Skin routine

I also have blackheads that I want gone so commenting to keep track of the thread. I've been using beauty counter's control line for a few weeks and so far it's only working okay. Murad toner (T-zone Pore Refining Serum) has worked much better in the past to get rid of blackheads

View Quoted Comment His is so bad. They’re all over his nose. They’re SOO deep in his cheeks!

Can he go to a dermatologist?

View Quoted Comment He probably COULD but it’s not like to the point that I think he needs a dermatologist. I feel like a solid skin care routine might help.

View Quoted Comment
Purchase a gentle gel cleanser good for oily skin (Dermalogica gel cleanser)

Purchase a daily BHA chemical exfoliant (like from Paula’s Chocie). *to push the blackheads to the surface of the skin*
And find a nice moisturizer that is lightweight

There is a facial wash that I use when my pores get bad - it's been a life saver of the years and it doesn't take much - I think you can find it at Wal-mart and similar. (definitely use a clean wash cloth that will just be used on the face and wash it immediately afterwards)

https://www.amazon.com/QUEEN-HELENE-Masque-Mint-Julep/dp/B0014272VI

I second Paula's Choice, though I have never tried Mint Julep and now want to.

I think he should try a clay mask. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay mask is really great. You mix it with a bit of apple cider vinegar and the difference is noticeable. Plus the jar is affordable and ACV is a common household good. I also recommend the Paula's Choice BHA, I recently started using the gel BHA, but the liquid one is what I hear is the best.

Everyone can see a dermatologist or a medical spa. That's how you maintain perfect skin! Even people with such minimal acne can benefit from a good skincare routine for aging, wrinkles, occasional breakout, etc. If he has large blackheads, he would definitely be a good candidate. I'd tell him to go to a dermatologist, even if it's just to get a basic rx face wash and cream. I actually prefer my medical spa over dermatologists (personal preference since they offer more options) - I've tried several derms and they never give as many recommendations or work with me personally as much as my medspa does. I would let a professional look because a common misconception is oily skin = products that dry out your skin. But sometimes if you have super dry skin and you are using products that are super drying (and not hydrating enough, etc.), your skin produces too much oil to overcompensate. So then it's just a vicious process of drying your skin out and having it produce more oil, rather than evening things out. I think the best thing he could do it go to a dermatologist, or/then go to a well-reviewed licensed medical spa or esthetician in your area and get a facial with plenty of extractions. I think the basic things he can do at home for now (or if he doesn't want to go to a derm/spa) is to buy a salicylic acid cleanser and use it twice a day (with an electric cleansing brush ideally). Using clay or charcoal masks once a week or every other week can help with blackheads too. I'm personally not a fan of pore strips, I don't think they do much and they seem to damage skin more than anything. Then the basics like drinking plenty of water, healthy diet, avoiding touching his face as much as possible, disinfecting his cell phone/eyeglasses/sunglasses daily or every other day, and washing your pillows & sheets at least once a week (ideally every 3 days). But in the end, without having a professional look at his skin specifically and come up with a treatment plan (his acne could be based on hormones, lifestyle, diet, bacteria, etc.), it's hard to determine what is best and what will just make it worse. I'm just speaking from experience since I've had SUCH bad acne my whole life (including congestion/blackheads) so this is what I've done for the past 10 years and what I've done with my husband (he has good skin but gets occasional breakouts). If you guys are getting married next month, I'd just try the basic face wash & lifestyle changes and not try masks/medications before the wedding since you never know.