosmetics
• Diet (maybe)

Humidity can really be a big contributing factor to the development of blackheads. When it’s humid, increased sweat production may cause constant mixing of sweat and oils in the skin, causing increased blockages in the pores.

Medication can disrupt the body’s natural chemistry which may cause more sebum production and lead to blockages in the skin’s pores.

Cosmetics can be another factor, especially oil-based cosmetics which may clog the pores.

The best way to cure blackheads is through consistency of treatments. There is NO SUCH THING AS AN INSTANT BLACKHEAD CURE. If there is any product or website out there that claims this, run far and fast because it’s a scam.

How Can I Get Rid of Blackheads for Good

Blackheads can be a serious struggle for many people even into their late thirties (and sometimes longer!).

Blackheads are really just another “form” of acne and can be treated with the same medicine

Blackheads are not caused by dirty skin so scrubbing your skin too much won’t cure the problem but might even cause more problems. Dermatologists say that diet won’t directly affect blackhead production, but, I disagree on this point as I’ve notice that eating greasy foods has caused acne breakouts on my own skin.

You can combat blackheads through diet, a facial hygiene regimen, natural blackhead home remedies, oral antibiotics and medications, and medicated acne treatments. In all likely hood, you will probably need a combination of all these to see the best results. We certainly cannot give you a full blown guaranteed means of getting rid of blackheads, you’ll have to try one of the treatments and see if it works for you. It’s often the process of trial and error that you stumble upon a blackhead cure that works for YOU.

One of the more effective ways to treat blackheads is to control the production of skin oil. Reduce the oil, reduce the production of blackheads and acne breakouts. Probably the most effective way I’ve accomplished this is through a basic topical blackhead regimen. It’s best to avoid major treatments such as accutane as this can be pretty devastating on your general health.

By far, the best treatments for blackheads basically consists of a once-a-day cleaning regiment of mild soap, a facial scrub to help remove excess skin oil and dead skin, and some sort of medicated topical treatment followed by a non comeogenic moisturizer. This is a formula that works and works well. So no matter what treatment your follow, it’s best to start out with this basic “acne treatment regimen.” I give a list of the best blackhead/acne treatment systems that follow this formula.

Below, I give my own Top 5 Blackhead Treatments to those who are struggling with the same problems I have (blackheads and acne). These recommendations are my personal ones — I make no claims to be a professional dermatologist, just a guy with a serious case of bad skin. I’ve tried DOZENS of so called blackhead cures and treatments over the years and I’ve spend a mini fortune on the latest skin care fads. Most of the stuff has been complete rubbish. But there have been a handful of products that did work, and a couple that actually, amazingly eliminated MOST of my blackheads and pretty much all of my acne. Non of these products are “unknown” — they have a large following and plenty of consumer reviews, so rest assured you stand a good chance of curing your blackhead problem with one (or more) of these treatments.

Top 5 Blackhead Treatments — My Recommendations

ClearPores

ClearPores is by far one of the best acne/blackhead treatment systems out on the market. It’s hands down better than Proactiv or any of the other kits. I’ve been using this system for over a year and reduced blackheads dramatically. I also rarely get pimples anymore, though I get an occasional one. Before I started using ClearPores, I was using the Acne.org Regimen which I found pretty effective. However, I found “The Regimen” started to lose it’s effectiveness after about 6 months. I’ve also heard many other people say the same thing. The one treatment system that’s flat out worked with no recurrence of acne or major blackhead breakouts has been the ClearPores system.

