The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00M7RH85E” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Tony Moly Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm[/easyazon_link] is pitched as “a steamer to open up your pores.” Since I’ve been religious about skin care from an early age, I’m fortunate not to have many wrinkles or issues with sagging skin. I do, however, still get the occasional sunspot, and I definitely get clogged pores from trying out so many products! So when I heard about[easyazon_link identifier=”B00M7RH85E” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Tony Moly Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm[/easyazon_link], I was eager to give it a try.
The self-heating balm transforms into a gel-like texture that deeply penetrates the skin and helps to remove dirt and oil, thus leaving the skin soft and hydrated. Infused with charcoal powder, vitamin E, egg shell powder, and egg yolk extract, this product promises to clean out the pores while simultaneously hydrating the skin.
[Read more: Home Remedy Trick or Treat: Using Hot or Cold Temperatures to Change the Size of Your Pores]
Charcoal Powder Draws Out Impurities from the Skin
Charcoal has a high oxygen content and absorptive properties. In construction, when charcoal comes into contact with decomposing matter, it releases oxygen and adheres to malodorous gases within the air.
In dermatology, topically-applied charcoal is known to extract impurities from the skin.  Limited research in the journal Dermatology suggests that charcoal may be useful in the treatment of certain skin diseases, including porphyria, a disorder resulting from a buildup of natural chemicals found in your body.
Charcoal powder is the sole active ingredient in [easyazon_link identifier=”B00M7RH85E” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Tony Moly Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm[/easyazon_link]. While it is true that egg shell and sea salt will help to exfoliate the skin, but charcoal is the only ingredient here that can actually bind to debris within the pores and pull them out.
[Read more: How Can I Unclog Pores on My Nose?]
What is the Difference Between a Blackhead and a Whitehead?
The only difference between a blackhead and a whitehead is the state of the pore. Clumped skin cells called keratinocytes will block the pore and cause a blackhead if the pore is open (“open comedone”) and a whitehead if the pore is closed (“closed comedone”). A closed pore is more likely to accumulate bacteria and result in inflammation.
Will Charcoal Powder Really Help Your Blackheads?
It depends on your skin type, as well as how deep within the pores you have issues.
Charcoal can be drying to normal-to-dry skin types. Though [easyazon_link identifier=”B00M7RH85E” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Tony Moly Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm[/easyazon_link] has non-drying ingredients, it may still be unsuitable for those with dry skin. You should make sure to discuss this product’s compatibility with your skin needs with your dermatologist if you intend to use it .
Furthermore, if your blackheads are trapped solely within the surface of your skin, then the charcoal in [easyazon_link identifier=”B00M7RH85E” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Tony Moly Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm[/easyazon_link] absolutely will help you.
On the other hand, if you’ve had blackheads trapped deep within your skin for some time, then you may not see significant results from using the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00M7RH85E” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Tony Moly Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm[/easyazon_link]. In this case, I would recommend a true steam treatment to open your pores further, followed by professional extraction and a closing of the pores. A product like [easyazon_link identifier=”B00M7RH85E” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Tony Moly Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm[/easyazon_link] can be used in-between treatments to help keep the pores clean.
Egg Yolk Extract Softens and Temporarily Tightens the Skin
Egg yolk extract is a protein with skin-softening properties (Milady’s Skin Care and Cosmetics Dictionary).
Egg yolk extract in skin care formulations temporarily tightens the skin, but the effect does not last, as the skin is not able to take up the large protein. Keep in mind only molecules of molecular weight 5000 Daltons or less can penetrate the skin (Cosmetic Dermatology). However, according to this report from VWRSP.com, chicken egg whites have a molecular weight of 14,300 Daltons; therefore, the egg yolk extract protein cannot penetrate the skin.
According to Milady’s Skin Care and Cosmetics Dictionary, some patients with egg allergies also exhibit reactions when using products with egg yolk extract, and therefore those individuals should avoid using this product.
[Read more: How Can I Make My Pores Look Smaller?]
Suggested Usage:
– Apply an appropriate amount onto areas with blackheads and gently massage for three to five minutes.
– Wash off with lukewarm water.
Bottom Line
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00M7RH85E” locale=”US” tag=”cosmeticswiki-20″]Tony Moly Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm[/easyazon_link] is great for mild to moderate blackheads that have been around for a few months or less. If your blackheads are more severe and have been around for a longer period of time, IÂ recommend a true steam treatment to open your pores further, followed by professional extraction and a closing of the pores.
[Read more: How to Get Rid of Enlarged Pores]
Ingredients: Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Polyglyceryl-3 MethylglucoseDistearate, Polysorbate 80, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sea Salt, Onsensui, Charcoal Powder, Vinegar, Egg Shell Powder, Cellulose, Hydroxypropylcellulose, Panthenyl Triacetate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Egg Yolk Extract, Xanthophyll, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Mannitol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Shellac, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, Iron Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Iron Oxides, Fragrance.