Blackheads are not dirt that is embedded in the face, but a blockage in the skin pores that is formed by the buildup of blackened oil and dirt. Blackheads form when sebum, an oil naturally produced by the body, builds up in the pores and causes blockages. Dermatologists call blackheads "open comedones" because they are exposed to air, so the dirt inside is oxidized and causes a "black" discoloration. There are various conditions and problems that cause blackheads, the most common being oily skin. Luckily, you can get rid of blackheads with a few easy steps.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Treat Blackheads with Skin Treatment
Step 1. Wash your face twice a day, every day
This is the easiest method and one of the most important to treat blackheads. Washing your face regularly can help remove dirt and keep your skin and pores clean.
- Wash your face with water and a gentle facial cleanser twice a day. You should also wash your face whenever you sweat profusely, for example after exercising.
- Gently massage the cleanser into your facial skin using your fingers in small circular motions. Never scrub or scratch the skin or use cleansers or products that "exfoliate" the skin. This will further aggravate the blackheads.
- Don't forget to moisturize your skin with a cream that suits your skin type.
Step 2. Purchase a skin cleanser or cream that contains benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is the most common ingredient used to treat acne, including blackheads. You can find benzoyl peroxide in a range of skin care products, including cleansers, creams, gels, and lotions.
- Benzoyl peroxide works by killing the P. acnes bacteria on the skin that can cause inflammation and breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide can also reduce the skin's natural oil production, helping to prevent clogging of pores.
- Children under 12 years of age and women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant should consult a doctor before using products containing benzoyl peroxide.
Step 3. Purchase a cleanser or cream that contains salicylic acid
Salicylic acid helps break down the oil in the pores and helps prevent pore clogging resulting in clearer and smoother skin. When used consistently, salicylic acid can prevent blackheads from forming.
- Use a facial cleanser containing salicylic acid to wash your face and/or apply salicylic acid cream to your face.
- You should not use any other salicylic acid skin product except for a gentle cleanser unless you consult your doctor first. Do not combine salicylic acid with other treatments such as benzoyl peroxide unless specifically prescribed so.
- Warning: Keep this material away from eyes, inside of nose and near mouth. If salicylic acid gets on the area, rinse immediately with water for 15 minutes.
- Consult your doctor before using salicylic acid if you are pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant, or if you have ever had diabetes, kidney or liver disease.
Step 4. Ask about products that contain retinoids
Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A and are usually prescribed to treat acne. Retinoid creams help remove blackheads and improve skin condition and shed dead skin cells. Regular use of retinoids makes the outer layer of skin even and thicker, while the dead skin layer on the outer keratin is removed more efficiently. Peeling occurs occasionally, but after regular use three to seven times per week for four to six weeks, the side effects should lessen and the skin clearer.
- Warning: retinoids are photosynthetic and should only be used at night. Never go outside or be in the sun while wearing it. Apply sunscreen when you have to go out.
- You may notice an increase in blackheads and pimples during the first 2–4 weeks. This is normal with retinoid therapy, after which your skin will improve significantly.
Step 5. Clean the skin with a clay mask several times a week
Bentonite clay is a mineral-rich healing agent that attracts oil or other impurities that are clogged in pores. When using this type of mask, the skin absorbs all the minerals while the clay pulls the blackheads out. Add jojoba oil to help moisturize the skin.
- Use a tablespoon of bentonite clay.
- Add water to form a paste.
- Apply one layer of the paste to your face using your fingers.
- Leave it for 10–25 minutes.
- Clean your face with lukewarm water.
Step 6. Use a pore remover patch once or twice a week
Pore plaster helps to quickly solve the problem of clogged pores. However, pore plasters can dry out your skin so you should only use them once or twice a week.
- Wash your face with soap and warm water.
- Wet the nose and apply the tape.
- Leave the plaster for about 10-15 minutes until it feels stiff.
- Carefully remove the plaster along with any attached blackheads.
- Avoid using the patch on acne scars or skin that is swollen, burned, and very dry, or skin prone to varicose veins.
Step 7. See a dermatologist
Dermatologists can provide treatments such as chemical peels and blackhead removal in a safe and sterile manner. There are professional methods that should only be done with the recommendation of a dermatologist. Chemical peels are quite effective for treating blackheads.
