How to get rid of blackheads

By Layla Odin, Monagiza

Blackheads are annoying little blights on your skin that seem to appear at the most inconvenient times! For some people, there is something really satisfying about watching blackhead removal videos (guilty!), however popping them yourself is really bad for your skin and can often leave scarring. So, leave the removal to the professionals and follow these top tips on how to get rid of blackheads at home!

 

Use baking soda

Exfoliation is a great way to clean out your pores, but when you are using something on the sensitive skin of your face, it’s important to keep it gentle. Rather than splashing out for a pricey face wash, just head to your kitchen cupboard and grab the baking soda. Mix it with a little water, or apple cider vinegar until it forms a paste and apply to your face. The apple cider vinegar is an astringent and anti-bacterial so this will be doubly good for your face! 

Pore strips

This is certainly one of the most satisfying ways to get rid of blackheads! You can make these at home (egg whites or milk and gelatin mixes are popular), or they are relatively cheap to buy. Try not to use them too often, about once a week should be fine, and incorporate them into your routine to keep on top of it. 

 

 

Look to science

Blackheads build up when oil clogs up your pores, and so the best way to break this oil down is to use a beta-hydroxy acid, such as salicylic acid. This will help dissolve the oil plugs and clear out your pores. Using this regularly will ensure that blackheads are kept at bay. Use with glycolic acid, as this can get rid of dead skin and debris on your skin to keep it looking its best. 

 

 

Use a retinoid product

Retinoid is a derivative of vitamin A and is fantastic at clearing out your clogged pores and making sure that blackheads do not reform. Your doctor can prescribe you a formula; however, you are able to get some over-the-counter that are a little weaker but still work well. After regular use, around three to seven times a week, you will visibly notice the difference after six weeks! 

Get professional help

If you are really struggling and feel as though you need professional help to get rid of your blackheads, head to a dermatologist. They can offer expert microdermabrasion which is a great way to exfoliate deep into your pores. They can also recommend and provide chemical peel treatment and comedone extractions (the ones that are so satisfying to watch on Youtube). If you feel as though your blackheads are causing you issues, your dermatologist should be able to help you.

Whatever you do, do not squeeze them. It can be so tempting, but you will end up doing more damage. Your skin may become inflamed and infected, and it will often leave scars. Blackheads don’t mean you have bad hygiene and they are super common so don’t be too disheartened. Hopefully, some of these tips will help rid you of them!