Blackheads are a frustrating form of acne. They are deeply rooted in pores, challenging to extract, and become impossible to prevent. In addition, removing them with your nails, harsh scrubs, and pore strips is harmful. Here are some simple tips for extracting blackheads safely and for preventing them from coming back.
How Do Blackheads Form?
Blackheads form when pores get clogged with dead skin cells, combined with sebum and bacteria. The junk oxidizes at the opening of the pore and results in black dots. They are most commonly found in your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). Technically they are known as open comedones.
Extraction of Blackheads
It is best to extract blackheads after taking a warm bath because it raises your skin’s temperature, softens the hardened oil, and makes it easier to extract.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser that does not strip away the natural moisture of the skin. Salicylic acid or glycolic acid are good ingredients to consider a face wash for your skin type.
- Steaming your face is a great way to loosen up your pores. You can use a facial steamer to get some heat.
- Apply a thin layer of thick moisturizer to the area having blackheads. It will create a temporary seal to trap heat in your skin.
- Cover the area with a damp washcloth or plastic wrap to ensure that heat is retained in your skin.
- Remove the facecloth after 2-3 minutes and gently pat the skin dry.
- Place your clean fingers around the blackhead and apply downward pressure. Please do not use your nails as they can puncture your skin. Also, avoid placing your fingers very close to blackheads as this can prevent blackheads from coming out.
- The extracting tool works better than your fingers. Place the open tip of the extractor on each side of the blackhead. Press gently till the blackhead comes out.
- After the extraction, wipe your skin with an antibacterial and alcohol-free toner. Finish it with a soothing gel to reduce irritation.
- Make sure not to squeeze or scrape your skin too hard.
How to Prevent Blackheads?
- Use chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid or glycolic acid twice or thrice a week. They increase the cell turnover and prevent clogging of pores.
- Use a retinoid cream as it can help to treat blackheads and clogged pores. It replaces the old and worn-out cells with new and healthy cells. The correct percentage of retinol in your skincare regimen can transform your skin.
- Use vitamin C in the form of serum or cream. It is a powerful antioxidant and has incredible power to clear blackheads.
- Do not forget to moisturize your skin daily. All acne controlling and blackhead extracting methods can over-dry your skin. Moisturizer maintains the right balance in your skin. Always choose a non-comedogenic formula to prevent clogging of pores.
Avoid Using Physical Exfoliants
Scrubbing your face with physical exfoliants is never a good idea. The hard and coarse particles can damage your skin. In addition, it leads to irritation and excessive sebum production. However, the mild cleansing scrubs with jojoba balls are fine to use. They dissolve gently and remove makeup and dirt from your face.
Consult a Dermatologist
If you have tried all the methods to extract the blackheads and still didn’t get desired results. You must consult a dermatologist. Microdermabrasion is an incredible technique to treat blackheads but can only be performed by a well-trained aesthetician
*Information in this article is not medical advice and may not be factually accurate. It is intended for entertainment purposes only. Consult with a physician before attempting any tips in this blog post and to get the most up to date factual data about any procedure or treatment.
