Clogged oil and debris can do a lot of damage to the skin, in which unchecked can lead to comedones, blackheads and acne. Blackheads, being the less noticeable and smaller than the two are said to be more difficult to clean and get rid of. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to limit blackheads.
Here are ways to get rid of blackheads:
Change Your Skincare Routine
Your skincare routine is the main reason as to why blackheads exist. It is a sign that your cleansing routine is not as effective as you think. The first step is to cleanse and exfoliate the skin to remove any dead skin or oil that builds up in the skin, creating clogged pores. Make sure that your skin is not over producing oil by keeping it adequately moisturized. Finally, you should ensure using a non-comedogenic products so that your pores will not be clogged.
Choose Moisturizers that Won’t Clog Pores
Moisturizing is a risky task. Depending on your skin type, the wrong type of moisturizer can affect the state of your skin. Ingredients such as Dimethicone (also known as polydimethylsiloxane or PDMS) or oils such as coconut oil or shea butter are considered to be comedogenic. Those with oily skin must therefore avoid these ingredients and look for gel cleansers that are more lightweight, with a label for being comedogenic.
Choose Salicylic Acid over Benzoyl Peroxide
Exfoliation helps to really clean the oil and debris inside the pores. There are many types of exfoliators from chemical to physical exfoliators. Dermatologists generally recommend the use of salicylic acid for exfoliating skin, as a chemical exfoliator more gentle in removing dead skin cells and oil deep within the skin. Physical chemicals would most likely create micro tears into your skin, creating more damage than it should have. Choose salicylic acid for blackheads as it can get deep inside pores and dissolve the oil inside, while the use of benzoyl peroxide is better for whiteheads to stop blemishes from forming.
Use Retinoids
If you have been into skincare for a long time, you will most likely know about retinoids. These are compounds that has been produced from vitamin A, that can perform skin miracles depending on their prescription. This ingredient is able to unclog blocked pores and help the skin to regenerate faster. Applied regularly, it can reverse signs of ageing and sun damage.
A word of notice should be made aware, for using it immediately at a high dosage can damage your skin. You can but the creams over the counter but you should start from the 0.1% formula, applied topically at night twice a week as retinoids make your skin prone to sun damage. Afterwards, you can start increasing the percentage after seeing improvements for the next few week. However if the blackheads in your skin is already bad, ask your doctor for a prescription of tretinoin or Retin A.
Regularly Apply Masks on a Weekly Basis
Another effective method for removing blackheads is to use face masks on a regularly basis. Some of the ingredients that you can use include tea tree, charcoal and clay. By using these masks, you will be a belt to clear out impurities in the skin as well as controlling the amount of oil in the skin. Apply a thin to medium coating and wait for 15 to 20 minutes, which you will then wash off in a warm showers.
Depending on your skin type, the method used to apply masks will also feel different. Most skin types will fare just fine with a weekly mask but not for dehydrated skins. Apply specifically to the T-zone or oily areas in order to prevent the mask from affecting other dry areas on your skin.
Consider Tea Tree Oil
Looking for a natural approach? You can try using tea tree oil to clear your pores. The miraculous oil is said to have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. In effect, it would be able to unblock sebaceous glands, calming breakouts and clearing blackheads at the same time. You can even make a tonic just by using tea tree oil. Mix tea tree essential oil, apple cider vinegar, and filtered water. Spray directly onto face or onto a cotton pad, and apply to the affected area. Follow with moisturizer.
Blackheads are very nasty and bothersome to get rid of. Many people are more tempted to squeezing out the gunk, which can result to irritate and even enlarged pores. By using the techniques above, you will be able to clear out your skin from blackheads.
Have you tried any of these tips? What are your other go to blackhead clearing tips? Share your answer with us the comments section below.
