Introduction to Blackheads
Blackheads can be a bane to your appearance as they impart a bumpy texture to the skin and make it look dull and unkempt. The worst part is that blackheads are stubborn and don’t disappear on their own. However, the good news is that with the proper skincare routine, you can remove your blackheads with ease and prevent them from cropping up again. From home remedies to over-the-counter products, there are various effective ways to get rid of blackheads. Moreover, these treatments offer a smooth finish to the skin and prevent future blackheads and acne breakouts. So, here is everything you need to know about treating blackheads the correct way.
How Do Blackheads Form?
Blackheads form when the pores on your skin are clogged with dirt, oil, and dead skin. Often, the first stage of clogging is due to the production of excess sebum by the skin. It could be because of hormonal imbalances, stress, or humid weather. When the sebum accumulates in the pores, they can get further congested due to dirt and dead skin. Infrequent cleansing, excessive sweating, or improper makeup removal can further aggravate the condition.
When the tip of the pores is exposed to the air, the dirt inside gets oxidized, resulting in the black color of the blackhead. Alternatively, when the tip is not exposed to the air, it remains white and forms a whitehead. While blackheads and whiteheads form pretty much in the same way, blackheads look more unpleasant due to their dark color. Hence, most people seek ways to get rid of blackheads to restore smooth and healthy-looking skin.
Ways To Prevent Blackheads
Cleanse your skin thoroughly twice a day. If you wear makeup, follow a double cleansing routine in the evening with an oil-based cleanser followed by a face wash. Use skincare products with salicylic acid, an exfoliant that dissolves oil and dirt in the pores. According to Gundry MD Dark Spot Diminisher reviews, this product may work well for you because it contains plant extracts rich in salicylic acid. Switch to non-comedogenic products that do not contain ingredients that may clog the pores. Use light-weight serums and moisturizers instead of heavy oil-based products. Use activities that control sebum production, such as niacinamide and retinoids.
Top 5 Ways To Get Rid Of Blackheads
1. Salicylic Acid
According to research, Salicylic Acid based products help reduce blackheads on the skin. The ingredient exfoliates, and deep cleans the pores to remove blackhead-causing dirt and oil. Hence, you can try a toner, cleanser, or serum with this ingredient to reduce your blackheads.
You can also look for skincare products with natural sources of Salicylic Acid. Gundry MD Dark Spot Diminisher reviews suggest that this product can be effective against blackheads. It contains meadowsweet extracts that are rich in Salicylic Acid, along with polyphenols to reduce inflammation and aging.
2. Topical Retinoids
Topical retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives that encourage faster skin renewal and control sebum production to get rid of blackheads. While some topical retinoids can be quite drying on the skin, you can go for milder alternatives like Adapalene to keep your skin clean and blackhead-free.
3. AHAs
According to studies, AHAs can be an effective treatment for acne, including blackheads. These are superficial peeling agents like lactic acid and glycolic acid that remove dirt and dead skin from the upper layers of the skin. Hence, they can help you reduce the appearance of blackheads.
4. Pore Cleansing Face Masks
Pore cleansing face masks contain ingredients like charcoal and clay to deep clean the pores. They may also contain salicylic acid and tea tree oil to further get rid of blackheads. You can use such a mask once or twice a week to clear up your skin.
5. In-Clinic Treatments
In-clinic treatments offer solutions for all your needs, whether you want to lose face fat or get rid of acne and blackheads. The best in-clinic treatments for blackhead removal include chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and microneedling. You can consult a skin care professional regarding the same.
The Best Home Remedies To Remove Blackheads
1. Steaming
Steam opens up the pores on your skin, which can help your cleansers and exfoliants perform better. Therefore, to help get rid of blackheads, steam your face before using any cleanser or face mask. It will help the treatment penetrate the pores and dissolve the dirt and debris completely.
2. Oatmeal Scrub
– Mix oatmeal with yogurt to create an efficient yet gentle scrub to remove blackheads at home. Oatmeal particles act as mild scrubbing agents while they also offer skin-soothing benefits. Moreover, yogurt contains lactic acid, a gentle chemical exfoliant that removes dirt and debris from the upper layers of the skin, thereby reducing blackheads. It is also one of the best glow-boosting tips as this home remedy removes dullness and dead skin too.
3. DIY Clay Mask
A DIY clay mask is a great way to get rid of blackheads at home. You can mix any clay of your choice with water or rose water to create the face mask. Apply it on clean skin and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and repeat this at least once a week for a visible reduction in blackheads.
4. Tomato Pulp
Tomato is rich in Vitamin C, and a tomato mask is one of the efficient glow-boosting tips you may try, but did you know that tomato pulp also contains Vitamin A, which can reduce sebum and blackheads? You should apply tomato pulp on your skin for 5-10 minutes and then wash it off. You can see an improvement in blackheads within a few uses.
The Worst Ways To Remove Blackheads That You Should Avoid
1. Blackhead Extraction Tools
Blackhead extraction tools are often tweezers or sharp devices that can potentially injure the skin. There are also some suction devices to get rid of blackheads which can hurt the skin if not used correctly. These tools are not safe for at-home use and are best left to professionals who know how to use them safely and hygienically.
2. Harsh Physical Scrubs
You may have heard that physical scrubs are a great way to unclog your pores and remove blackheads. While this may be true, some physical scrubs are too harsh and gritty and can tear or irritate your skin. Try to avoid walnut scrubs that feel abrasive on your skin. Instead, you can go for soft and gentle scrub particles like oatmeal.
Conclusion
Blackheads are an annoying skin concern that can make you look less put together despite all efforts. They are fairly common and are caused by pores that are clogged with dirt, oil, and dead skin. Fortunately, there are some effective ways to get rid of blackheads quickly and easily.
With the help of topical products containing Salicylic Acid, Retinoids, and other exfoliants, you can keep your pores clean and prevent blackheads. Additionally, you can use home remedies with gentle exfoliants like oatmeal and yogurt to remove blackheads at home. Also, in-office treatments like laser therapy can help you remove blackheads and lose face fat.
With the help of these tried and tested blackhead removal tips, you can get clear and glowing skin. So, try these tips if blackheads are a menace to you!
References
[1] https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(03)03433-9/fulltext#relatedArticles
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6017965/
