Skin care

Adult Acne? 6 Things Everyone Needs to Know

Because you think you know everything there is to know about acne and blackheads ... but you don't

by Allie Flinn | 7 COMMENTS

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There's a Blackhead Cure Hiding in Your Refrigerator You know why blackheads seem to hang around a lot longer than your average pimple? Because they sit inside of the pore and dead skin builds up on top of it, sealing in the blackhead, says Dr. Bellman. The majority of blackheads are caused by external factors, like makeup, because they plug up your pores. "Once the pores get clogged, there's really only one way for the contents to get out," says Dr. Zeichner. No picking! Little by little, your body actually pushes the gunk out of your pore.

Dr. Bellman says you can help loosen your blackheads with a simple egg white mask. Whisk one egg white until its frothy, or toss it in a blender. Pat the egg white onto any areas with blackheads and let it dry completely before rinsing off. Do this 1-2 times per month and you'll see improvement.

You can also use a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant like salicylic acid, which sinks into the oil gland and loosen blackheads; it also kills bacteria, which prevents the blackhead from turning into a pimple. Or, your dermatologist can prescribe a retinoid that will zap blackheads, like Tretinion, Azaphalene and Tazarozene. Here's a little blackhead fact that'll blow your mind: The average lifespan of a blackhead is about a month, but they can hang around for months -- even years! (Editor's note: Please don't Google "25-year-old blackhead." No, really. Don't. We're still squirming.)

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