Cost

• 1 Month ($64.95 per month)
• 2 Months ($59.98 per month)
• 3 Months ($56.65 per month)
• 4 Months ($54.99 per month)
• 5 Months ($53.99 per month)

If you buy in “bulk” you save a lot of money. If you can’t afford to buy say 5 months for the cheapest package, I suggest you buy 3 months supply to get the 56.65 per month deal. It will take you at least 2 months anyways to see good results. If you are only going to buy 1 months supply, don’t bother — you likely won’t see results in only a month. ClearPores offers a 90 day return policy, so you can try out the product for 3 months risk free anyways.
Pros:

• It’s a complete acne fighting system that doubles as a blackhead killer. This makes it convenient to use since everything you need is there.
• Contains dietary supplement ingredients that are 100% natural. I know that some dermatologists maintain that acne/blackheads are not connected to your diet, but I have to disagree strongly with this. I’ve found that cutting out junk food, sugar, and caffeine made a dramatic difference in my complexion.
• Few side effects – I’ve used a few so called acne kits that do more damage than they do good. The worst offender was Pronexin which dried my skin out so bad it looked like I had 1st degree burns (which I in fact, DID). I never had any serious dry out of my skin when using ClearPores.
  Bulk discounts – the truth is that any sort of acne kit system gets expensive over the long run. You need to keep using them each day to maintain the results. Over the course of a year you can spend hundreds of dollars. I like how ClearPores provides discount bulk packages.
• Lots of REAL reviews praising the product – I’ve become very wary of sites hawking so called blackhead cures and treatments. Most have the same CHEESY salespage and CHEESY fake reviews at the bottom. Don’t even consider buying from website that looks like this. ClearPores actually has really good reviews from people (you can find it rated very highly on the reputable acne.org, for example).
• Full 90 day money back guarantee – what can I say, this makes the product risk free pretty much.

Cons:

• It can take a LONG time to see results. If you are the impatient type, you think twice before going with this acne treatment kit. You might also see your breakouts get worse for a week or two before they start improving.
• Expensive – the barebones system costs $53.00. If you want the “complete” system, you are going to pay $83.99. The complete system comes with the herbal supplement and body system.

Why I Like ClearPores
I’ve tried a lot of different acne/blackhead medications and ClearPores simply worked the best for me. I really like how the treatment system doesn’t dry out your skin like Proactiv. It’s a bit expensive and it takes a few months for the results to kick in, BUT it actually does work, unlike most of the other treatment systems out there. They offer a pretty good 3 month return policy and ClearPores has a good reputation onine with plenty of good user reviews. So if you want to get rid of blackheads, ClearPores is the best full treatment system I’ve yet found.

The Regimen

This treatment system is offered by Acne.org (probably one of the better acne-based community sites on the web right now). The Regimen is a good system that’s a no frills, no bs system. It’s a bit barebones, considering that it only consists of a mild cleanser, Benzoyl peroxide, and non-skin-irritating moisturizer. Nothing really fancy here and nothing you can’t put together yourself, but the kit itself works pretty good. Pretty much everyone loves the included Benzoyl peroxide (aka acne treatment medication) as you get quite a lot of it for your money and it’s a nice gentle formulation too. I used this treatment system for 6 months before switching to the ClearPores system. Why the switch? I found The Regimen’s Benzyol Peroxide treatment really started to irritate my skin after 5 months and by month 6, my acne had gotten worse, which was pretty depressing. A good number of people swear by this product and there are plenty of rave reviews online.


Cost
1 Month Supply: $44.00

The 8oz Acne Treatment bottle will last for roughly 1 month. If you have back acne, you will need 2 8oz Acne Treatment’s per month (you can just get the 16oz if you wish). I strongly suggest you buy at least 2 months supply of the Acne Treatment as it will take 2 months before you start to see real results in the clearing of your blackheads.

Pros:

• It works for many people
• You get a good amount of Acne Treatment topical medication (Benzoly peroxide)
• Benzoyl Peroxide Formulation is gentle
• Fairly priced (a good deal)

Cons:

• You can have a serious reaction to the treatment
• Moisturizer not good enough

Why You Should Buy The Regimen
I’ve used The Regimen and I can say it’s pretty damn effective. Some people swear by it and some people say it does nothing. I found it helped reduce the number of blackheads I had, but after 4 months, my skin really got irritated. You don’t necessarily need to “buy” the whole kit of you are on a budget. For budget minded persons who want to create their own, effective regimen, simply pick up the 16 oz (larger) Regimen Benzyle peroxide on Amazon, then pick up some dirt cheap, facial scrub and moisturizer and you’ve created your own, cheaper system.

