Blackheads are dark, bumpy plugs that may appear on the nose, face, neck, chest, or back. Blackheads, otherwise called open or open pores comedones, are simply a collection of debris and dirt inside your pores that oxidizes with air to give it a black color and form blackheads.
If you have busted a gut for blackhead removal without success; hold on; we got you covered! Here we will dissect all the different ways to remove blackheads permanently!
So, Let’s get straight into it!
1-Pick ingredients that help with blackhead removal
Salicylic Acid
Yes, you guess it right! Salicylic acid is a superhero ingredient for acne (whiteheads and especially blackheads).
As the dirt, dead cells, and excess oil from your skin congest your pores, they block. When they interact with air, it oxidizes them. Thus, it makes them appear black, forming blackheads. And here is where the role of this face acid comes into play!
Several studies support the role of salicylic acid on your skin. In a nutshell, here is what it does for your skin:
- It exfoliates your skin, which allows you to get rid of dry and dead skin cells. That, in turn, gets newer cells to the top of your skin. You get that glam glow back!
- Break down comedones or, to put it simply, decongest your pores. Thus, you unplug your pores of all the gird to get a flawless look.
- Also, help you get rid of mild acne and even prevent frequent breakouts.
- So, it soothes and reduces redness and calms your skin!
- It is a good option for a chemical peel!
Thus, these effects of salicylic acid suggest how it does wonders for quick blackheads removal.
With that said, wondering how much of this is enough to make it work. Well, a study suggests that:
Use 0.5 to 2% of salicylic acid, and yay! You can put an end to it!
Look for salicylic acid in:
- Cleansers
- Chemical Exfoliators
- Spot Treatment Creams
- Soaps
As a side note, it’s not just acne or blackheads that get away with salicylic acid. There are a ton of other skin conditions for which your derm may prescribe you salicylic acid, such as:
- Teenage acne
- Melasma (pigmentation)
- Sun damage to the skin
- Freckles
- Lentigines
Tea Tree Oil
Well! Natural is always better. Tea tree oil is a natural essential oil that comes from its plant.
- It reduces inflammation in your skin. Thus, it calms and soothes it. The same does for hair follicles. Therefore, the pores are less congested.
- It fights against bacteria, reducing the chances of pore swelling.
How much is enough? Well, the study conducted; shows that 5% of tea tree oil gel; works well for blackheads.
Look for tea tree oil in:
- Moisturizers
- Face Scrubs
Witch Hazel
Another natural ingredient for blackheads removal is witch hazel. The way it causes blackhead removal is:
- Deep cleanse your pores and unplugs them. That reduces the possibility of getting blackheads in the first place.
- Also, it protects your skin by fighting free radicals.
- It reduces swelling on your skin. Remember, inflamed skin is always prone to acne (including blackheads).
Look for witch hazel in:
- Cleansers
- Pore Strips
- Toners
Glycolic Acid
Another face acid for blackheads removal! Glycolic acid, otherwise known as fruit peel, is an excellent exfoliant. That comes from sugarcane. It is a weak organic acid that removes dead skin from your skin, including ones that clog up your pores and form blackheads.
And, guess what! The small size allows it to get into your skin deeper enough, to dissolve all; the excess oil and sebum.
That may even prevent more blackheads form; in the first place. Sounds promising? Yeah, it is!
Besides blackheads removal, it does well for:
- Fading acne marks
- Lightening dark skin patches
- Defying the effects of aging on the skin
Glycolic acid comes from 1% up to 50% strength. So, how much glycolic acid should you use for blackheads removal?
Well, studies suggest that:
- Use 30% or more to exfoliate your skin and decongest pores.
- Use 15% or less to prevent pores from blocking.
Look for glycolic acid in:
Retinols
Vitamins everywhere! Retinols come from Vitamin A. Studies suggest that they work great for all types of acne, including blackheads. They:
- Increase skin cell turnover. That is, it removes dead cells and boosts new cell growth. No chance for things to clog up!
- Also, it prevents everything from clogging up pores (maybe microbes or excess oils).
Wonder what makes retinol so unique in removing deep blackheads? It is that they dive deep into your skin and aid blackheads removal effectively.
Also, as they get right into the dermis, they help you reclaim your youth by boosting collagen!
Use 0.25 to 1.5% of retinol to clear blackheads. However, if our skin is sensitive, try lesser strength first.
Look for retinoids
- Serums
- Dedicated creams for blackheads removal
Since retinol increases cell turnover, it makes your skin more prone to sun damage. So, never forget to hit on your sunscreen when using retinol.
Use them in the evening before you hit the bed.
Also, do not use pore strips for blackhead removal when using retinol. Remember, your skin is delicate when you use retinol!
Now, let’s talk about many ways by which you can get quick blackhead removal.
2-Cleanse through your pores (with cleansing oils)
The core step to every skin care is cleansing. The same is true for getting rid of blackheads.
But what if I tell you that you can remove blackheads by using cleansing oils? Yeah, I know. You may wonder how oil can help you against it when excess oils clogging pores are causing it in the first place.
Well, the answer is quite simple. The idea behind it is that like dissolves like.
So, here is what I mean.
That is a nasty-looking blackhead.
As you apply cleansing oils to your dry face, it settles deep into your pores surrounding impurities.
With gentle circular motions with your wet hands, oil emulsifies impurities, taking them along with it and clearing your pores.
Booyah! You did it!
You can choose your cleansing oil as a plant-based or synthetic cleansing oil.
Plant-based cleansing oil, for instance, may include:
- Sunflower Seed Oil
- Olive Oil
Synthetic oils may include:
- Caprylic triglyceride
- Isopropyl Myristate
So, if your skin reacts to plant-based oils, you can choose synthetic ones with fewer plant oils.