Blackheads are a type of pimple that rises to the skin’s surface. When a pore on your skin gets clogged and closed up, that’s called a whitehead. But a blackhead forms when the top remains open.
Many people think blackheads are dark because of dirt accumulation. However, the truth is when oil and dead skin clog the pore turns black because of the oxidation when they come into contact with air.
That’s why people with oily skin are at higher risk of developing them on their skin, anyone can get them.
Keep reading to learn the ways to get rid of blackheads.
Table of Contents
1. Wash your Face Two Times a Day
Although it’s obvious to wash your face regularly, it’s worth mentioning. You also need to make sure that you are washing your pillowcase regularly.
Sweat along with oil and dirt can get trapped in pores that’s why wash your face soon after exercise or use a cleansing wipe if you don’t have excess to sink–ideally, before sweat gets dry.
2. Always Try to Use Non-Comedogenic Skincare Products
One of the first steps you can take towards removing your blackheads is to use non-comedogenic products.
Non-comedogenic means that the product won’t cause clogged pores. Therefore, you carefully need to read the labels.
If you want to buy non-comedogenic products online here are a few recommendations
a. IDUN Minerals Nordic Veil
IDUN Minerals Nordic Veil – Pure Mineral Foundation gives you beautiful skin. For a natural porcelain finish, they blend the moisturizing apple seed oil with purified mineral ingredients. It is dermatologically tested and is made for all skin types.
b. Proactive Green Tea Moisturizer
This product is specifically designed for acne-prone skin. It will provide you with deeper hydration and help you rejuvenate your skin without being clogged up.
3. Try Topical Retinoid
It has been shown that topical retinoids reduce acne. Retinol can help increase skin cell turnover.
It’s important to note that pregnant women shouldn’t take retinol even, they should stop taking retinol OCT before 1 month of conception. Excessive retinol can disrupt fetal development.
You can buy topical retinoids online or from any local pharmacy.
4. Apply Oil-Free Sunscreen
If you already have oily skin, then it’s important to wear oil-free sunscreen. But it’s quite challenging to find the best one for your skin.
Just keep in mind, like any other skincare product, finding the best sunscreen entails a bit of trial and error until you find the best one for you.
5. Exfoliate
Regular exfoliation can help you remove excess dead skin cells that ultimately lead to blackheads.
It’s important to consider the type of scrub you are using on your skin. You need to avoid harsh scrubs and focus on those that contain alpha (α) and beta (β) hydroxy acids.
Glycolic acid which is the usual type of AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), you can consider. Salicylic acid is the well-known BHA (beta hydroxy acid).
Britt Kimmins Says:
“AHAs and BHAs treat the superficial layer of skin. Therefore, they are safe for OCT use on all skin types”.
You can find exfoliating products online.
a. Bliss Fab Foaming 2-In-1 Cleanser & Exfoliator
Bliss Fab Foaming Oil-Free Gel Cleanser helps you remove dirt, makeup, and grime by providing gentle daily exfoliation.
Tiny beads in it slough off dead skin along with other impurities without causing any damage to your skin. Also, glycerin in it delivers moisture so you don’t feel tight or dry.
b. First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Resurfacing Liquid
FAB Skin Lab is Safe for Sensitive Skin. It contains 10% of 4 alpha-hydroxy acids. It helps to deal with dullness, fine lines, Pores, Uneven Skin Tone, Anti-Aging, and Uneven Texture.
6. Have a Steam Session
Steam helps to open up the pores by increasing circulation. This helps to soften the blackheads and makes it easier to remove them.
For that What You Can do is:
• Boil a liter of water in a kettle or pot
• Carefully pour that water into a bowl.
• Rest your face about 6 inches above the water.
• To hold the stream in, drape a towel over your head and water your bowel.
• Lower or raise your head for less or more heat. To avoid the risk of burning your skin, don’t get too close.
• Stay there for 8-10 minutes at a time.
• Dry your face with a soft towel to gently wipe away the blackheads.
• Moisture your face.
7. Try Charcoal Mask
Many of the benefits of the charcoal mask are based on anecdotal evidence. As there is very little scientific research done on activated charcoal.
However, Activated charcoal can absorb toxins and bacteria in the body. Therefore, many skin experts believe that a charcoal mask has the property of extracting impurities from the skin.
8. Apply Lemon Honey Mask
Research done on both lemon and honey found that they have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. All these properties make this lemon honey mask an easy and effective remedy to get rid of those nasty blackheads. Due to the high PH of lemon, it helps to decrease the oil production and helps to open up the clogged pores. While antibacterial honey property keeps the bacterial action at bay.
9. Take Off Makeup Before Sleep
If you aren’t taking off the makeup before sleeping then you are asking for more blackheads.
Even non-comedogenic makeup can clog your pores.
You can find makeup removal products online from Amazon.
Here are some of the best ones you can choose.
a. Marcelle City Anti-Pollution
Its anti-pollutant characteristics also have an anti-adhesion effect that helps to repulse pollutants throughout the day and protect the skin against external aggressors.
b. Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Facial Cleanser
In only one easy step this will help you remove any dirt, oil, and even waterproof makeup. This foaming cleanser cleanses the skin without over-drying the skin.
10. Nutrition
If you want a blackhead treatment that lasts forever, then eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water is no longer a secret. Incorporating these 5 foods into your diet helps to get clear, smooth, and blackheads-free skin.
These include pomegranates, sweet potatoes, cucumber, fish, and green tea. Besides, drinking plenty of water can aid in skin cell turnover and balance out sebum production.
11. Consult with your Dermatologist For Professional Extraction
Any pimple regimen, including one for blackheads, can take up to 12 weeks to effect.
If your condition is still the same even after 12 weeks then you must need to see a dermatologist.
Things You Need to Avoid to Get Rid of Blackheads
1. Don’t Overuse Products
Using lots of products at once may exacerbate your condition. Stick to one or two products only.
Always remember to moisturize your skin because dry skin causes more oil production.
2. Avoid Using Benzoyl Peroxide
It’s an anti-inflammatory substance that is most commonly used in acne medication especially, for cystic acne. It has nothing to do with blackheads. Also, keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide will stain clothes and towels, so be careful while using it.
3. Avoid Extraction
Manually removing, squeezing, popping, or extracting the blackheads can result in redness, irritation, or permanent scarring. This is best left to dermatologists or estheticians.
Conclusion
Although blackheads are harmless, they are very annoying. Daily washing your face with non-comedogenic products, and exfoliating skin with products containing salicylic acid may help you to get rid of them.
If you want to pop or remove blackheads, it’s best to see a professional who knows the proper method, and also they have sanitized tools that will help you avoid scarring and further irritation.
