Blackheads are one of the peskiest skin problems out there. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are 12 ways to get rid of blackheads, once and for all.
Blackheads – those small, dark blemishes that seem to appear out of nowhere – can be frustrating. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We talked to top dermatologists to get the lowdown on how to get rid of blackheads and keep them away for good.
Here are 3 fast ways to get rid of blackheads:
1. Use a homemade besan and turmeric scrub: Just mix 2 tablespoons each of chickpea powder (besan) and turmeric with milk or rose water to form a paste. Apply it on your face, leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this once or twice a week.
2. Try a baking soda scrub: Take 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl and add enough rose water or milk to make a paste. Gently massage this on your face for 2 minutes and then wash off with cool water. Do this once a week as too much baking soda can strip natural oils from your skin, making it dry.
3. Exfoliate with oatmeal: Cook oatmeal as per instruction on the packet and let it cool down slightly. To this, add one teaspoon each of lemon juice and honey along with two drops of tea tree oil (available at health stores). Apply this all over your face, leave it on for 10 minutes, then rub in circular motions before rinsing off with cool water. Do this once or twice a week as overeating can irritate sensitive skin.
The Causes of Blackheads
There are many different causes of blackheads, but the main one is clogged pores. When your pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and dirt, they turn black. If you have oily skin, you’re more likely to get blackheads.
Other causes of blackheads include:
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
- Poor hygiene
- Stress
- Diet
12 Best Ways to Prevent Blackheads
While everyone gets blackheads, some people are more prone to them than others. Genetics plays a role, as does having oily or combination skin. Hormonal changes can also make blackheads more likely—that’s why teenagers are particularly prone to these pesky little blemishes.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent blackheads:
1) Keep your face clean. Wash with a gentle cleanser twice a day and after sweating.
2) Exfoliate regularly. This helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to blackheads.
3) Use products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients help unplug pores and prevent blemishes.
4) Use oil-free cosmetics and sunscreens. Look for the noncomedogenic label on products to make sure they won’t clog your pores.
5) Keep your hands off your face. Touching your face can transfer oil and bacteria from your hands to your pores, leading to blackheads.
6) Avoid tight headbands or hats. These can irritate your skin and contribute to blackhead formation.
7) Take showers after sweating. Sweat can clog pores and lead to blackheads, so be sure to wash it off as soon as possible after exercising or being in hot weather.
8) Don’t squeeze or pick at blackheads. This can cause irritation, inflammation, and even scarring. Leave the extractions to a professional!
9) Use a humidifier in dry weather conditions This helps keep the environment around you less drying which then has an impact on the condition of your skin.
10) Consider changing your birth control method Some types of birth control pills have been linked with an increase in acne breakouts.
11) Eat a healthy diet A diet high in processed foods and sugar can worsen acne.
12) Drink enough water Staying hydrated is important for overall health—and it may also help keep your skin clear.
12 Best Ways to Get Rid of Blackheads
Blackheads form when a clog or plug develops in the opening of hair follicles in your skin. Each follicle contains one small hair and a sebaceous gland that produces oil. This oil, called sebum, helps keep your skin soft. Dead skin cells and oils accumulate in the opening of the skin follicle, causing a blockage. When this occurs, bacteria can grow and cause inflammation, leading to blackheads or whiteheads.
There are several ways you can get rid of blackheads. Some people swear by home remedies, while others see better results with medical procedures performed by a dermatologist. Here are 12 ways to get rid of blackheads:
1. Try an over-the-counter treatment.
2. Apply a topical retinoid.
3. Use an exfoliating scrub or brush.
4. Apply a pore strip or nose strip.
5. Visit a dermatologist for professional extraction.
6. Try microdermabrasion or another professional exfoliating treatment.
7. Receive a chemical peel from a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician
8. Try activated charcoal
9. Use tea tree oil
10. Insert raw honey into your skincare routine
11. Apply milk of magnesia as a face mask
12. Eliminate possible dietary triggers
How to Keep Your Skin Blackhead-Free
Blackheads—those small, dark blemishes that seem to pop up out of nowhere—are a common skin concern, especially for people with oily or combination skin. While they may not be as noticeable as a pimple, blackheads can be just as frustrating because they’re so hard to get rid of!
If you’re struggling with blackheads, don’t despair. There are plenty of things you can do to get rid of them and keep them from coming back. Keep reading to learn 12 ways to get rid of blackheads for good.
