Before you go about trying to rid your skin of blackheads, it helps to first understand what they actually are. These are just an oxidized mix of oil and dead skin cells that are sitting in pores, [and] the exposure to air is what causes them to oxidize and turn black. It is essentially a hair follicle that’s so blocked up with dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria that it becomes a wide opening at the surface of the skin. Interestingly, despite their off-putting color, blackheads have nothing to do with dirt. Having blackheads is not a sign that you’re too dirty. So, at least that’s good news. The bad news, for some, is that there is a genetic component to blackheads, meaning that certain people are more prone to developing them, although the underlying reason for this isn’t yet fully understood. But this article is going to look into and talk about how you can remove blackheads in
an effective way:
When it comes to getting rid of blackheads, or any type of acne for that matter, there are two ways you can go: You can DIY at home, or, for more severe or persistent cases of acne, you can see a dermatologist. The best plan of action for you will depend on a lot of different factors, of course, but here are the best over-the-counter and prescription treatments to look out for, which help and make a difference.
For mild blackheads, try a salicylic acid scrub. If you have blackheads, your go-to ingredient should be salicylic acid. This beta hydroxy acid helps remove excess oil and exfoliate the cells from the surface of the skin.The best way to utilize salicylic acid? Try a gentle face scrub, which acts as a sort of one-two punch for combatting blackheads, providing double the exfoliation powers. The combination of physical exfoliation from the scrub, along with chemical exfoliation from the salicylic acid, can help keep the pores clear.
For more stubborn blackheads, go with a retinoid cream. Retinoids can help treat blackheads and clogged pores by reducing the stickiness of the cells that clog pores, as well as speeding up the rate at which the skin turns over and regenerates. While there are many retinol myths out there, the underlying truth about the ingredient is that the right percentage and regimen can totally transform your skin — and that includes helping to keep blackheads at bay.
And for severe cases, oral acne medication may be necessary. When all else fails, your dermatologist might prescribe an oral medication to help clear things up. If topical medications are not doing the job, medications like birth control pills and spironolactone decrease oil production and can effectively treat blackheads. They will get rid of blackheads and prevent new ones from showing up in the future. But these medicines are reserved for people with more than just the occasional blackhead; they are more for people with moderate to severe acne.
Also moisturizing is a crucial step in any skin-care routine — even if you’ve got acne-prone skin. Why, you ask? All of these methods may strip oils from the skin and be drying. It’s important to maintain the right balance in the skin, and moisturizing will allow you to continue using exfoliating products without any issues.