If you’ve had some problems with Proactiv treatments, your skin might not respond to the Regiment though. However, hands down, it’s well worth trying and what I consider the second best option.

If you follow “The Regimen” you might want to add following:

• AHA formula (kind of a better “acne” moisturizer over the default kit)
• Jojoba Oil (add it to your moisturizer to help balance out the oils — great if your skin dries out from the Benzoyl Peroxide)

Budget “Make Your Own” Regimen

The “guts” of The Regimen is basically the Benzoyl peroxide mixture. If you don’t like the included moisturizer or you want to put together your own costs effective regiment while still using the acne.org BP, you can use the following combination below. You basically “upgrade” the acne.org BP with a larger bottle (lasts longer!), then replaced the facial wash and moisturizer’s with cheaper versions. The total cost for this is about $46 dollars, but you get “more” acne treatment formula over the standard package. Worth considering.








16oz Acne Treatment ($36) + Deep Clean Facial Wash ($5) + Neutrogena Moisture (non Comeogenic) ($5)

Proactiv

Proactiv is responsible for entertaining millions with their infomercial advertisements. Proactiv is by far the most popular acne/blackhead clearing treatment systems in the world. Is it necessary the most effective? No. There are a lot of mixed reviews out there, but just because it didn’t work for Jack doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. There are a lot of people who swear by the product and use it religiously. And there are just as many people who say it didn’t work for them. Proactiv didn’t seem to do too much for me, but my sister uses it every day and it’s done wonder’s for her skin, pretty much eliminating her acne completely. I’m not able to convince her to try anything else!
Cost
2 Month Supply Kit: $48.00 on Amazon
3 Month Supply Kit $78.95 on Amazon

I highly suggest you go with the 3 month kit on Amazon over the 2 month kit. To give Proactiv a shot, you need to use it religiously for 2 to 3 months. I believe many people say Proactive is not effective after only trying it out for 1-2 months — this is too early to tell with pretty much any acne treatment regimen.

Pros

• Works for SOME people
• Comprehensive treatment system (depending on how much you are willing to pay)
• No bad smell
• Can make skin softer
• Gets rid of blackheads

Cons

• Can be HARSH on the skin
• Dries out skin
• Possible Burning sensation on skin after use
• Not so good for fairer skin
• Pricey

Why I Recommend Proactiv

Because it works on celebrities! Just kidding.

I’ll be honest, I’ve used it and didn’t much like it after the 3 months I used. BUT BUT BUT, I have friends (and family) who swear by the Proactiv and it’s worked wonders on their skin. Proactiv is pretty pricey which is the biggest mark against it in my opinion. It can also dry your skin out like no tomorrow, especially during the first two weeks of usage.

My face had serious burns after a week of usage, but after the second week my skin adapted. I know this product has a lot of both positive and negative feedback so it’s hard to make a decision.

If ClearPores and The Regimen don’t work, then it’s worth giving Proactiv a shot. But certainly there is no reason to “start” your search for a blackhead or acne cure with Proactiv – there are better and cheaper choices out there (the first 2 recommendations). If the other treatments have not proven effective, then I would definitely say give Proactive a 3 month trial — you may find it works great.

If you do want to buy Proactiv, I suggest picking it up on Amazon.com rather than ordering it through the Proactiv website. There are a lot of complaints about Proactiv’s mail order services and bungled shipments. The price will be around the same anyways. And again, make sure you give the system a full 3 month trial for best results. It’s VERY important that you follow the instructions to the letter, if you don’t, you won’t get the results.

#4: Carley’s Clear & Smooth Skin Treatment

This is a less well known treatment system for acne. It’s a smaller company (by no means one of those corporations that spend millions on marketing) so you’ve probably never heard of them. They deliver some of the best blackhead and acne treatment programs on the market though. It’s also a steal in terms of price with the acne treatment going for around 20 bucks a bottle. You can squeeze out between 2-4 months from that too!

