Blackheads are dark coloured clogged pores appearing on the surface of your skin. These occur due to over production of oil at the base of hair follicle, the oil is then trapped under the skin and raises itself due to inflammation and turns black due to exposure to the air. Blackheads can be extremely stubborn to get rid from. They are persistent and can make your pores look even bigger over time period of time.
Blackheads are very normal occurring condition in all skin types however very prominent in teenage or beginning of teenage due to the changes in hormones which bulldoze oil glands to produce more oil that will lead to blackheads.
Some other causes of blackheads:
- Stress
- Smoking
- Tight, unbreathable or polyester clothing
- Shaving
- Oil trapped in skin due to makeup and cosmetics
- In some cases polycystic ovarian syndrome
BLACKHEADS ARE STUBBORN BUT I GOT YOU!
It is really very difficult or almost impossible to make sebaceous glands to produce less oil because the triggers are not in entirely in human control. What one can do is remove the oil or control the oil once it’s on the surface of the skin. Making few changes to your daily routine and products and how you use them can really help you get rid of blackheads.
Keep skin clean but keep it Gentle
Always use mild or gentle cleansers so that the skin’s natural oils do not abandon the surface. So that no excessive oil is produced. Using harsh cleansers can strip of your skin’s natural oils.
Opt for Oil-free Moisturizers
Try to use less occlusive moisturizers, go for gel based moisturizer or an oil free one. Putting oil on your skin can also clog your pores.
When it comes to choosing an oil-free moisturizer for blackheads, there are a few things to consider. First, you want to look for a moisturizer that is specifically formulated for oily or acne-prone skin. Second, you want to avoid ingredients that can clog pores and contribute to blackheads, such as mineral oil, petrolatum, and cocoa butter.
Here are some oil-free moisturizers that can help prevent and reduce blackheads:
-
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture: This lightweight moisturizer is non-comedogenic and contains glycerin to hydrate and soothe the skin without clogging pores.
-
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturizer: This oil-free moisturizer is designed for oily skin and contains sebum-regulating ingredients like zinc PCA and micro-exfoliating LHA to help reduce the appearance of pores and blackheads.
-
Cetaphil DermaControl Oil-Free Moisturizer: This moisturizer is specifically formulated for acne-prone skin and contains niacinamide and ceramide to help soothe and hydrate the skin without causing breakouts.
-
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream: This gel moisturizer is oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it a good option for those with oily or acne-prone skin. It contains glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to hydrate the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
Remember that moisturizing is an important part of any skincare routine, even if you have oily or acne-prone skin. By choosing an oil-free moisturizer that is designed for your skin type, you can help prevent blackheads and keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated.
Try Double Cleansing
Using oil based cleanser first and then following with regular will help bring out the dirt from your pores and then helping the foaming cleanser to clean your skin surface better. I know, I know, I just said not to use oil on your face but using oil based cleanser can be a game changer for your skin. In this case you are just putting it on or let’s say just massaging it on your face for a few seconds and then rinsing it off. This would not allow to oil to Penetrate into your skin to clog pores.
Moreover, oil based cleansers are wash away cleansers so they are not meant to clog the pores either. Trust me! It is going to change your whole skin. Add this step to your skin care routine if you wear makeup regularly and if you do not wear makeup then doing this step twice or thrice a week should be enough.
Use BHAs in your battle with Blackheads
BHA’s (beta hydroxy acid) or salicylic acid can help clearing the existing and reducing the formation of blackheads. Salicylic acid is oil soluble thus dissolving the oil clogged pores and clearing them on the surface. Using toners or serums with BHAs regularly will diminish the formation of blackheads on your skin.
Charcoal masks can be beneficial
Facial steam softens the blackhead buildup
Using facial steam once a week or two will help to unclog your pores and will let your skin to breathe. Wash your face with a cleanser and then steam your face for good 5 minutes, it will loosen the blackheads so that they are easy to be cleared and then apply a clay mask or glycolic acid serum or AHA/BHA serums on your face and make sure to follow up with a good moisturizer. Adding this step in your weekly skin care will help improve this condition.
Retinol helps cleaning skin from the deep
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is commonly used in skincare products to help address a variety of skin concerns, including blackheads. Blackheads are a common type of acne that occur when pores become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. Retinol works by promoting cell turnover and exfoliating the skin, which can help to unclog pores and prevent the formation of blackheads. It can also help to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin.When using retinol for blackheads, it’s important to start with a low concentration and gradually increase the strength over time to avoid irritation. It’s also important to use a sunscreen during the day, as retinol can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
My secret hack
Alright, here’s my little secret that I do regularly to get rid of blackheads on the nose. It is the most easiest and you do not have to do to many things for it. It’s quick and no extra products are required. All you have to do is just before you put cleanser on your face to wash, put a little wet warm towel on your nose and leave this there for about 15 -20 seconds and then again put warm water on your nose and now start scraping your nose with your nails just you’d scrape your tongue but do it gently and always do it in downwards direction towards your mouth. Please, Please make sure your hands and nails are clean and thoroughly washed. You also want to make sure that there is no active acne on your nose. You’d see all the gunk coming out. Just keep doing it gently until you find your nose all clean.
All in all my advice is to keeping the surface of the skin clean from oil and dirt but at the same time not overdoing is very essential. Just be gentle and keep a regular routine and you’ll be able to see the difference in 2-3 weeks.