Blackhead removal is an important part of maintaining a clear complexion. Blackheads are those tiny dark dots that appear in the the pores, particularly around the nose and cheeks. While usually only noticeable up close (except for those with larger pores), blackheads represent a clogged pore and if left untreated can eventually become a pimple, which is something that is much easier for others to see. No list of acne tips would be complete without addressing this very common skin problem.
It’s best to deal with these pesky little dots before they become a bigger problem because blackhead removal is a lot easier than getting rid of pimples or pimple scars. You can remove blackheads using physical methods or chemical ones. Manual extraction is the cheapest option. Although dermatologists can’t really recommend it, the majority of people deal with blackheads by simply squeezing them out of the skin. If you choose this route, it is best to approach them after a hot, steamy shower which should help soften them. Then, using clean fingers, apply gentle pressure on either side of the blackhead and it should come out. If it doesn’t come out easily, don’t force it. Just leave it there for the next time. Be particularly careful if you have sharp fingernails as they can tear your skin and allow bacteria to enter.
Another popular physical extraction method for blackhead removal is using pore strips. These are precut pieces of paper sold in many drug stores with a special glue coating on one side. You simply apply the sticky side to your face, leave it there for a set period of time (usually around ten minutes) and then when you pull it off, the blackheads should come right off with it. You can confirm its efficacy by looking at the strip and seeing all the contents of your pores stuck to it. It’s not pretty, but many people find it gratifying to see all the awful pore-clogging material they managed to get out of their face.
The top chemical blackhead removal treatment is BHA, also known as salicylic acid. Look for products that contain these ingredients, which act as a chemical exfoliant. You can find BHA in creams, face washes, toners, lotions, and other skin care products that you can use daily to keep the blackheads at bay. You could also try to use a clay mask. The clay helps to draw out the impurities and leave your pores clear. These masks can only be used once a week, however, and aren’t recommended for dry skin types.
As you can see, there are many ways to fix a blackhead problem, so experiment with these ideas on how to get rid of blackheads until you find the right trick that works for you. Remember that the removal of blackheads is critical to avoiding future pimples and breakouts. Keeping the skin clean by washing daily with a mild antibacterial soap can make a big difference in how many black heads you get in the future. Also try to have some patience because it’s not a problem that will go away overnight and you should never force a blackhead out that is not ready to be extracted.