The company offers a number of different skin care products and all of them are wonderful. For people with a bad case of blackheads, I highly suggest their flagship Clear and Smooth Acne Treatment. For more serious acne, you can try the Industrial strength Clear and Smooth Acne Treatment formula. Also recommend is their line of moisturizers and natural soaps.

Unlike some of the other “kits” Carley’s doesn’t sell you on a specific package. I’ve found this “combination” works very well for eliminating blackheads, however.

My recommended Carley’s “Blackhead Killer” combination:

1. Clear and Smooth Acne Treatment
2. Day Time Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin
3. Exotic Butter Moisturizer 4 oz
4. Natural Soap – 5 Bars

I’ve used this quite effectively myself and I do recommend this combination as a pretty effective means for getting rid of blackheads.

Costs:
2-4 months supply: $20

Note, this is ONLY the acne treatment formula itself. For a more complete kit, you might want to consider getting the moisturizer and their moisturizer too (15 dollars)

Pros

• High Value – You can get a 16oz bottle (lasts 4 months) for only 18 bucks
• Affordable – Costs around 20 bucks
• Feels Great on Skin
• Actually Works

Cons

• Some people complain product makes acne worse
• Might need to add Benzoly peroxide to the mix for more effectiveness
• Requires a new facecloth each day (annoying)

Why I Recommend Clear & Smooth
Well, it’s nice to see a REASONABLY priced product in the acne skin care market. You get so used to paying 40-60 bucks a month for XYX product that it’s a breath of fresh air to find a product that costs around 20-30 bucks and lasts 3-4 months. If you are on a super budget, you can’t do better than this product. I’ve found Carley’s Clear & Smooth Skin Treatment feels great on the skin and it really helps to prevent acne and blackhead breakouts. This is not some unknown product either. There are a number of very good consumer reviews about this product AND quite a few people report the product has really changed their lives by completely getting rid of their acne problem. Keep in mind that you want to only read reputable how to get rid of blackheads information — there is a lot of fake stuff on the web that can trick you into buying stuff that doesn’t work.

If you have really bad acne breakouts, however, you might find this product is not “strong” enough to get the job done. If this is the case, I say go with the #1 choice or maybe look at Clear & Clean’s industrial strength formulation.

Without a doubt, this treatment is the most COST EFFECTIVE treatment of the bunch — so if you are just too flat out broke to afford the more comprehensive treatments listed above, this is your solution.

#5: Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

This product is a fantastic one-fix solution to blackheads. It’s also pretty effective as a spot treatment for pimples too. I use this product a couple times a week. It can be combined with any of the treatments above. Think of it as a facial masque on steroids.

Pros

• Reduces Acne & Blackheads
• Great as a spot treatment
• Relaxing
• Reduces pore size
• Extremely Affordable

Cons

• Can Make skin dry if you don’t moisturize
• Can “sting” sensitive skin
• Hard to wash off in sink
• Might dry out skin

Why I Recommend It

There is really no reason you shouldn’t buy this. Considering it’s 5 bucks, it’s pretty much a steal. THIS IS my spot treatment of choice. Now if you are looking for a full blown treatment for acne and blackheads, this masque is not what you are looking for. It’s not really a full blown “treatment.” Look at the top 3 blackhead treatments for a full blown “solution.” But for casual pimple spot treatments, reduction of blackheads present on face, and minimizing of red marks, this product works wonders. Really, there is no reason why you shouldn’t buy it.

Blackhead Removal Tools

It’s one thing to “treat” your skin so you don’t develop blackheads. But what do you do if you have a ton of blackheads on your face and you want to get rid of them NOW. Here are a few important blackhead removal tools that are a must.

Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Kit
This product helps to “clean” your blackheads out. It basically features a special bad that helps “erode” the blackheads through vibrating action. The pads are medicated with salicylic acid which helps clean out the pores. I’ve found this pretty effective means of keeping blackheads out. A good compliment to some of the other treatments.