- Dermatologists can also perform blackhead removal with a small surgical tool to remove blackheads. This should only be done by a trained professional. Attempting to remove blackheads at home with tools can lead to infection and permanent scars. You can get this treatment if blackheads continue to appear even after other methods have been treated.
- A trained beautician can also provide many of these types of treatments, but you should always consult a doctor or dermatologist before undergoing chemical peels, blackhead removal, or other skin treatments.
Method 2 of 3: Get Rid of Blackheads with Home Remedies
Step 1. Understand that home remedies don't always work
Home remedies and natural remedies are very popular, but unfortunately there is little evidence to show their efficacy against blackheads. Some people see good results, while others don't.
Step 2. Apply tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is one of the few natural remedies that is clinically proven in most cases. Use a product that contains at least 5% tea tree oil concentration, or apply 100% tea tree oil directly to blackheads.
- Compared to benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil shows results after a longer time. However, tea tree oil usually doesn't have the harsher side effects that chemicals do.
- Don't get swallowed. Tea tree oil is toxic if consumed.
Step 3. Make your own pore plaster using honey
A pore patch concoction of honey, lemon juice, and egg white will help restore skin condition and reduce blackheads. Honey has antibacterial properties that will help kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin. The egg whites will thicken the mixture and the lemon juice helps to lighten the skin. Mix 1 tablespoon of raw honey, 1 egg white, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Add 1-2 drops of essential oil. Try calendula oil, which is antibacterial and helps speed up skin recovery. Lavender oil is also antibacterial and soothes and calms you.
- Heat the mixture in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds. Don't get too hot. Applying a mixture that is too hot can burn the skin.
- Apply a thin layer of the mixture on the blackheads.
- Place a cotton tape over the mixture and let it sit for 20 minutes to dry.
- Carefully remove the plaster and wash your face with cold water.
Step 4. Try a sauna or facial steam
A steam bath will help open the pores and also treat blackheads due to the antibacterial essential oil used.
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Boil 1 liter of water. Add 1-2 drops of essential oil. Try the following oils:
- Peppermint or spearmint. Both oils contain menthol which acts as an antiseptic and helps boost the immune system.
- Thyme. Thyme oil is antibacterial and helps open blood vessels.
- Calendula. Calendula is antibacterial and helps speed up skin recovery.
- lavender. Lavender is also antibacterial and helps soothe and relax you.
- Leave the boiling water for a while until it cools down a bit. Cover your head with a light towel and position your head over the steam pot for 10 minutes. Hold your head at least 30 cm away from the water so you don't overheat and the skin doesn't scald.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply moisturizer.
Step 5. Try a vinegar and essential oil mixture
Vinegar contains acetic acid which has been shown to help reduce acne. A mixture of vinegar with orange and sweet basil essential oils which both have antibacterial properties can help get rid of blackheads.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 2 tablespoons of water. Add 5-10 drops of orange essential oil and sweet basil to it. The concentration of oil in the solution should not exceed 3-5%. Start with a lower concentration and increase if necessary, but not more than the recommended amount.
- Use a cotton stick or sponge to apply the solution to the blackheads.
- Do not expose to the sun after applying this solution, as the orange essential oil makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight and burns more easily.
Method 3 of 3: Prevent Blackheads
Step 1. Keep your hair clean
Hair contains natural oils that can adhere to the face. Clean hair will help prevent the spread of oil that can cause blackheads to appear.
Try to keep your hair away from your face by pulling it back
Step 2. Avoid heavy makeup
There are many cosmetics that contain oils that can clog pores. Look for mineral-based cosmetics or those labeled as non-comedogenic or oil-free. This will help prevent blackheads from forming and won't make any existing blackheads worse.
Step 3. Use an oil-free moisturizer that also contains sunscreen
Moisturizers that contain oils can make blackheads worse. Choose a moisturizer that contains sunscreen to avoid sun damage.
Avoid the sun and do not use darkening capsules. UV rays increase the risk of skin cancer. In addition, some acne medications make the skin so sensitive to sunlight that it can burn
Step 4. Don't over-wash your face
Washing your face too often can make your skin dry and irritated, making blackheads look worse. Wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and again at night. You should also wash your face after sweating.
