Banishing Blackheads

Nose Issues? No(se) Problem

“Fawn, how do I clear up my nose?” 

After acne issues, this is probably the most common question that I get on Twitter.

Not to toot my horn or anything, but uh…honk!

Did y’all think I wouldn’t be able to clear up blackheads? 

(I know it’s low res, don’t blame me smh)

This skin stuff is 2 e z.

Blackheads are a common persistent problem, but fortunately, there is an easy solution.

Blackheads occur when the gunk in an open comedone oxidizes and turns that unsightly color.

Sebaceous filaments are frequently mistaken for blackheads but are actually intrinsic to the dermis and integral to your skin’s ability to funnel oil.

When they get clogged, they can become visible to a third party but are typically more of a gray or tan color than dark like a blackhead. 

So, what’s Fawn’s solution here? Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). 

This is salicylic acid.

I’ll spare you the organic chemistry, but essentially, BHAs are lipid (read: fat) soluble.

Because blackheads and visible sebaceous filaments are caused by lipid buildup (sebum, the oil our skin naturally creates), we can clear out our pores using BHAs through a process called chemical exfoliation.

Rather than just using a cleanser with salicylic acid in it, I prefer to use a leave-on chemical exfoliant overnight to maximize impact.

Here is exactly what I had this individual do at night: