10 Effective Ways to Eliminate and Prevent Blackheads

Blackheads are acne due to the deposition of oil, dead cells, and bacteria in the pores that clog the pores. These are different from white heads as they are open to the air and get oxidized when exposed to air. The face, chin, nose, and forehead are common areas where these blackheads develop. They do not affect the health but can be disturbing to those who have them. The current blog describes how to get rid of blackheads using 10 effective ways:  

Exfoliant usage:

If you are wondering on how to remove blackheads from face then exfoliating is the choice. Exfoliating the skin removes the dead cells from the skin that contribute to clogging of the pores and blackhead development. Exfoliants remove the dead cells from the superficial layer, clear the oil and pores, and reduce the chance of the formation of blackheads. Exfoliants that contain salicylic acid, beta hydroxy acid, or alpha hydroxy acid can remove blackheads without damaging the skin. These are compounds that should be a part of the skin care regimen. The exfoliants should be applied 2-3 times a week gently. Over-exfoliating should be avoided as it can cause skin irritation and increase oil production. If the skin gets excessively dried try to reduce the concentration for blackhead removal.  

Cleansing the skin:  

Cleansing the skin removes dead cells, dirt, oil, bacteria and impurities on the skin, and blackheads on nose . It also helps to prevent the skin from clogging and the buildup of dead skin cells and impurities. They also maintain a healthy barrier to the skin and balance oil production. Use of a gentle cleanser that is non-comedogenic will not block the pores or cause skin irritation. This can be used two times a day in the morning after waking up and before bedtime. The type of cleanser should be selected based on the skin type like oily, dry, or combination type.  

Clay mask:

Clay masks are one of the ways of blackhead removal on nose by getting rid of the dirt, and impurities, absorbing excess oil, and clearing the pores of clogging. This keeps the skin clean, and fresh and detoxifies the skin. Bentonite clay and kaolin clay are some of the important masks that can be used to detoxify skin and remove blackheads on nose. The clay masks can be used 1-2 times a week to prevent the formation of blackheads. This is of great benefit for those with oily or combination skin to prevent excess oil production. Apply the mask on the skin and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Then wash it with warm water followed by the use of moisturizer.  

Use of salicylic acid products:

If you thinking on how to remove blackheads from nose then salicylic products are one of the options. The use of skin exfoliants, cleansers, and toners that contain salicylic acid clears and prevents the development of blackheads. The salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores, dissolves oils, and dead skin cells, prevents clogging, reduces blackheads, and exfoliates the skin. Use of 2% salicylic acid once a day in the form of toners, exfoliants, or cleansers helps reduce the blackheads. Over usage of salicylic acid can lead to dryness and irritation. Hence the concentration of salicylic acid should be used mindfully without overdrying and irritation.  

Steaming:

Steaming the face helps remove the blackheads on nose, dirt, impurities, and bacteria and cleanses the skin deeply. Steaming enlarges the pores, loosens the pores, softens the blackheads oil or debris, and makes it easier to remove. Steaming also helps to absorb the skin care products in a better way than others. Steaming can be done easily by using a bowl of hot water and covering the head with a towel for 5-10 minutes. After steaming one can use a clay mask or a gentle exfoliator to remove blackheads. This can be done 1-2 times per week followed by exfoliating or masking.  

Retinoids:

If you are searching for how to get rid of blackheads and improve skin texture then retinoids are the choice. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that increase cell turnover and multiplication and prevent clogging by removing the blackheads. They clear the pores, by reducing the oil production, and also prevent future skin breakouts. They keep the pores clear and reduce the number of blackheads. Tretinoin is one of the high-strength retinoids recommended by dermatologists for blackhead removal. One can also use over-the-counter products by applying the blackheads 2-3 times a week. In case of skin irritation stop the usage of retinoids and find an alternative.

Moisturizing:  

Moisturizing the skin can help in blackhead removal. Dehydration can lead to increased oil production, loss of skin barrier, and irritation. One has to use lightweight non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides hydrate the skin and maintain the natural skin barrier. They keep the skin pH balanced and reduce the number of breakouts. One can start using a light moisturizer twice a day after washing the skin with an exfoliant in the morning and also before bedtime. The type of moisturizer selected depends on the type of skin such as oily, combination, or dry skin.  

Make-up:

Using heavy makeup can clog the pores making it difficult for blackhead removal and lead to breakouts. Hence one has to opt for non-comedogenic makeup products that do not clog the pores by forming blackheads. Oil-free, water based non-comedogenic makeup products can be used on the face. They allow the skin to breathe and prevent blackhead formation. One has to remove the makeup before hitting the bed using a makeup remover or cleanser.  

Charcoal mask:  

If you are thinking about how to remove blackheads from face then charcoal masks that contain activated charcoal are the best option. Activated charcoal removes impurities from the pores, prevents clogging, and removes excess oil and dirt that has clogged the pores. They bring to the blackheads and pull them from the pores. It also detoxifies the skin, and leaves the skin fresh, without drying the natural oils of the skin. Charcoal mask can be used 1-2 times a week by placing the mask over the face removing it after 10-15 minutes and rinsing off with warm water.  

Avoid overwashing:

Overwashing the skin can have negative effects stripping the skin of natural oils, dryness, and increasing the number of blackheads on nose. The use of harsh cleansers or exfoliants can hurt the skin due to inflammation and dryness. One has to use gentle products while cleansing the face and limit washing the face to two times a day.  

Various in-office procedures can reduce the number of blackheads. These include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and extraction of blackheads using a comodone extractor.  

How to prevent blackheads:

Blackheads can be prevented by taking the following care:

• Prevent picking the skin as it can cause bacterial infection and permanent scarring.  
• Use correct skin care products based on the skin type  
• Make products should not be harsh and remove the makeup before sleeping.  
• Use adhesive strips and face masks that can remove the pores from the skin.  

Blackheads are annoying and embarrassing collections causing skin pore clogging. The blackhead removal can be done effectively by following specific skin care at home or in a dermatologist or cosmetologist's office. Based on the type of skin one can select the effective way that can help remove the blackheads and maintain the health of the skin.