What Not to Use for Blackheads: Avoid These Skin Care Mistakes

The Struggle with Blackheads: Why They’re So Hard to Get Rid Of

Honestly, dealing with blackheads is one of the most frustrating skin issues. I mean, you can try all sorts of fancy products, but sometimes, it feels like they just keep coming back. I’ve been there, and I totally get how annoying it can be. The truth is, certain things we think might work for blackheads actually make the situation worse. So, before you go grabbing the first product you see, let’s take a closer look at what not to use for blackheads.

What Actually Causes Blackheads?

Excess Oil and Clogged Pores

First off, let’s be clear about what blackheads are. They form when your pores get clogged with oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. If the plug is exposed to air, it oxidizes and turns black – hence the name. And, trust me, I've tried my fair share of solutions over the years, only to realize that some of them were doing more harm than good. Blackheads often appear around the nose and chin (hello, T-zone), and if you're like me, it can feel like they’re just impossible to get rid of.

Common Mistakes: What Not to Use for Blackheads

Harsh Scrubs: A Big No-No

Okay, so this one might seem tempting. You know those gritty scrubs that make your skin feel smooth afterward? They can feel so satisfying. But let me tell you, as someone who’s been there, using harsh scrubs on blackheads is a huge mistake. I used to scrub my skin with these abrasive exfoliators thinking they would clear up the blackheads. Instead, they irritated my skin, and the blackheads just came back worse!

Honestly, using a scrub that’s too rough can actually cause micro-tears in your skin, making it more vulnerable to inflammation and breakouts. Instead, opt for a gentle exfoliant with chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid, which can penetrate deep into your pores and help clear up blackheads without damaging your skin.

Pore Strips: Not the Miracle They Seem

Ugh, pore strips. I remember when I first used one – I felt like I had found the holy grail of blackhead removal. But, spoiler alert, that feeling didn’t last long. Sure, they seem to work by pulling the blackheads out of your pores, but the problem is that they don’t actually fix the problem. They might give you a quick visual improvement, but they don’t prevent new blackheads from forming. In fact, overuse of pore strips can cause the skin to become irritated and inflamed, which can make things worse in the long run.

So, while pore strips can give a temporary fix, I’d recommend using them sparingly, if at all. It’s better to focus on a consistent skincare routine that tackles the cause of blackheads rather than a quick fix.

Oil-Free Products: Too Harsh for Dry Skin

You’ve probably seen the “oil-free” label on many blackhead treatments, and it may seem like a good idea. But, here’s the thing – stripping your skin of all its natural oils can actually backfire. I learned this the hard way. When I first started using only oil-free products, my skin became really dry and irritated, and guess what? It started producing even more oil to compensate. That’s right – I ended up making my blackhead problem worse.

Don’t get me wrong, oil-free products can be great for some people, especially if you have really oily skin. But for dry or combination skin, it's essential to strike a balance. Instead of completely cutting out oils, look for products with non-comedogenic oils like jojoba or rosehip, which won’t clog your pores.

What to Use Instead: Tips for Clearer Skin

Gentle Cleansers and Chemical Exfoliants

So, now that we know what to avoid, let’s talk about what actually works. For starters, a gentle cleanser is essential. I switched to a mild, non-foaming cleanser, and honestly, it made a world of difference. Look for products that contain salicylic acid, which is great for penetrating pores and clearing out excess oil and debris.

Retinoids: The Secret Weapon

If you’re struggling with persistent blackheads, consider introducing a retinoid into your skincare routine. I started using a gentle retinol product, and wow, what a difference it made. Retinoids work by increasing skin cell turnover, preventing pores from getting clogged. Just remember to use sunscreen when using retinoids, as they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Consistent Moisturizing

It might sound counterintuitive, but moisturizing is key to keeping blackheads at bay. When your skin gets too dry, it overcompensates by producing more oil, which can lead to clogged pores. I know it’s tempting to skip moisturizer if you have oily skin, but I’ve found that a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer actually helps balance my skin and reduce breakouts.

Conclusion: Be Patient and Consistent

Honestly, the best advice I can give you is to be patient. Blackheads don’t disappear overnight, and it might take a few tries to find the right routine for your skin. But trust me, when you stop relying on quick fixes like harsh scrubs or pore strips and focus on a consistent, gentle skincare routine, you’ll start to see real improvements. It’s all about balance – not stripping your skin of its natural oils, but also keeping your pores clear and clean.

So, next time you’re looking to tackle those blackheads, remember: less is often more. Stick to the basics, be kind to your skin, and the results will follow.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.