How to Get Rid of Blackheads in 7 Steps
Blackheads—the ever-elusive enemy. They may be hard to see for others, but for us with them, we’re painfully aware of. And it just seems like it’s impossible to get rid of them, right? That’s because blackheads are complicated. They are truly difficult to get rid of, and so, the best way to remove blackheads is to visit a professional…
But what happens when we’re short on time (or funds) and need a pesky blackhead banished stat? Though there’s no shortage of blackhead-busting products on the market (namely masks, pore strips, cleansers), is it even possible to get rid of blackheads overnight?
Is it possible? And if so, how do we do it? With these 7 steps below:
- Use Antioxidant-Rich Products to Prevent Blackheads
Contrary to popular belief, those teensy dark spots (which tend to show up on the areas of the face most prone to oil—nose, chin, T-zone, etc.) aren’t actually the dirt-clogged pores we always assumed them to be. Blackheads are large, open pores containing hardened sebum, or oil, that has oxidized from the air causing it to turn dark grey in color.
Antioxidant-rich skin care products can help keep blackheads at bay. They have many benefits such as encouraging collagen production, lightening discoloration, and slowing down the production of skin-damaging free radicals! But one surprising benefit is their ability to prevent oil from oxidizing, hence the name ‘antioxidants.’”
- Manually Extract Blackheads
While your esthetician can extract blackheads with 10 points for style and swiftness, it's no secret that we often struggle for hours on end to achieve the same results. That said, if the affected skin is properly softened, it should be fairly easy to remove a blackhead. However, what could make quick, at-home blackhead removal difficult is unsoftened skin, small, super-tight pores, blackheads that are inset (versus protruding), and skin that’s dry and dehydrated.
Topical blackhead removal methods are largely ineffective (sorry I know, we were bummed too), though it is possible to remove a blackhead overnight. You’ll have to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, as manual extraction is truly the only way to effectively get rid of blackheads overnight.
- Use Salicylic Acid Products to Keep Pores Clear
We know and love salicylic acid for treating acne, but the wonder ingredient can also help with blackheads (and whiteheads, too!). To keep blackheads at bay, use products with salicylic acid to keep pores clear, as it works to fend off dead skin cells and oil, both of which can be contributing factors to the onset of blackheads. Once the pores are clean, it’s important to use products in your routine that use acids, such as AHA’s and BHA’s, to absorb directly into the pores and keep them cleaned out, as well as preventing the oil from filling back up so quickly. The benefits of salicylic acid are to help unclog pores and overall, make the surface cleaner for blackhead-free skin.
- Apply Retinoids to Shrink Pores
While there’s no magical cure to get rid of blackheads completely, if you're dealing with severe acne in addition to blackheads, retinoids may be the answer. The use of retinol or prescription retinoids can tighten the pores so they appear smaller, which in turn, keeps blackheads virtually invisible. Retinols work to increase the turnover of cells and promote new cell growth and collagen production. Not to mention they can make the other products in your skin care regimen more effective as they're able to penetrate deeper without being blocked by clogged pores.
- Clear Out Pores With a Mask
If you have oily skin, you're likely a user of clay masks (PSA: if you're not, you may want to look into them). Though clay masks are known to draw out dirt, oil, and other impurities from the skin, some formulas can also work to clear out and unclog pores. Opt for a kaolin clay-based one, as it has the added benefit of balancing oils in addition to giving pores a major detox.
Like clay masks, charcoal-based face masks work to rid the skin of toxins, dirt, and oil. With the addition of charcoal, though, they can help draw out pollution-related impurities, which can be at the forefront of blackhead formation. Because these types of masks can make the skin feel parched, use them about once a week to avoid excess dryness. And always be sure to follow up with a heavy-duty moisturizer post-masking.
- Exfoliate Regularly To Maintain Clean Pores
Blackheads are caused by clogged pores from oils in the skin, makeup or moisturizers used on the skin, and bacteria. AHA's, such as glycolic acid, and BHA's, such as salicylic acid, works well to exfoliate the skin. BHAs penetrate deeper into the skin and have both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties so they are good for treating blemishes in acne-prone skin. Exfoliating helps rid the skin of blackhead-causing sebum and product build-up, but because they can strip the skin of moisture, use them once a week.
- Use a Non-Comedogenic SPF to Avoid Clogging Pores
When dead skin cells mix with excess oil on the skin, a clogged pore can rear its ugly head, and cause a comedo (aka a blackhead). That's why choosing non-comedogenic products (meaning, products that don't contain pore-clogging ingredients) is essential for everyday wear, especially if you're a heavy makeup wearer or prone to breakouts. Generally speaking, most non-comedogenic products will also be oil-free, making it useful for those with oily skin to begin with. And because sunscreen is something that should be worn daily (seriously—please protect your skin every day), it's crucial to opt for a non-comedogenic formula for the sake of your pores.
Wild Naturals Helps Get Rid of Blackheads & Acne
Another step that isn’t as well known for getting rid of blackheads is with manuka honey. Now that may seem a bit strange to you, but manuka honey for acne is actually a regular option for treating zits. How? Manuka honey is rich in antibacterial, antimicrobial and naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide!
These properties make it a powerful combatant against zits, cysts, acne scarring and can help keep away blackheads. If you have acne trouble skin, then give Wild Naturals Manuka Honey Face Wash and Face Cream a try and see the difference noticeably in no time!
Shop the Wild Naturals online store today for all products featuring manuka honey.
