Rufus R. Noble Blackhead removal is one of life’s great mysteries. It’s possible that it is not so difficult as a mystery. While you can remove them, you risk traumatizing your skin and making the blackheads you have removed look like NBD . There is a middle ground regarding removing blackheads and preventing them from recurring. We reached out to experts for more information.
It is important to understand what causes dark heads. Sun Tzu said, “Know your enemy.” According to Deanne Maraz Robinson, M.D., a dermatologist from Westport, Connecticut, “Blackheads are formed when your skin’s pores become clogged with oil.” “Dead skin cells, oils, and other substances build up in the pore. “Dead skin cells and oils build up in the pore.
Blackheads can become stubborn if they aren’t treated. Some blackheads can remain for days, weeks, or months if not treated. However, your body will usually remove small whiteheads in a week to ten days,” says dermatologist Laurel Geraghty. These changes to your skin-care regimen can be helpful.
1. Use a mild cleanser to clean your skin.
Do not let your blackheads get infected by a harsh cleanse. A mild cleanser is the best option. Robinson says that a mild cleanser will not strip the skin of its moisture. This can lead to an increase in sebum production and worsen the problem. It is a favorite of hers to use cleansers with glycolic Acid, which helps clear pores. You might also consider Skin Ceuticals LHA Cleanser Gel. This cleanser, she suggests, “combines glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and glycerin, which act as moisturizers and help your skin retain its moisture.”
2. Steam your face.
It’s important to remove any debris from your pores before you try an extraction at home. You can use a face steamer to accomplish this. However, if you don’t have one, Renee Rouleau, a celebrity esthetician, has a method that works in a pinch. Take a shower, wash your face, and apply the heaviest moisturizer to the area that you are extracting. Rouleau says that a moisturizer will temporarily seal the skin to trap heat. This makes it easier to extract.
Cover the area with plastic wrap. Next, apply a hot, damp washcloth to the surface. Layer another one on top. She says that layering washcloths will help retain heat in the skin. “For safe extractions, it is important to make your skin soft. After a few minutes, take the cloth off the plastic and apply another layer of moisturizer.
3. Never use your nails if you have to squeeze.
Geraghty says that gentle extraction is the key to success when using your fingers. “I see patients every day who pick, scratch, or extract spots on their skin. This puts them at risk for permanent scarring.”
Here’s a tip: Wash your hands thoroughly, and don’t place your fingers too close to the blackhead. Rouleau says to smoothen the blackheads a little so they can be removed from deeper within your skin. To make it easier and avoid making marks, move your fingers while you squeeze. She suggests that you position your fingers at three o’clock and nine o’clock, then at five o’clock and ten, then two and seven o’clock. Do not use your nails, lest you puncture your skin.
4. You can also use an extractor tool.
Most aestheticians use an extractor tool in-office. If you want to replicate your favorite facial, this is your best option. The open tips should be placed on either side of the blackhead to ensure that it is properly used. Rouleau advises placing the tweezer’s body parallel to the area you are extracting. The curved tips should be kept on your skin. She says to gently press each blackhead on its side until it starts to come out. Apply slow pressure to the blackhead until it releases. Once you feel the skin is free, use the tweezers to gently pull the material out of the skin. Do not attempt to extract the blackhead if it does not come off easily.
After you are done, wipe your skin gently with an alcohol-free, antibacterial toner such as her Rapid Reaction Detox Toner.
5. Regularly exfoliate.
Acids are best for exfoliation. Robinson says that chemical exfoliants are better than physical ones. This means using chemical peels or alpha-hydroxy acids instead of a scrub. Scrubs can cause skin microtears.
Robinson particularly likes salicylic Acid. This can penetrate deep into your pores and dissolve any sebum that is clogging them. She says that it keeps pores clean and open. We love Beauty Rx Pores because you can use them for smaller, more blackhead-prone areas such as your nose.
6. Use a pore strip.
These are an oldie but goodies. They help to get rid of blackheads by simply removing them. Robinson says, “It’s basically putting a Band-Aid on your nose.” Robinson says, “It’s basically putting a Band-Aid on your nose.” Biore Charcoal Deep Cleansing Pore Strips combine that clearing power and charcoal’s detoxifying properties.
7. Moisturise regularly.
Blackheads can be caused by oil, but avoiding it is best. Blackheads can be minimized by balancing your skin’s oil levels (rather than making them nonexistent). Although some oils can clog pores like avocado oil, too much oil can cause your skin to produce more oil which leads to more breakouts.
“Overly dry skin can lead to excess oil-producing blackheads,” advises Christine Chin, a celebrity New York City aesthetician. “Ensure that your skin has a healthy oil flow by maintaining a balanced moisture level.
8. Use a topical retinoid.
Geraghty suggests using a topical cream retinoid such as prescription Tretinoin cream or the over-the-counter Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Therapy. Retinoids have a remarkable ability to stimulate cell turnover and reduce the likelihood of clogging. She says that a thin layer of lotion applied before bed can exfoliate the skin, reduce oiliness, prevent clogging, and remove small blackheads and whiteheads.
9. You might be interested in these gadgets.
There are several tools that can help you remove a blackhead safely if your fingers are not strong enough. Mona Gohara, M.D., a Connecticut dermatologist, recommends using a metal come done extraction tool. This is what she uses at work. We also love skin spatulas which vibrate to remove buildup from your pores.
You can also use pore vacuums to remove any skin debris. It’s important to research before you use one. Sometimes they can cause more damage than good. Gohara loves the Lonove vacuum because it offers gentle suction and blue light to calm inflammation.
If you have very deep skin, it is worth being cautious. Gohara says that those with darker skin are more likely to be hyperpigmented. To avoid skin trauma, I recommend you stay away from the use of suction and stick with gentle methods like steam extractions.
10. Use vitamin C.
Yes, ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and beta hydroxy acids are great for clearing up acne and clogged pores. Vitamin C, a popular brightening ingredient, can be extremely effective in clearing out blackheads. Rouleau explains that a blackhead is an oil that has been exposed to the air and has oxidized. This is what causes blackheads to turn black. Use an antioxidant such as vitamin C to stop this from happening and prevent oil from oxidizing too quickly.
It is important to use stable forms of vitamin C as unstable forms can cause oxidization and more blackheads. (You can also shop for more top vitamin C serums.
11. Learn how to let go of stubborn blackheads.
The darkest and most obvious blackheads should be targeted from the beginning. If one of the dark blackheads isn’t popping, take a deep breath and let it go. Rouleau says, “My general rule of thumb is three strikes, and it’s out.” “It doesn’t matter how many times you try, and it won’t work. You’ll end up damaging your skin and possibly breaking a capillary. It can always be re-used. It is better than causing harm.
There is also the possibility that the blackhead you believe to be might not actually exist. Geraghty explains that deep cysts and milia may look like blackheads. Both require more than a simple removal.
12. HydraFacial is a great option.
Gohara suggests a HydroFacial for those who suffer from blackheads. This uses gentle suction to get rid of trapped particles and infuses the skin with moisture. It is similar to a sped-up facial. Robinson says that this is a great way for your pores to stay clean and not strip your skin of its moisture.
13. Talk to a professional.
Sometimes, it is best to leave it to a professional. Rouleau says, “If it is a struggle to remove blackheads and you are not seeing results, then definitely consult a professional.”
Geraghty says that it is safer to visit a dermatologist or aesthetician who is well-trained in microdermabrasion or in-office extractions. Microdermabrasion is a gentle exfoliating treatment. It often uses a small pen or wand, which acts as a mini-sandblaster and vacuum cleaner all in one.
