Disclosure: This is an opinion piece and should not be taken as medical advice. For medical questions, please consult with your physicians or dermatologist.
Let’s agree, blackheads can be annoying. The worst thing about them is that anytime you find one, you are sure to find a dozen more (ugh!). Not only are they unattractive, but they are a sign that your skin is in need of a little TLC.
The good news is that while blackheads are a pain on the butt, they are pretty easy to get rid of. Before we talk about that, let’s first go over what’s causing them in the first place. Blackheads are caused by dirt, oil, and debris that gets trapped inside of pores. They are basically an oxidized mix of dead skin cells and oils that are in the pores. Their exposure to air is what causes them to oxidize and turn black. Sadly, many of us have been programmed to believe that we must intensively scrub our face to remove them. This is an abrasive method that typically doesn’t do the trick and can actually do more harm than good.
At home methods to eliminate blackheads
So what should you do if you find those pesky little dots on your face? Here are a few effective tips on how to eliminate blackheads:
Pore Strips
Pores stripe are sticky suckers that can help to get rid of blackheads by simply pulling them out of the pore. Think of them as a magnet that blackheads are attracted to. While these strips are an effective method at removing blackheads, it’s important that you don’t go overboard using them; once a week is enough. In between your pore strip sessions try other methods like using products that contain salicylic acid, which can help to prevent breakouts and blackheads. Make sure to proceed with caution because salicylic acid can be very drying.
Moisturize Your Skin
Dry skin produces more blackhead-causing oil known as sebum oil. Consequently, this leads to the possibility of more blackheads. When choosing a moisturizer make sure to find one that works for your particular skin type such as non-acnegenic and non-comedogenic formulas. Both of these formulas have been tested and proven not to cause breakouts and clog pores. Avoid occlusive products that heavily contain ingredients that might cause a moisture barrier.
Avoid Scrubbing Your Face
Obsessively scrubbing your face is not an advisable way to get rid of blackheads. Besides, it worsens the condition by drying out your skin, which will lead to the creation of more oils to make up for everything that was stripped away. Having blackheads is not a sign that you are too dirty, hence avoid scrubbing your skin unnecessarily. Rather than scrubbing, try exfoliating with a power product or a product that has particles with rounded edges, which won’t damage skin.
Deep Clean Your Face
Just like getting rid of plain old pimples, the first line of defense against blackheads should be properly cleansing your skin. If you can still see blackheads even after using the right cleanser for two weeks, incorporate a brush into your routine or a sonic cleaning tool like the Clarisonic Mia 2. This can help loosen up the plugs even faster. However, if you have dry, sensitive skin, be sure to them use them only once weekly.
Use a Clay Mask
Face masks are a great way to keep your skin blackhead-free. Masks are typically concentrated with skin-loving ingredients, which your skin will gladly soak up. With a clay mask, your skin gets to drink up all the minerals when you apply a clay mask for about 10 to 15 minutes once a week. The clay also absorbs excess oil helping to minimize reoccurring blackheads.
Medical treatments to eliminate blackheads
If you no progress using at-home blackhead treatments, it may be a good idea to visit your dermatologist. Medical professionals have access to cutting-edge tools to de-plug your blackheads, as well as advanced medicated treatments. He or she may also prescribe you a medicated cream or wash, and advise you on how to eliminate blackheads for your particular skin type. For gradual results, your doctor may recommend Isolaz or a gel for dissolving blackheads. Isolaz is an in-office treatment that brings together light therapy with pore suctioning. Your doctor may also recommend a medical-grade facial where an aesthetician will perform a deep cleansing of your skin.
Sandra Watts says
I will have to try some of these tips. Thanks.
Sahily says
Let me know which ones you like best and if they worked for you!
Skin Tag says
Informative article! These tips are helpful to treat blackheads. Getting rid of blackheads has become easy with these tips and we can access them easily. Thanks for sharing.
Alex says
Thanx for the beauty tips. The idea of using a clay mask for blackhead really works. it gives me clear and oil-free skin.