Blackheads are a combination of excess oils and dead skin cells trapped in your pores. Their exposure to air causes them to oxidize and turn black. In this article, we list down the most effective ways of preventing and removing unsightly blackheads from your skin. Check it out!
Use Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid should be the go-to solution if you suffer from blackheads. This beta hydroxy helps remove excess oil from your skin while exfoliating cells from your skin’s surface. Using salicylic acid also helps you remove:
- Dirt that accumulates daily
- Makeup residue
Moreover, salicylic acid is good for dry skin. You can use your regular cleanser in the morning and then use the acid at night. As your skin gets used to it, you can transition to using it both day and night. Of course, if you experience sensitivity or if your skin reacts to it, discontinue using it.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is effective against blackheads since it helps remove excessive dead skin cells that can clog your pores.
Instead of using hard scrubs, however, look for alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) —- salicylic acid is a type of BHAs, for instance.
To make them more effective, do other things that control or remove excess oil from your skin when you’re not exfoliating. Try using high-quality blotting paper to do this.
Apply Retinoid
Retinoids are available both by prescription and over the counter, and they’re one of the most reliable methods of eliminating blackheads.
Retinoid lotion and creams are made from vitamin A, and they can unclog your pores. They also hasten your body’s process of renewing skin cells called skin turnover. At the same time, they reduce the stickiness of the cells to prevent clogging of your skin’s follicular ostia.
Topical retinoids are commonly prescribed as the first line of defense when it comes to fighting peskier blackheads. Prescription retinoid creams are effective against more persistent blackheads.
Consider Extraction
If creams, lotions, and cleansers aren’t your thing, you can try extraction. While that sounds scary, doctors and dermatologists know how to remove unwanted blackheads using specialized tools.
You can also find home extraction kits in stores, but medical experts highly suggest not trying the process at home if you don’t have the proper know-how. The process may cause scarring, which is even more unsightly.
Try a Skin Brush
A skin brush helps eliminate built-up debris that cause acne and blackheads. It can also slow the signs of aging since it provides the same benefits as AHAs and BHAs by removing dead skin cells.
On the other hand, exercise caution when using skin brushes. They should only be used occasionally with a gentle cleansing wash. If you want sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid using skin brushes altogether. Also, following instructions carefully; improper use of skin brushes can make acne and blackheads worse.
Consider Oral Medication
If you suffer a particularly severe case of acne and blackhead problems, your dermatologist can prescribe oral medication to help you. Such medications include birth control pills and spironolactone, which reduce oil production on a hormonal level.
Since excess oil is one of the primary causes of consistent blackheads and acne, oral medications such as above are effective against them.
On the other hand, remember that these medications aren’t for people with just the occasional blackheads; they’re best suited for people with moderate to severe problems with blackheads.
Prevention is Better
While a variety of solutions and treatments exist to get rid of blackheads, prevention is still better than cure. As cliche as that may sound, it’s true. Here are some tips on how can prevent acne and blackheads:
- Wash your face regularly, especially when you get up and before you lie down.
- Wash your face after you sweat.
- Don’t scrub with washcloths or sponges, which can irritate your skin.
- Use alcohol-free products.
- Avoid the sun when using acne or blackhead medicines, which make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
- Avoid touching your face too many times.
- Avoid skim milk, chocolates, and carbohydrate-rich foods since they can worsen acne and blackheads.
Finally, don’t forget to moisturize, which is a crucial step in any skin-care routine. All of the above-mentioned solutions and tips can strip excess oils from your skin, but they can also cause too much drying. Maintain the balance between dry and oily by moisturizing regularly.
