Blitz Those Critters (Oxy Blackout)

Member Name: wiggglypufff

Product:	Oxy Blackout
Date:	18/01/02 (1257 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gets rid of blackheads

Disadvantages: Having blackheads in the first place

Presented in a blue flip top box, by SB (SmithKline Beecham that is), Oxy Blackout is a product to tackle those nasty little critters that surface from time to time, (no, sadly not men) blackheads.

I wouldn't consider myself a major sufferer of blackheads, but I get a few, and attempting to squeeze them out is usually more damaging to the skin than leaving them put.

Admittedly, prior to trying this product, I had severe doubts about it's (and other rival brands) ability to make any noticeable difference to my skin. If a basic skin care routine of cleansing and toning couldn't prevent blackheads, why should this?

Well, it doesn't! Doesn't prevent them that is, it removes them, and yes, it really does work.

The Oxy Blackout system is quick, easy, and effective, consisting of two items, a 3.5ml glass vial of Blackout Liquid, and 32 strips (which look like mini plasters). You also get an instruction leaflet in the pack.

It's recommended that before using Oxy Blackout, you cleanse your skin as normal, (but no toners or astringents to be used) and then either steam your face or apply a warm cloth for a few minutes to the intended application area in order to open your pores.

You then have to 'generously' apply the liquid to the problem area,
done with the stick applicator inside the lid. The liquid is clear, and the smell reminds me of Lipcote - lipstick sealant - an antiseptic/alcohol type smell, but pleasant enough.

(Blackout liquid ingredients - Alcohol, PVP, Water, t-Butyl alcohol, Denatonium benzoate)

Next step, go and make a cuppa or something, as you have to wait 5 minutes while the liquid dries. You may feel a 'tightening' of the skin, but that's nothing to worry about.

After the 5 minutes are up, take a strip, peel of the backing paper, and apply with 'firm, even pressure' to the area. It's then as simple as grippi
ng the strip and pulling it off. Although they look like mini plasters, I can assure you their removal is no where near as painful.

The proof of the blackhead removal is on the strip, which is simply disposed of in the bin. I counted at least.... only joking, I'm not that bad, but there certainly were a few, and the treated patch of skin was clear. My skin felt warm and was a little red, but only for about half an hour.

(If any dried liquid is remaining on the treated area, simply rinse with warm water. It's also fine to apply moisturiser if your skin is left feeling dry, but I didn't find it necessary.)

On heavily affected areas you can repeat the process straightaway but after that, application is suggested 2/3 times a week. (Although you may well find you don't need to use the product that often.)

The recommended retail price is £3.99 and a pack contains 32 applications - in my opinion that's pretty good value for money, but halfpriceorless.com intermittently sells them at just 49p a pack, and no doubt other retailers will have them on sale at less than the r.r.p. so it's worth shopping around.

There are a few cautionary points to consider...

- Not to be used on damaged or irritated skin such as dermatitis, eczema, and inflamed spots

- Not to be used on an area already being treated by medication from your doctor

- Not to be used more than twice on one area in one session (ie 2 applications is okay, but ensure at least 48hrs after that before the next)

- Keep at room temperature, out of the reach of children, and avoid contact with your eyes and mouth (rinse with water should that occur)

- The vial of Blackout liquid is flammable so take care when using it (mental note to self, put ciggie out next time!)

My only criticism of the product would be that the strips are a bit on the small side. But there's nothing to stop you using
several strips in order to cover a larger area, so it's not a major issue that warrants any real concern.

All in all, a good product that does what it should. Well worth trying, I mean what is there to lose... apart from a few blackheads!

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