Acne is a common skin condition that affects over 50 million Americans each year. Not just a skin condition for teenagers, acne can affect Adults and adolescents regardless of age. And most people experience a mild form of acne called blackheads.
Blackheads are open bumps or pores on the skin that fill with oil and dead skin, causing dark spots. People get blackheads on their neck, face, back, and chest, blemishing their skin and self-confidence. We’ll explain how to get rid of those annoying blackheads using a variety of remedies.
What Causes Blackheads?
Dirt, stress, and diet, which can cause acne, are not the reason you have blackheads. Your pores clog when dead skin cells don’t flake away and can block your pores. With the pore blocked, the oil within your glands fills, and the combination of the skin cells and oil turns dark, forming the blackhead.
Should You See a Dermatologist for Blackheads?
No. Blackheads can usually be treated at home with home remedies or skincare products. If your blackheads start to look red or irritated, you may want to see a dermatologist if you suspect an infection.
Blackheads are a natural occurrence that won’t get worse unless you dig at them with your fingers. Your best treatment options are peels, strips, or ointments for cleansing your pores.
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What Removes Blackheads Immediately?
There are many skincare products and tools that can help remove blackheads immediately. Most detoxing products will contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoid. Here is a list of dermatologist-recommended products that may get rid of your blackheads:
- Perfect Image’s Level 1 Tri-Clarity Peel Pads
- Differin Gel
- Proactiv Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment
- AcneFree Blackhead Removing Scrub with Charcoal
- Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
You can use a pore extractor, but you can injure your skin if you don’t know what you’re doing. And dermatologists don’t recommend using your fingers to squeeze the blackheads because it can cause more inflammation and create a deeper blackhead.
How Do You Get Rid of Extreme Blackheads?
To get rid of extreme blackheads, you can try a couple of things:
- Wash your face twice daily, especially after exercise.
- Exfoliate your skin by using an exfoliant with alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs).
- Utilize a pore strip to target the blackhead and remove the clogged pore gently.
- Apply oil-free sunscreen to your face to avoid clogging pores with additional oils.
- Try a chemical peel.
- Try a clay or charcoal face mask to remove additional dirt and loosen your clogged pores.
- Apply a topical retinoid to improve acne and reduce blackheads.
Looking for a non-surgical peel that can reduce the signs of blackheads? Shop our best-selling peels.
What’s the Best Blackhead Remover?
This is a very subjective question, and every dermatologist is going to have a different answer. With so many products on the market and so many different skin types, it can be challenging to name a specific product that works best for all skin types. The most effective products will contain salicylic acid or retinoid.
If you're unsure about your skin type and treatment options, you can talk to your dermatologist. They’ll be able to create a skin treatment plan and determine the best products that will work with your skin. But going to the dermatologist for blackheads isn't necessary. We recommend using the Perfect Image’s Level 1 Tri-Clarity Peel Pads.
Our Tri-Clarity Peel Pads have a powerful blend of Salicylic, Mandelic, and Azelaic acids that naturally curb acne, inflammation, and pore build-up. Well-rated by our customers, the Tri-Clarity Peel Pads can help prevent blackheads from forming and can help cleanse your skin from excess oil.
Looking for a non-surgical peel that can reduce the signs of blackheads and acne? Shop our best-selling peels.
Related Link: 5 Best Anti-Aging Sunscreens for Your Face
Can You Get Rid of Blackheads Permanently?
Unfortunately no. You cannot permanently get rid of blackheads. But you can do several things to prevent blackheads from forming and reduce how many you get. Washing your face daily and doing a monthly deep-pore cleanse can fortify your skin layer from forming too many blackheads.
Do Blackheads Just Fill Up Again?
Yes. Unfortunately, once your pores have opened and stretched, it is easy for the pores to fill up again with dirt, dead skin, and oil. To minimize your pores, The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you:
- Wash your face twice daily.
- Use only non-comedogenic skin care products.
- Use products with retinol and exfoliate your skin often.
- Wear oil-free sunscreen every day.
- By creating a daily skincare routine, you can fortify your skin barrier from acne, blackheads, and excess oils.
DIY Home Remedies for Removing Blackheads
If you prefer a more natural or DIY remedy for removing blackheads, we’ve got you covered. Here are some very easy DIYs to get rid of those annoying blackheads.
Lemon + Cotton Balls
Since blackheads are caused by oxygen reacting to clogged pores, it is only wise to think that smaller pores can help remedy the appearance of blackheads. Lemon juice is nature’s astringent. It can lighten the skin making it more vulnerable to the sun so make sure you apply sunscreen more than usual.
What you need:
- 1 lemon
- Cotton balls/pads
- A small bottle
Directions:
1. Squeeze the lemon juice into the small bottle.
2. Apply a little bit of lemon juice on your clean face three times a week at night.
3. The remaining lemon juice can be stored in the refrigerator for a week.
4. When you wake up in the morning, rinse your face with warm water.
5. Remember to apply sunscreen every day!
Baking Soda + Water
Baking soda combats blackheads because of its fine, granulated composition that helps take away blackheads from the pores.
What you need:
- 1 part baking soda
- freshwater
Directions:
1. Mix enough baking soda with water to make a paste that will cover the affected area.
2. Use a circular motion to apply the paste on the skin.
3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
4. Pat skin dry.
5. Moisturize the skin.
Honey + Milk
Honey has antibacterial properties, while the lactic acid from milk helps make the skin feel soft. When they’re put together, they act as an adhesive that can take away blackheads.
What you need:
- 1 teaspoon of organic raw honey
- 1 teaspoon of milk
- A clean strip of cotton
Directions:
1. Mix the honey and milk in a small clean bowl.
2. Heat the mixed honey and milk in the microwave for 5-10 seconds.
3. Stir the mixture again thoroughly.
4. Check to see if the mixture is at a good temperature to put on the skin.
5. Once the mixture feels good to apply, apply a thin layer on the nose or skin.
6. Then lay the cotton strip on the mixture on your skin. Gently pat the strip to adhere.
7. Leave the mixture and cotton strip for about 20 minutes to dry.
8. Once dry, peel the cotton strip from your nose/skin.
9. Rinse the skin and moisturize.
Cinnamon + Honey
Cinnamon is known to improve blood flow and circulation. Pair that with honey, and its antibacterial properties make a good combination for organic skin care items you can do at home.
What you need:
- 1 part cinnamon powder
- 1 part raw, organic honey
- A clean strip of cotton
Directions:
1. Mix the cinnamon powder and honey until you have enough paste to cover the affected area.
2. Apply a thin layer on the area.
3. Pat the clean cotton strip on the mixture.
4. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes.
5. Rinse and moisturize.
Also, try Perfect Image’s Level 1 Tri-Clarity Peel Pads for a sure way to eliminate your blackheads once and for all.
The Worst Methods for Removing Blackheads
When trying to remove blackheads, you need to resist these methods that oftentimes irate and make your skin worse:
- Don’t use harsh facial scrubs or exfoliants.
- Don’t try to manually extract the blackheads with your fingers or an extractor.
- Don’t use suction devices that can harm or inflame your face and pores or break blood vessels.
You Can Get Your Blackhead Situation Under Control
While those pesky blackheads are annoying, you can get them under control with the help of home remedies, over-the-counter skin products, or the trusty recommendations of your dermatologist. The best advice is a daily skincare routine that cleanses and prevents your pores from clogging.
Perfect Image offers a full skincare line that you can customize to your skin type and skin issues. Our high-quality peels, cleansers, moisturizers, and facials can help reduce blackheads and acne.
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