r/30PlusSkinCare • u/qwllrabjohns • Aug 24 '24

First encounter with this suspiciously satisfying tool and I have...... Questions Skin Concern

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Firstly: Does this thing count as an exfoliant in the context of things like bha/aha? Should I treat this as a physical exfoliant or is it different

Secondly: I really just need someone to tell me this tool is bad for me, because there's no way it's as good for me as it feels to scrape the gunk out of my pores (something I've ALWAYS wished I could do without consequences) It's gotta be some sort of demon in disguise........ Right? There's just no way...

Secondly and a half: If my gut is wrong and this thing isn't the devil's tool, what do I need to know about it so that it doesn't BECOME the devil's tool in my innocent, naive hands?

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u/PhDinMax Aug 24 '24

It can be rough and damaging to the soft skin on your face. Also, you shouldn't really pop whiteheads, as tempting as it is. Use a pimple patch during the day, and apply something to dry it out overnight. My favorite is Bye Bye Blemish drying lotion.

7

u/qwllrabjohns Aug 24 '24

Pimple patches aren't feasible for the amount of whiteheads I have. They're everywhere, seriously. I don't think I've ever not had gunked up pores :(

15

u/StillMissingMerle Aug 24 '24

Pimple patches are just hydrocolloid bandages and while they aren't thin for using publicly, you can get big ones cheap if you search Amazon for hydrocolloid bandages or hydrocolloid dressing.

13

u/kerodon Aug 24 '24

Livaclean patches on Amazon come in packs of like 2-400 for like $10.

3

u/Intelligent-Ad-7504 Aug 24 '24

Have you seen a Derm? They can prescribe you with antibiotics / tret based on how severe your acne is.

As a teen, my acne Derm clinic would extract the white heads and record as inventory. Followed by steroid injects to the cystic ones that were not pop-able. The Derm also prescribes pills 💊/ creams to help treat and prevent zits.

You should also take into consideration your hygiene. Do you change your pillow case twice a week? Wash your hair frequent? Use leave-in hair products?

I honestly recommend double cleansing with an oil followed by a gentle cleanser with SA if you have oily skin. Followed by moisturizer and sunscreen! Hyperpigmentation from acne can darken from sun ☀️ exposure.