Blackheads are one of the most common and annoying skin problems that many people face. They are small, dark bumps that appear on the surface of the skin, especially on the nose, chin and forehead. They are caused by clogged pores that contain a mixture of dead skin cells and excess oil (sebum) from the sebaceous glands. When the pores are open, the sebum oxidizes and turns black, hence the name blackheads.
Blackheads can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or skin type. However, they are more likely to occur in people who have oily skin, hormonal changes, or use comedogenic (pore-clogging) products. Blackheads can also make your pores look larger and your skin look dull and uneven.
Fortunately, there are many ways to get rid of blackheads and prevent them from forming in the first place. In this article, we will share some of the best methods to remove blackheads permanently, as well as some tips to keep your skin clear and healthy.
How to Remove Blackheads at Home
There are several home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) products that can help you remove blackheads effectively and safely. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Salicylic acid: This is a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates the skin and unclogs the pores. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can reduce acne and inflammation. You can use a salicylic acid cleanser, toner, or spot treatment once or twice a day, depending on your skin sensitivity. Start with a low concentration (2% to 4%) and gradually increase it if needed. Some of the best salicylic acid products for blackheads are:
- Murad Time Release Active Cleanser
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
- Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash
- Glycolic acid: This is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that also exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells and clogs that cause blackheads. It also helps to improve skin texture, tone, and brightness. You can use a glycolic acid cleanser, toner, or serum with a concentration of 10% or less. Use it once or twice a week at night, and always wear sunscreen during the day, as glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage. Some of the best glycolic acid products for blackheads are:
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
- Pixi Glow Tonic
- L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads
- Retinoids: These are derivatives of vitamin A that stimulate cell turnover and prevent dead skin cells from accumulating in the pores. They also help to reduce acne, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. You can use a prescription-strength retinoid (such as tretinoin or adapalene) or an OTC retinol product at night. Start with a low dose (0.025% or less) and apply it every other night or less frequently until your skin adjusts. You may experience some dryness, peeling, or irritation at first, but this should subside over time. Always wear sunscreen during the day when using retinoids, as they can also make your skin more sensitive to sun damage. Some of the best retinoid products for blackheads are:
- Differin Gel
- Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil
- CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- Clay mask: This is a natural way to draw out impurities and excess oil from the pores and tighten them. You can use a clay mask once or twice a week for 10 to 15 minutes, or as directed by the product instructions. Rinse off with warm water and moisturize your skin afterwards. Some of the best clay masks for blackheads are:
- Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
- Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask
- Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask
- Charcoal mask: This is another natural way to detoxify and purify the pores and remove blackheads. Charcoal has adsorbent properties that can attract dirt, oil, and bacteria from the skin surface. You can use a charcoal mask once or twice a week for 10 to 15 minutes, or as directed by the product instructions. Rinse off with warm water and moisturize your skin afterwards. Some of the best charcoal masks for blackheads are:
- Bioré Charcoal Whipped Purifying Detox Mask
- L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask
- Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask
- Chemical peel: This is a more intensive way to exfoliate the skin and remove blackheads. A chemical peel uses a high concentration of acids (such as glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid) to dissolve the top layer of the skin and reveal smoother and clearer skin underneath. You can use a chemical peel once or twice a month, depending on your skin tolerance and the strength of the peel. Follow the product instructions carefully and avoid sun exposure for at least a week after the peel. Some of the best chemical peels for blackheads are:
- The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- Pore strips: These are adhesive strips that you apply to your nose or other areas with blackheads and peel off after a few minutes. They can help to remove some of the blackheads by pulling out the sebum plugs from the pores. However, they are not very effective in removing deep or stubborn blackheads, and they can also irritate or damage your skin if used too often or incorrectly. You can use pore strips once or twice a week, or as needed. Some of the best pore strips for blackheads are:
- Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
- Peace Out Pore Treatment Strips
- TONYMOLY Strawberry Nose Pack
- Manual extraction: This is a professional method of removing blackheads by using a special tool called a comedone extractor. This is a metal loop that applies gentle pressure to the skin and squeezes out the blackhead. This method can be very effective in removing blackheads, but it should only be done by a trained dermatologist or aesthetician, as doing it yourself can cause scarring, infection, or inflammation. You can get a manual extraction done as part of a facial treatment at a salon or clinic.
