3 Fool-Proof Ways To Banish Blackheads

3 Fool-Proof Ways To Banish Blackheads

It’s no secret that blackheads can be a pain. They’re caused when dead skin cells and oils collect in pores, clogging them. What makes them black is when the pore is open, which allows the clog to oxidize and turn black as it interacts with the air. That makes them a beauty nightmare when it comes to trying to cover them up due to their dark color, rough texture and how widespread they can be. Luckily, there are several ways to clear up these unwelcome visitors and banish blackheads for good.

Use Salicytic Acid 

The first method to banish blackheads that you should try is this common acne medicine. It speeds up cell turnover and dries up oil, reducing the chance that the pores will become clogged. You’ll find it in concentrations between .5 and 2 percent. Be sure to keep an eye on dryness or redness. If you notice these symptoms, use the product less often (once per day instead of twice) and/or use a lower concentration.

As a quick note, it might be tempting to reach for the other most common acne medication, benzoyl peroxide. This treatment is used to rid the skin of the bacteria that causes other forms of acne, like whiteheads. But to banish blackheads, the pores are open and contact with air kills the bacteria anyway. So overall, with blackheads, focus on better cell turnover.

Have A Steady Exfoliation Regimen

Since exfoliation is so important for keeping pores clear and free of blackheads, make sure to incorporate this step into your beauty routine if you don’t already. It’s the easiest way to get rid of the dead skin cells that clog pores and lead to breakouts.

When it comes to exfoliation, you have tons of options. If you want to keep things natural, you could use a simple sugar scrub made of brown sugar and raw honey combined to form a paste. Try to avoid heavy carrier oils in your routine to help pores stay clearer.

Otherwise, you can also go the heavy-duty route if you really want to make sure those blackheads are nuked and stay away for good. There are plenty of blackhead eliminating exfoliating scrubs on the market, or you could try a home glycolic acid peel for the deepest levels of exfoliation. You may also want to invest in an automated face brush for better exfoliation and penetration of treatments.

Either way, try not to over exfoliate your skin, as that can cause dryness. Follow the directions on the product, or use homemade exfoliators a few times per week or less.

Moisturize Without Clogging Pores

With all the exfoliation, your skin will definitely need some moisture. Prevent red, flaking skin by choosing a good moisturizer, but make sure it’s one that’s right for breakout-prone skin. Look for oil-free products, and ones lacking petrolatum and silicone. Those products won’t trap dead skill cells and oil back into the pores.