1. Keep your face clean – The first step in getting rid of blackheads is to clean your face regularly. Wash your face at least twice a day with a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Don’t forget to gently exfoliate a few times a week to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
2. Use products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide – If you’re looking for an over-the-counter solution, reach for products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients help to break down the “glue” that holds together dead skin cells and dirt, making it easier for them to be washed away. Look for cleansers, toners, spot treatments, and moisturizers that contain these ingredients—just be sure to read the label carefully and start with the lowest concentration possible to avoid irritating your skin.
3. Try an activated charcoal mask – Activated charcoal is a natural way to detoxify your skin and remove impurities such as blackheads. You can find activated charcoal in powder form at most health food stores, or you can buy pre-made masks that contain the ingredient. Apply the mask according to the package directions, being careful not to avoid any sensitive areas like your eyes or nose (activated charcoal can be drying if left on for too long). Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water and follow up with your regular moisturizer.
4. Steam your face regularly – One simple way to help loosen and release blackheads is by steaming your face; the steam will open up pores and help soften the “glue” holding together dead skin cells so they can more easily be sloughed away. Place your head over a bowl of steaming water (be careful not to get too close!) and drape a towel over your head to trap in the steam. Stay like this for 5-10 minutes, then rinse off with cool water and proceed with the rest of your skincare routine. You can also do this in the shower—just make sure the bathroom is nice and steamy before you start!
5 Apply a DIY homemade mask -There are lots of great DIY recipes out there for homemade masks that can help with blackheads.. Any kind of clay mask will do the trick— Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is a popular option—but you can also make your own using equal parts bentonite clay, apple cider vinegar, water, and tea tree oil. Just mix everything until it forms a paste, then apply it evenly over clean skin. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Follow up with cool water and moisturizer..
The Worst Ways to Get Rid of Blackheads
1. Picking or Squeezing
When you’re trying to get rid of blackheads, it can be tempting to pick at your skin or squeeze the offending areas. But resist the urge! Picking or squeezing can make things worse by damaging your skin and causing inflammation. In some cases, picking can also lead to infection.
2. Using APCs
APCs, or acne spot treatments that contain Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid, may seem like a good idea, but they’re not. Benzoyl peroxide can worsen blackheads by causing the area around the blockage to become dry and irritated. Salicylic acid can have a similar effect. In addition, these treatments can also cause redness, flaking, and peeling — making your blackheads even more noticeable!
3. Over-the-Counter Creams and Gels
Creams and gels that you can buy without a prescription might seem like a good idea, but in reality, they’re not very effective at treating blackheads. Most of these products just dry out your skin, which can make things worse in the long run.
4. Using Makeup to Cover Up BlackheadsIf you’re thinking about using makeup to cover up your blackheads, think again! Not only will this do nothing to get rid of the blackheads, but it can also clog your pores and make things worse. In addition, picking at your skin to apply makeup will only make things worse in the long run.
5.”Home Remedies”There are a lot of supposed “home remedies” out there for blackhead removal — from using toothpaste to putting milk on your face. But none of these remedies are supported by science and they could end up harming your skin. Save yourself the trouble and stick to proven treatments from dermatologists or skincare experts.
The Bottom Line on Blackheads
No matter how you look at it, blackheads are just plain unsightly. These tiny black specks can ruin an otherwise perfect complexion, and they seem to be incredibly stubborn, never really going away no matter what you do.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to get rid of blackheads and prevent them from coming back. While there is no surefire way to eliminate blackheads, these twelve tips will help you drastically reduce their appearance.
1. Wash your face twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. Be sure to remove all makeup before washing.
2. Exfoliate your skin regularly. This will help to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to blackheads.
3. Use products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients can help to unclog pores and prevent blackheads from forming.
4. Apply a mud mask or clay mask once a week. This will help to absorb excess oil and keep your pores clear.
5. Keep your hair clean and off your face as much as possible. Oily hair can contribute to blackheads forming on the forehead and around the hairline.
FAQs About Blackheads
What are blackheads?
A blackhead is a type of acne that forms when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. The dark color of the blackhead is due to oxidation, which occurs when the sebum (oil) in the clogged pore is exposed to air. Blackheads are generally small, but they can become larger and more evident if they’re not treated.
How do I get rid of blackheads?
There are several ways to get rid of blackheads, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. Some popular methods for getting rid of blackheads include:
-Washing your face regularly with a mild cleanser
-Exfoliating your skin weekly with a gentle scrub or brush
-Using a medicated cream or gel designed to treat blackheads
-Having regular facials that include extractions
-Using at-home devices designed to remove blackheads, such as pore strips or suction devices
