Page 4 | Deep blackhead on DS's forehead. Ideas for removal | Mumsnet (2025)

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399 replies

sunshinechaser · 27/11/2024 13:28

My DS is 14 and has started getting bumpy, slightly spotty skin as he's going through puberty. He had a raised bump on his forehead which has now fallen off but it's left a really deep black mark that I presume is a blackhead. He's a bit self conscious about it so I wondered if anyone had recommendations for skincare for teens that might help.
He currently uses Cerave blemish face wash that contains salicylic acid and niacinamide and applies salicylic acid lotion twice daily. This usually keeps his skin in good condition but not sure how long this will continue to work as his skin gets spottier with age.

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jumpintheline · 27/11/2024 17:14

Use sulphur soap as acne prevention / for oily skin. It smells funny but its great for skin problems. And very cheap!

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sunshinechaser · 27/11/2024 17:14

Thanks everyone-loads of great advice.

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Spondoolies · 27/11/2024 17:18

Definitely just squeeze it as per PPs advice. If the acne comes back go down the GP route.

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GranPepper · 27/11/2024 17:20

sunshinechaser · 27/11/2024 17:08

I am a pharmacist (hospital ICU pharmacist albeit so definitely no expert in acne) and agree pharmacists are not that much help with acne products. I'm aware of the next steps my DS needs in terms of topical preps if his skin deteriorates as per NICE guidelines and will have no hesitation making sure he gets started on these if needed.
He's not back from school yet so I can't take a photo but I actually don't think it would show up that well in a photo anyway.
As far as I'm aware magnesium sulphate paste isn't recommended anymore and is probably discontinued.

Thanks for the helpful advice

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HappyTwo · 27/11/2024 17:21

sunshinechaser · 27/11/2024 15:24

I don't think a beautician would touch a child's face for a blackhead extraction. I saw that Boots do a private acne service and supply all the prescription only creams needed after you upload a photo. The only problem with that is I'd need to tell him to stop his current regime so he got spotty enough to warrant the stronger stuff!

Absolutely they will - ask before you book lots do teen facials and include extractions

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Wigglywoowho · 27/11/2024 17:21

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paulas-Choice-Perfecting-Salicylic-Exfoliant/dp/B07PQSRXR6/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?adgrpid=54767027993&amp%3Bdib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LR1PFH6aBJ0XGhEZtZgW2QD5Op79OprzjC2MT7HUHjcVB6efht0lX9Em8KpZNXPd4r7RU9yuRIoCvZJUOkKRFVdwGauXRFK9wD6ShCp3CUjA7Q52n0m7WHcWWGZSoMbmnHW2ho_4s-YL3oDBkxbGV22x-fG4fRlyc-yMr6t_IMu-zer9uzIQWUBHrUGRw_jMxEp-Dvz6QK2xRl35hbOUfQ.kpnzbVCmXMa4fzBN11UGLoABWl5c6QOQoegSRNJR1CM&amp%3Bdib_tag=se&amp%3Bhvadid=259098854580&amp%3Bhvdev=m&amp%3Bhvlocphy=9046010&amp%3Bhvnetw=g&amp%3Bhvqmt=e&amp%3Bhvrand=15211594144123256874&amp%3Bhvtargid=kwd-295959165839&amp%3Bhydadcr=13474_1718769&amp%3Bkeywords=blackhead%20remover%20mask&amp%3Bqid=1732727962&amp%3Bsr=8-2-spons&amp%3Bsp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&amp%3Bpsc=1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21#aw-udpv3-customer-reviews_feature_div

This is good. You need to make sure you read the instructions before you use it.

Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - Face Exfoliating Peel Fights Blackheads & Enlarged Pores - for a Healthy Glow - with Salicylic Acid - Combination & Oily Skin - 30 ml : Amazon.co.uk: Beauty

Free delivery and returns on eligible orders of £20 or more. Buy Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - Face Exfoliating Peel Fights Blackheads & Enlarged Pores - for a Healthy Glow - with Salicylic Acid - Combination & Oily Skin - 30...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paulas-Choice-Perfecting-Salicylic-Exfoliant/dp/B07PQSRXR6/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?adgrpid=54767027993&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LR1PFH6aBJ0XGhEZtZgW2QD5Op79OprzjC2MT7HUHjcVB6efht0lX9Em8KpZNXPd4r7RU9yuRIoCvZJUOkKRFVdwGauXRFK9wD6ShCp3CUjA7Q52n0m7WHcWWGZSoMbmnHW2ho_4s-YL3oDBkxbGV22x-fG4fRlyc-yMr6t_IMu-zer9uzIQWUBHrUGRw_jMxEp-Dvz6QK2xRl35hbOUfQ.kpnzbVCmXMa4fzBN11UGLoABWl5c6QOQoegSRNJR1CM&dib_tag=se&hvadid=259098854580&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9046010&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15211594144123256874&hvtargid=kwd-295959165839&hydadcr=13474_1718769&keywords=blackhead%20remover%20mask&psc=1&qid=1732727962&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&sr=8-2-spons&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21#aw-udpv3-customer-reviews_feature_div

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Mebebecat · 27/11/2024 17:22

What is wrong with this kid?! The blackhead is the least of his worries. Why has he not squeezed it, or dug it out with a protractor like a normal person??

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Page 4 | Deep blackhead on DS's forehead. Ideas for removal | Mumsnet (1)

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Calliopespa · 27/11/2024 17:23

Not going to feel like an evening meal now. 🤢eta it was the digging it out with a protractor comment that finally tipped the balance to feeling positively ill.

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Packetofcrispsplease · 27/11/2024 17:27

It might be a dilated pore of winer .
You might be able to get an appointment with a dermatologist working in a skin clinic .
Some work for clinics which deal with more cosmetic concerns and they can extract milia , remove thread veins that sort of thing .
In the meantime continuing with a salicylic acid as a cleanser or as an exfoliating lotion is good .
Things like benzoyl peroxide are harsh as are exfoliating scrubs

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Topsyturvy78 · 27/11/2024 17:29

Germolene or any antiseptic head over a pan if hot steam with towel over head opens the pours.

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JustMyView13 · 27/11/2024 17:31

You’ll need to find face products that agree with his skin, but as a teen I’m not sure there’s a cure. It’ll be more a case of finding what works best and limits the breakouts. I did always used to find the traditional toothpaste overnight would dry them out. I don’t do that anymore.

Don't squeeze the blackhead. I have a little hole in my cheek from that mistake.

The one thing that’s key with acne is a fresh pillow case each night. Or at least sleep one side tonight, the other tomorrow then wash. It just means the skin is on fresh bedding each day.

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Foodie333 · 27/11/2024 17:31

It could be an acne scar, the “ice pick” kind. If he is starting to get that kind of acne, recommend seeing dermatologist or Superdrug Online Dr … online but u can get affordable video consult but we used & got treatment of antibiotics and cream. My DS was getting acne scars on his cheeks, very big black pores. It’s cleared now, tho the orig scars remain.

Or, that apricot scrub avail at Sainsbury, boots, very scrubby scrub if need to loosen an actual blackhead. But not to use on red sore acne.

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housethatbuiltme · 27/11/2024 17:32

sunshinechaser · 27/11/2024 15:24

I don't think a beautician would touch a child's face for a blackhead extraction. I saw that Boots do a private acne service and supply all the prescription only creams needed after you upload a photo. The only problem with that is I'd need to tell him to stop his current regime so he got spotty enough to warrant the stronger stuff!

My mam use to take me to the beautician to have my blackheads done about 20-25 years ago so they definately did do it.

Honestly the bobby pin thing work, its what I do... its basically the exact same as the extractor tools you can buy.

