Whether you know it or not, blackheads are a type of acne! People with oily skin tend to get blackheads most often, but as you may know, no one is invulnerable to them. A blackhead forms when the pore becomes clogged with a combination of dead skin cells and excess oil (sebum) from your sebaceous glands. It then becomes oxidized and results in a darker appearance.
While it may be extremely tempting, do not squeeze or attempt to pick at the blackheads. This can cause unnecessary scarring and other damage to your skin. Instead, opt for one of these simple solutions.
Use a blackhead clearing strip
Blackhead strips work by removing the top portion of the acne by pulling out the oils and the sebum. Use these cleansing rituals to get deeper into the pores after using the strip.
Use salicylic acid
Make sure to stock up on salicylic acid. It helps remove excess oil and exfoliates the outer cells of your skin. One of the best ways to keep your pores clean is to use a facial scrub or cleanser that contains salicylic acid. Use it daily while focusing on your T-zone or any other problematic areas.
Many people are sensitive to salicylic acid, so you may not be able to use it more than once every few days. If you react to the ingredient, discontinue use.
Try a cleansing brush
Electronic skin-care devices, such as spin bushes, are incredibly effective in exfoliating and cleansing your face, and they produce much better results than using just your fingers.
Just be careful not to overuse it, as it can flare up other acne on your face or body. Opt for softer brushes for gentle but effective cleansing of your stubborn blackheads.
Go with a retinoid cream
A lot of people face much more extensive and stubborn blackheads, mainly due to air pollution and their role in excess sebum and oil production.
Retinoids 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.
Consult your dermatologist
For severe cases, your dermatologist might prescribe an oral medication to help clear things up. If topical medications don’t seem to work effectively, medicines like antibiotics or birth control pills decrease oil production to clear blackheads and acne.
These medications are prescribed to people with severe acne and sebum production, so make sure to consult your doctor and see what works best for you.