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Also, Google “Sebaceous filaments vs blackheads.” Many people think they have blackheads when it’s really just sebum. You can’t get rid of sebaceous filaments, but you can reduce their appearance with exfoliants (like your BHA treatment) and regular use of niacinimide.
Onhh thank you so much for that. I just googled it and yes i think what i have is sebaceous filaments !
It's possible that the facial and other things you are doing are bringing blemishes to the surface that might have manifested anyway but are coming up all at once, so you actually notice it. Sometimes they speed cell turnover and other processes your skin is going through and your body can't fight against all of it, so a lot of it manifests.
I use the Paula's Choice toner as well but it helps clear, doesn't make things come up. But, if that's the only trigger, stop using it.
I will say that when I used the Dr. Dennis Gross daily peel, I broke out every single time. Not a coincidence. I stopped using it and switched to Sunday Riley Good Genes lactic acid. It's an amazing product. I also love the Paula's Choice and switch between the two.
Try stopping the Paula's Choice for a time and don't change anything else so you can pinpoint whether it's working. Try Sunday Riley's acne line (green bottles) once you've stopped Paula's Chocie for about a week.
Would also recommend Youth to the People's Yerba Mate Resurfacing Energy microderm abrasion treatment. I normally don't use stuff like that, but it's a fabulous product that just clears clogged stuff and makes any mild acne products like the Paula's Choice toner more effective in stopping blackheads / whiteheads before they manifest.
Good luck!
Thank you so much D1! This is super helpful. When you started usint Paula’s Choice toner, what has it helped you with?
Thx a lot D1! I like using it too!!
Also… lactic acid is an AHA while Paula’s Choice toner is a BHA… do you mind elaborating on when would you use either of them?
Both are chemical exfoliants. AHA = alpha hydroxy acid. BHA = beta hydroxy acid. AHAs tend to be gentler. BHAs are stronger, which is better for acne prone skin. The most common BHA in skincare is salicylic acid.
Sorry also one more question, when you say the blemishes are coming up to the surface… what happens to them when they come up to the surface? Lol like is that supposed to happen?
Got it! So that’s a good thing for them to come to the surface then! It’s part of the process so eventually it will clear out and the skim should look better after
Did you use a different exfoliating treatment before you started with the Paula’s Choice? What else do you do for your routine? Do you already use a niacinamide product?
Nothing different except adding the paula’s choice toner. I just use a cerave cleanser. Then the toner then a gentle moisturizer from Tula. No i dont use niacinamide procuct.
It’s important to note that the Paulas choice 2% BHA is an exfoliant, not a toner. Maybe your skin just doesn’t need to exfoliate daily. Try reducing how often you use it, and add sunscreen to your skin care routine!