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JustMyView13 · 27/11/2024 17:33

Foodie333 · 27/11/2024 17:31

It could be an acne scar, the “ice pick” kind. If he is starting to get that kind of acne, recommend seeing dermatologist or Superdrug Online Dr … online but u can get affordable video consult but we used & got treatment of antibiotics and cream. My DS was getting acne scars on his cheeks, very big black pores. It’s cleared now, tho the orig scars remain.

Or, that apricot scrub avail at Sainsbury, boots, very scrubby scrub if need to loosen an actual blackhead. But not to use on red sore acne.

Apricot scrub is horrendous on skin, too abrasive. That stuff should be illegal 🤣
Think sandpaper and water is cheaper.

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GranPepper · 27/11/2024 17:34

Mebebecat · 27/11/2024 17:22

What is wrong with this kid?! The blackhead is the least of his worries. Why has he not squeezed it, or dug it out with a protractor like a normal person??

How does that reply help anybody? The OP was looking for support for her son, not a rude reply

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LoafofSellotape · 27/11/2024 17:36

Warm flannel,wrap fingers in tissue and gentle squeeze.

Won't scar and we've all done it. The secret is the warm flannel to soften it.

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notthedressiwanted · 27/11/2024 17:39

Hi Op, can you get a syringe without needle and suck it out?

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MadKittenWoman · 27/11/2024 17:43

Jostuki · 27/11/2024 16:17

Buy one of those pore suckers from Amazon!

This.

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Washingupdone · 27/11/2024 17:48

sunshinechaser · 27/11/2024 13:33

It actually looks like a verruca. Can you get these on your face???!? Mind blown!

Yes you can. Working with primary children I caught one on my hands. I couldn’t have been careful enough and passed it onto my face. I had it frozen during the school holidays. It was black (not pretty) for several days before it fell off.

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sunshinechaser · 27/11/2024 17:48

@Wigglywoowho both me and DS used this for ages but it's just too gentle. We're now using a 10% liquid and it's sooo much better. My nose is completely clear now.

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Silverpound · 27/11/2024 17:51

A gentle squeeze, simple as.

And where is the photo?

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sunshinechaser · 27/11/2024 17:52

I CANNOT TAKE A PHOTO YET AS HE'S NOT BACK FROM SCHOOL!!!! 😂

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Letmegohome · 27/11/2024 17:55

@sunshinechaser I think everyone is going a bit "extra" for what is a blackhead in your words.
His skin care at the moment might be too much for his skin, but most people will have had a blackhead and survived the Dr is less than likely to refer him derm team or any specialist. There are several good skin companies online (skin+me etc);
I have a sizeable melasma , took a lot to even get an appointment , then I had to 'prove' my need for the medication ( tranexamic acid) and was only allowed for less than six months, newly qualified Dr suggested a derm referral and was told no way from above. Took my allowance and now been told to use skin + me or similar.
If you do buy a pore sucker be super careful as they can bruise the skin very quickly and easily

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LondonPapa · 27/11/2024 17:58

sunshinechaser · 27/11/2024 13:28

My DS is 14 and has started getting bumpy, slightly spotty skin as he's going through puberty. He had a raised bump on his forehead which has now fallen off but it's left a really deep black mark that I presume is a blackhead. He's a bit self conscious about it so I wondered if anyone had recommendations for skincare for teens that might help.
He currently uses Cerave blemish face wash that contains salicylic acid and niacinamide and applies salicylic acid lotion twice daily. This usually keeps his skin in good condition but not sure how long this will continue to work as his skin gets spottier with age.

When the time comes, don’t bother with a GP, go to a private dermatologist instead. A good dermatologist can establish what his skin needs to keep it clear and mitigate breakouts. Tbh, it may be the time has already come.

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oneeggisunoeuf · 27/11/2024 17:59

Warm flannel and gently squeeze. It needs to be out!

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