Biore Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips 6 ea
If you want to remove blackheads, this is one of the best ways. Take the patch out, wet your face nice and good, then apply the patch, rubbing it with a downward motion of the fingers. Wait 15 minutes for the patch to dry out, then rip it off. A good portion of the blackheads on your nose (or elsewhere) will be on that patch.
It’s pretty important HOW you put the Biore patch on when it comes to removing blackheads. If you do a crappy job of applying the patch, you won’t see very many blackheads removed. I’ve had anywhere from hundreds of blackheads removed by a patch to just a handful. I recommend you use a couple patches a week to keep your face blackhead free. This patch doesn’t FIX the problems that are causing blackheads, but it can control the blackheads themselves.

Comedone Extractor

Forget squeezing blackheads out by hand – it’s too easy to scar your face or cause an infection. One of the best ways to remove a blackhead is to use a comedone extractor. These are basically special tools that allow you to extract the blackhead. Great for those annoying blackheads.

A Word of Acne Treatment Scams Online

There are a bunch of bullshit acne treatment products on the market. DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT fall prey to these scammers. I’ve seen a NUMBER of small websites promoting these 3 scam products online. The same promotional method is the same: small salesy page ranking a couple products with a bunch of FAKE comments worshiping the products. I’m willing to bet that all three products are probably owned and promoted by the same scammers.

1. Fake Blackhead Acne Product: Pronexin
2. Fake Blackhead Acne Product: Acneticin
3. Fake Blackhead Acne Product: Acnevva

These products will do more harm then good. There are a number of reviews out there where the unfortunate users get terrible side affects by using one of these 3 products. If you read the sales pitch, these products try and sell you on the fact they they offer your body natural supplements that will cure acne and blackheads by addressing the root causes. This is baloney — there is no scientific evidence whatsoever that taking a punch of herbal pills will get rid of acne or reduce blackheads. So stay away from these and only follow treatments that have a good reputation (and a lot of people who do the treatments).

Best of luck with you blackhead problem! If you want more information about getting rid of blackheads and/or acne, I suggest you look at the Acne No More ebook. It’s got a lot of great, non BS information and is a great resource for learning how to tackle your skin problems. If you have any more tips or blackhead treatments, post them in the comment sections.

But does Proactiv really work as a cure for blackheads? In short…yes it can. I’ve suffered from acne and excessive blackhead outbreaks since I was 16. I’ve had so many blackheads that they literally discolored my face. At one point, my blackhead outbreaks were so bad I could not…would not look at a mirror.

I’m like most of you: I’ve tried drugstore acne product after product trying to clear up my face, but nothing worked at all. I did not really have full on acne pimples on my face, just an extreme amount of blackheads. My face always looked “dirty” because of this.

I’ve had a few friends who have used Proactiv to cure pimples (though not blackheads) and they generally said the product was pretty effective. I’ve also read a lot of reviews that say Proactiv is either really effective or not at all.

I tried it out and found it to be, surprisingly, very effective at treating blackheads. It took a couple months to start to see results, but the results came. These days, I only have a few blackhead outbreaks — mostly on my nose. I use Bior poor strips to control these few blackheads.

What I found very effective is to use wash my face with an exfoliant twice a week. This helps to remove all that gunk like dead skin and bacteria from my face. I’ve found exfoliating more than twice a week hurts my face. I apply the Proactiv Renewing Cleanser first. I then use the Proactiv Revitalizing Toner followed by the Proactive Repairing Treatment. I do this twice a day, 7 days a week.

Note: DO NOT start off applying Proactiv to your face twice a day. I started doing this initially and the Repairing treatment really irritated my skin. I guess my skin was NOT used to it and it started flaking, feeling like I had sunburn. So start off applying it once a day for a week or two, then slowly move to two times a day.

Some people opt to just ditch the Renewing Cleanser and Revitalizing Toner to save money, and I guess you can do that as these are pretty similar to other products. I’ve found using the Proactiv 3 step system as intended works best for me.

I can’t promise you that Proactiv will get rid of blackheads for certain, but in my case, I’ve noticed a big difference. I’ve heard a lot of people talk about Proactive and acne pimples, but not blackheads. But based on my own experience, I say it’s definitely worth trying Proactiv out for 2-3 months to help get rid of blackheads. It might be just what you are looking for.