You wash your face; you’re a clean person.
But those blackheads make it look like you’re not.
It’s not ground-in dirt. Blackheads are clogged pores.
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Dead skin and body oil build up inside. Then, when the opening is exposed to air, it oxidizes.
It turns dark just like an apple that you’ve sliced.
Therefore, blackheads don’t mean that you have poor hygiene (1).
Pretty much everyone gets them.
But you’ve probably noticed that some people look like they never have them. Their skin is clear.
If they can do it, maybe you can too.
Let’s talk about how to get rid of blackheads forever.
How to eliminate blackheads
Okay, here’s what you can’t control.
Your genetic makeup.
Some of us are more prone to blackheads and acne than others.
You may also not be able to do anything about your hormones. They can make blackheads worse.
But there are things you can do to eradicate those unsightly black dots.
None of these require prescription medication.
Squeeze them?
I think everyone on the planet has popped at least one pimple in their lifetime.
The temptation is too great.
Of course, you’ve heard what all the experts say. “Don’t do it!”
And they are right, you can cause infections and scarring.
If you’d like to manually remove blackheads, use the right tools.
For example, there are comedone extractors to push out a single blackhead.
Then, peel-off strips are some of the best and most satisfying blackhead removal products.
There are also little handheld vacuums that suck the junk out of your pores.
Scrub them?
On the other hand, you might have success with scrubs.
The abrasive components physically remove the debris causing the blackheads.
The most common include nutshells, salt, sugar, pumice, and wax or jojoba beads.
Fortunately, most companies have phased out those little plastic beads that are bad for the environment.
But it can be harsh on your skin if you use this method too often.
After all, think about sandpaper. You’re basically sanding the surface of your skin with a scrub.
A better option that works faster is to visit your doctor for a microdermabrasion treatment.
It will leave you red and raw for a couple of days, though.
Then use a scrub to maintain clear skin with regular exfoliation once a week.
Peel them?
If you have sensitive skin, or you don’t want to scrub it, use a peel.
Salicylic acid appears in many acne medications because it’s a natural exfoliant.
It dissolves the oil that clogs the pores and removes the dead skin.
But it might be too drying or irritating for some people.
Try the alpha-hydroxy acids if you need something gentler. Glycolic and lactic acids hydrate dry skin while they exfoliate.
It’s easy to find glycolic and lactic acid peels that you apply like a face mask.
They are some of the best exfoliators to do away with blackheads quickly.
After that, switch to using a cleanser with one or more of these ingredients to keep your skin clear.
Cleanse them?
Face cleansers are great for fighting acne.
Washing your face morning and night, and being sure to remove your makeup, is the best way to prevent blackheads.
Unfortunately, face washes are the weakest way to remove them.
With that said, it might be the only option if you have skin that reacts badly to other treatments.
Don’t despair – speak to your dermatologist about the most effective option for you.
Hide them?
Home removal of blackheads takes time.
It may take a few minutes to a few days to a few weeks to feel satisfied with your progress.
If you’re impatient, there are some tricks you can use to hide your blackheads in the meantime.
Number one – apply a toner like witch hazel. Astringent products shrink the pores so that they’re less noticeable.
(Skip the alcohol as it’s very drying and may aggravate the problem by putting oil production into overdrive.)
And two – only use non-comedogenic makeup. Medium to full coverage is best for disguising large pores.
Moreover, a primer can prep your skin so that your foundation looks flawless.
Hang in there, as your hard work will pay off over time.
Sources:
1. https://www.healthline.com/health/blackheads#treatment by Holly McGurgan, published August 3, 2017, accessed February 5, 2020