- Blue light therapy: This is a non-invasive method of treating blackheads by using blue light waves that penetrate the skin and kill the bacteria that contribute to acne. It also helps to reduce oil production and inflammation. You can get blue light therapy done at a dermatologist’s office or use an at-home device. You may need several sessions to see results.
How to Prevent Blackheads from Forming
Removing blackheads is only half of the battle. You also need to prevent them from coming back by taking good care of your skin and avoiding some common triggers. Here are some tips to prevent blackheads from forming:
- Wash your face twice a day: This is essential to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and bacteria from your skin and keep your pores clean. Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type and rinse with lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing or washing too often, as this can irritate or dry out your skin.
- Moisturize your skin: This is important to keep your skin hydrated and balanced. Use a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts. Apply it after cleansing and toning your skin, and before applying sunscreen or makeup.
- Use sunscreen every day: This is vital to protect your skin from sun damage, which can worsen acne and blackheads by causing inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours or more often if you sweat or swim. Choose a sunscreen that is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and suitable for your skin type.
- Avoid comedogenic products: These are products that contain ingredients that can clog your pores and cause blackheads and acne. Some common comedogenic ingredients are coconut oil, lanolin, cocoa butter, mineral oil, petrolatum, and isopropyl myristate. Check the labels of your skincare, makeup, haircare, and bodycare products and avoid those that contain these ingredients.
- Change your pillowcase regularly: This is a simple but effective way to prevent blackheads from forming. Your pillowcase can accumulate dirt, oil, sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells from your face and hair every night. These can transfer back to your skin and clog your pores if you don’t change your pillowcase often enough. Aim to change your pillowcase at least once a week or more often if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
- Avoid touching your face:
This is another easy but important way to prevent blackheads from forming. Your hands can carry dirt, oil, bacteria, and germs that can contaminate your skin and clog your pores if you touch your face frequently. Try to keep your hands away from your face as much as possible, and wash them with soap and water before applying any skincare or makeup products. Also, avoid picking, popping, or squeezing your blackheads, as this can cause scarring, infection, or inflammation.
Eat a healthy diet.This is a good way to prevent blackheads from forming by improving your overall health and wellness. Your diet can affect your skin in many ways, such as by influencing your hormone levels, inflammation, and immunity. Some foods that can help you maintain healthy skin are:
– Foods rich in vitamin C, such as kiwis, broccoli, berries, oranges, and tomatoes. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help boost collagen production, fight free radicals, and brighten your skin.
– Foods rich in vitamin E, such as almonds, spinach, and sweet potatoes. Vitamin E is another antioxidant that can help protect your skin from sun damage, reduce inflammation, and moisturize your skin.
– Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as canola oil, cod liver oil, flaxseed oil, and mustard oil. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that can help regulate oil production, reduce inflammation, and prevent acne.
– Foods rich in zinc, such as oysters, pumpkin seeds, lentils, and tofu. Zinc is a mineral that can help heal wounds, reduce inflammation, and control sebum production.
Some foods that you may want to avoid or limit are:
– Foods high in sugar or refined carbohydrates, such as candy, soda, white bread, and pasta. These foods can spike your blood sugar levels and trigger insulin production, which can increase sebum production and inflammation.
– Foods high in dairy or saturated fats, such as cheese, butter, cream, and red meat. These foods can also increase sebum production and inflammation by affecting your hormone levels.
– Foods high in salt or preservatives, such as dried fruits, alcoholic drinks, frozen or prepared shrimp, and pickles. These foods can dehydrate your skin and make it look dull and flaky.
Conclusion
Blackheads are a common skin problem that can be frustrating and embarrassing to deal with. However, with the right methods and products, you can remove them permanently and prevent them from coming back. The key is to keep your pores clean and clear by exfoliating regularly, using salicylic acid or retinoids products, applying clay or charcoal masks, using pore strips or manual extraction if needed. You should also take care of your skin by washing it twice a day with a gentle cleanser moisturizing it with an oil-free product using sunscreen every day avoiding comedogenic products changing your pillowcase regularly avoiding touching your face eating a healthy diet
By following these tips consistently you will be able to get rid of blackheads permanently and enjoy clear smooth and radiant skin.