Using Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Night Serum to Help Get Rid of Blackheads
Blackheads are a common skin concern for many people. These small dark bumps on the skin form when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria clog up pores. While popping blackheads may seem tempting, dermatologists advise against this. Instead, using the right skincare products is the safest way to clear blackheads.
Understanding Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Night Serum
One skincare product that helps minimize the appearance of blackheads is the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Night Serum. This serum contains a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, mainly glycolic acid, that work to:
- Exfoliate the top layers of skin
- Dissolve dead skin buildup
- Improve skin tone and texture
- Unclog pores and reduce acne
By shedding accumulated dead cells and dissolving sticky oil plugs, glycolic acid is able to penetrate pores and keep them clear. This helps prevent new blackheads from forming and gets rid of existing ones with consistent use.
How Glycolic Acid Clears Blackheads
There are a few ways that glycolic acid, the star ingredient in Drunk Elephant T.L.C night serum, works to banish blackheads:
- Chemical exfoliation: Glycolic acid dissolves the bonds holding dead skin cells together to whisk away accumulations on the surface and inside pores.
- Keratolytic properties: This acid breaks down keratin protein that can plug up hair follicles.
- Deep penetration: Small glycolic acid molecules penetrate deep inside pores allowing it to dissolve trapped debris.
- Regulates oil production: Glycolic acid helps normalize excessive sebum production by the sebaceous glands which contributes to blackhead formation.
The Benefits of Using Drunk Elephant Glycolic Serum for Blackheads
Using the Drunk Elephant glycolic serum on a regular basis provides these blackhead clearing perks:
- Minimizes appearance of visible blackheads
- Prevents new blackheads from forming
- Refines look of pores
- Fades stubborn pigmentation and acne marks
- Smooth hydrated skin texture and glow
- Well-tolerated by most skin types
Proper Application Methods for Best Blackhead Results
To achieve the best outcome for fading blackheads with the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Night Serum, use these application tips:
1. Start Slowly and Build Up
When first using glycolic acid products, begin by applying only 2-3 nights per week. Gradually increase frequency to every other night, then eventually to daily use if your skin can tolerate it without irritation. Taking it slowly allows your skin to adjust.
2. Apply on Clean Dry Skin
Make sure to wash your face and dry your skin thoroughly before serum application. Putting products on damp skin can dilute effectiveness. Also avoid using other leave-on acne products at the same time as glycolic serums unless directed by your dermatologist.
3. Use a Small Amount
Only take a dime sized amount and apply a very thin layer all over your face. Using too much glycolic acid could lead to skin redness and peeling. Focus extra serum on blackhead prone areas like the nose, chin and forehead.
4. Follow with Moisturizer
Since glycolic acid can be drying, always follow up your serum with a hydrating night cream or nutrient-rich face oil like marula or rosehip oil. The combo helps stop blackheads without stripping your skin.
5. Wear SPF During the Day
Glycolic acid makes your skin sun-sensitive. So be diligent about wearing an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on your face whenever you go outside during the daytime after using this night serum.
Complementary Blackhead Clearing Ingredients
While glycolic acid is the prime blackhead fighter in the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. serum, combining it with other effective ingredients can enhance results. Some key add-ons include:
Salicylic Acid
Another beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid is oil-soluble allowing it to dissolve inside clogged pores. Finding a cleanser with both glycolic & salicylic acids gives a one-two punch against blackheads.
Retinoids
Retinoids like retinol prompt faster cell turnover to prevent dead cell buildup in pores. Using a prescription retinoid along with the glycolic serum speeds up blackhead removal and stops new ones.
Niacinamide
This multi-tasking skin nourisher ramps up ceramide production for a healthy moisture barrier, reduces visible pores, and regulates sebum production all helping to keep blackheads away.
Clay Masks
White and bentonite clays draw out impurities with weekly use between glycolic acid applications. Combining masks with serum keeps pores clear long-term.
Exfoliating Pads
Gentle exfoliating pads with lactic acid and fruit enzymes give an extra degunking boost when swiped over blackhead hotspots between serum usage.
Lifestyle Tips that Help the Serum Work Best
While the Drunk Elephant Glycolic Night Serum tackles blackheads topically, you can also take steps in your daily life to support clear pores from the inside out including:
1. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water and eat moisture-rich fruits and veggies for hydrated, balanced skin. Dehydration leads to dry, flaky buildup that blocks pores.
2. Add Omega Fats
Eating salmon, walnuts and other omega fatty acid sources helps balance oil production which prevents blackheads. An omega supplement also works.
3. Take Probiotic and Prebiotic Supplements
Balancing your gut microbiome through daily probiotic and prebiotic supplements helps regulate skin health and inflammation leading to fewer clogged pores.
4. Remove Makeup Thoroughly
Never sleep in makeup as lingering pigments and products will clog pores and generate blackheads overnight. Use a high quality makeup remover before cleansing.
5. Change Pillowcases Frequently
Dirty pillowcases harbor bacteria and oils that cause blackheads, especially along cheek areas. Wash them twice weekly for clear skin.
Troubleshooting Problems with Glycolic Serum Usage
While most people see great blackhead banishing results from the Drunk Elephant Glycolic Serum without issues, some people experience problems like:
Flaking Skin
Dry flaking skin happens if using too high a percentage or frequency of glycolic acid. Cut back to 2-3 times a week and ensure to moisturize after the serum.
Redness
Glycolic acid can trigger redness in those with sensitive skin. Mix serum with moisturizer to dilute it before applying until skin adjusts.
Breakouts
Increased breakouts can occur when starting acid products due to purging which clears congestion. Try using glycolic serum only 3 times a week and see if it passes in 2-4 weeks once skin acclimates.
No Changes in Blackheads After 2 Months
For resistant blackheads not responding to consistent glycolic acid use after 2 months, speak to your dermatologist about adding a prescription retinoid product to enhance results.
Know When to Seek Professional Blackhead Help
Using the Drunk Elephant Glycolic Night Serum and following the application tips should produce great blackhead clearing results for most women. However, you may benefit from medical treatments if you have:
- Very widespread blackheads covering large facial areas
- Extremely large open or closed comedones
- Picked at blackheads causing scarring or infections
- Blackheads not improving with any over-the-counter products
In these stubborn cases, visiting an aesthetician or dermatologist can be worthwhile. Professional procedures like glycolic acid chemical peels, salicylic acid peels, microdermabrasion treatments, Hydrafacial, and fractional laser resurfacing often succeed when products alone fail.
UnderstandingExtraction vs Products for Blackheads
Dermatologists also sometimes perform extractions to instantly remove blackheads not coming out easily with chemical exfoliants. However extractions can damage skin leading to scars if not done precisely.
So products like the Drunk Elephant Glycolic Serum that dissolve blackheads over time are still better for daily use. But medical extractions safely accelerate results when nothing else eliminating stubborn blackheads works.
Be Patient with Glycolic Acid for Blackhead Relief
Using the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Night Serum requires commitment and patience to reap the full blackhead banishing benefits. Consistently using glycolic acid allows it to work its magic dissolving congestion and normalizing pore function over time.
Follow the proper application methods, troubleshooting tips if any irritation occurs, and complementary product pairings and lifestyle changes outlined here. With diligent daily or every other day use of glycolic acid, most women finally achieve clear, blackhead-free skin within 2-3 months.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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