Those pesky little black dots appearing on your nose, forehead and chin can be stubborn AF! The war with blackheads is not easy and that’s probably why you have never emerged a winner. If the only weapon you’ve been wielding is a pore strip, this is for you.
Seeing the gunk on the pore strip might be quite satisfying, but it is not the most ideal way to get rid of blackheads. Nor is it an effective method to prevent future blackheads. Then what is it, you ask? We will tell you everything, but first let’s find out what blackheads really are…
What are blackheads?
Before finding a solution, it is important to first understand the problem. Blackheads appear when oil, dirt and sebum mix together and get trapped in a pore. It appears as a wide opening on the surface of the skin and when it comes in contact with air, it oxidizes and turns black. Ignoring blackheads can lead to other skin problems such as acne and inflammation. Blackheads can appear on any skin type and just because they look dirty does not mean you have poor hygiene habits.
How to prevent blackheads?
Other than following a good skincare routine, it is essential to use non-comedogenic skincare products as this will prevent your pores from getting clogged. Avoid using heavy moisturisers and sunscreens, stay away from products with ingredients like coconut oil, cocoa butter and other synthetic oils. If you are tempted to use a blackhead extractor – don’t! Only a dermatologist or aesthetician can extract blackheads without spreading bacteria or causing scars!
How to treat blackheads?
Pore strips are probably the most common blackhead removal method that is used worldwide. However, it is not effective and does not work on blackheads that have been in the pores for a long time. It is best to invest in products with ingredients such as salicylic acid or retinoid for best results.
Step 1: Exfoliate once a week for mild blackheads
In order to get rid of blackheads, it is important to exfoliate your skin once a week using a salicylic acid based scrub. The St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub comes with double exfoliating powers, it offers both physical as well as chemical exfoliation to keep pores clean and clear.
Step 2: Use a microfoliant daily for stubborn blackheads
A microfoliant removes dead skin cells, opens clogged pores and polishes the skin to reveal bright and glowing skin underneath. The Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is gentle enough to use daily, it contains salicylic acid and rice enzymes that mildly exfoliate the top layer of the skin and improve the appearance of blackheads over time.
Step 3: Get a monthly clean-up done by a professional
As tempting as it may be, do not use an extraction tool or worse your nails to get rid of blackheads. Keep your hands away from your face! Instead opt for frequent in-clinic extraction by your dermatologist who will professionally extract those stubborn blackheads without enlarging your pores further. Book an appointment with your dermatologist at least once a month for best results.
Written by Sanya Hamdani on Mar 13, 2020
Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.