6 ways to banish blackheads from your skin
Are blackheads ruining your otherwise even and smooth complexion? Blackheads are problematic in two ways — one, they stand out because of their dark color and two; they can be extremely difficult to get rid of. Blackheads are so tempting to pick, but we all know that picking at your skin is an absolute no no (if you don’t know why read our article on skin care mistakes here). If you struggle with blackheads but don’t know why you have them or how to get rid of them, we’re here to give you the lowdown on treating these pesky skin blemishes.
Why do I have blackheads?
The first step in banishing blackheads is to understand what they are and why they occur. Blackheads develop when there is excess oil produced inside the pore that is unable to fully escape. When this excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and is exposed to air, it oxidizes and turns black.
Blackheads occur more frequently on oily and combination skin, but can also be a result of poor skin care. If you regularly sleep with your make up on, you might increase your chances of getting blackheads. Makeup can block pores and prevent oil from being released which can result in blackheads.
6 Ways to Avoid and Treat Blackheads
1. Cleanse with Salicylic Acid
Cleansing is crucial if you have blackhead-prone skin. Twice a day you should cleanse your skin with a gentle yet effective cleanser that contains this ingredient. Try Garnier SkinActive’s Clean+ Pore Purifying 2-in-1 Cleanser/Mask, which removes surface impurities. This product is also infused with charcoal to help draw out impurities and give skin a radiant glow.
2. Exfoliate Regularly
As we mentioned earlier, dead skin cells on the surface of skin are a one of the main causes of blackheads. Exfoliating can help remove dead surface skin cells. Garnier SkinActive’s Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub slough off dead skin and helps reveal a layer of fresh skin.
3. Use Toner
Toner is also helpful against blackheads as it can remove any excess oils in blackhead-prone areas. It can also help balance your skin’s pH which helps regulate the skin’s oil production. It also has light exfoliating qualities, but avoid toners that contain alcohol and other aggressive irritants. These ingredients can strip your skin of its moisture and cause irritation which can worsen the appearance of blackheads.
4. Mud masks
Mud or clay masks can draw out impurities from your skin and regulate oil production while minimizing the appearance of your pores – this makes them the perfect product to use in your fight against blackheads. Consider using one once a week and see how your skin responds.
5. Use the Right Moisturizer
Even though blackheads are caused by excess oil, don’t think that you should try to “dry out” your skin to prevent them from forming. In fact, if you don’t hydrate your oily or blemish-prone skin, it will likely produce more oil, worsening your blackhead situation. Repeat after us, moisturizer is a very important part of your skin care routine. Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer that regulates oil production. Avoid moisturizers that can clog your pores and increase the occurrence of blackheads.
6. Retinoids
Retinoids are a derivative of Vitamin A and are antioxidants with exfoliating qualities.. It also helps the appearance of your skin by making it look more even and radiant. You should use retinoids in the form of a serum or moisturizer a few times a week to reap their exfoliating and restorative benefits.
How to treat skin post-blackheads
Pores can appear enlarged because of blackheads. There are many products with antioxidants that can help reduce the appearance of large pores.
