Suffering blackheads making you blue? Say bye bye to those stubborn nose and face invaders with this can’t-fail list.
From DIY natural remedies to the best pore strips you can snag at the drugstore, we’ve got you covered. Golly gee, you’ll be blackhead free faster than popcorn pops!
Our savvy derms even tackle frequently asked questions on best practices of blackhead treatments. How d’ya like them apples? Scroll down to start banishing blackheads once and for all!
The Hot Compress Method
Let me tell you, this tootsie is a tried and true classic. Simply grab a clean washcloth, run it under hot H2O, and press onto blackheads for 5-10 minutes. The heat loosens up the gunk in pores so you can extract properly. Be careful not to burn yourself!
Clay Mask Magic
Well, butter my biscuit! Applying an oil-absorbing clay mask containing bentonite or kaolin clay could suck out all sorts of impurities once a week, diminishing their appearance. We dig L’Oreal’s Detox & Brighten Clay Mask. Spread an even layer avoiding eyes and lips and leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
BHA & AHA Exfoliating Serums
Wash your face then use a cotton round to sweep these acid toners over blackhead prone areas. We’re cuckoo for Cosrx’s fan-fave Blackhead Liquid. The beta hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliant works its coccyx off loosening dead skin cells and debris. Tackling blackheads twice weekly keeps ‘em from bugging you daily!
Activated Charcoal Soap Bars
Lather up with charcoal soap in the shower to get gunk clarification! Charcoal pulls impurities from pores with no problem. And it smells dang delicious rather than medicine-y if you ask me. We adore O Naturals’ Activated Charcoal Bar made with organic oils. Just don’t use on cracked or bleeding skin.
Oil Cleansing Method
Rub-a-dub-dub, remove those blackhead nubs! Using a pure, natural oil like grapeseed or sunflower oil gives clogged pores a run for their money. Gently massage into skin with fingertips for 1-2 minutes before wiping away with a hot, damp cloth. We’re sweet on Sky Organics’ 100% Grapeseed Oil.
Diluted Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is the bee’s knees for clearing pesky blackheads when diluted properly! Mix 2-4 drops of 100% pure tea tree oil with a tablespoon of facial oil or lotion. Apply onto clean skin with a cotton swab then rinse. Don’t apply undiluted oil directly as it may sting sensitive skin.
Egg White Mask
This egg mask is no yolk for fighting blackheads and tightening pores! Whisk 1 egg white til foamy then paint onto clean skin avoiding eyes. Let sit for 10 minutes til firm before rinsing with lukewarm water. Make sure to patch test as egg can cause allergic skin reactions in some folks!
DIY Sugar Scrub
Whipping up your own face scrub can save you some dough! Stir 1 cup white granulated sugar and 1⁄4 cup olive oil or coconut oil til combined. Gently massage onto damp skin using circular motions for 2-3 minutes concentrating on nose and t-zone. Rinse then pat try. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Blackhead Strips
These self-adhesive strips stick it to blackheads by lifting out dirt, oils and dead cells when peeled off! Once or twice weekly, press onto clean dry skin on nose, chin or forehead avoiding burning or raw skin. Let sit 10-15 minutes til strip firms up before slowly removing against hair growth. Biore deep cleansing pore strips are beloved.
Visit an Esthetician
When all else fails, consider booking a facial! Licensed estheticians perform professional deep cleansing facials with steam, extraction and masks to rid skin of acne, filaments and blackheads safely with zero DIY danger. Some also offer affordable monthly treatment packages for stubborn blackheads.
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Blackhead Treatment FAQs:
What causes blackheads?
Blackheads form when dead skin and oil clog hair follicles. The surface looks dark due to skin pigment rather than being “dirty”. They commonly appear on the nose and t-zone where oil glands are largest.
How do you get rid of blackheads permanently?
There’s no permanent fix, but properly cleansing skin and performing regular exfoliating treatments can keep them at bay. Don’t pick or pop blackheads to prevent spreading bacteria and infection! Only licensed estheticians should perform extraction.
What extraction tools remove blackheads safely?
Leave extractions to the professionals! Improper poking and prodding can lead to skin trauma, lingering marks and further infection. Estheticians use sterile lancets and industrial-grade extraction tools you simply can’t replicate at home.
What’s the best daily face wash for blackheads?
Choose an oil free, non-comedogenic cleanser containing exfoliating acids like salicylic acid or glycolic acid which can dissolve dead skin and debris inside pores. We suggest salicylic cleansers like CeraVe’s Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser or Differin Daily Deep Cleanser.
Can you shrink pores permanently?
No can do! Pore size is genetic so they can’t be shrunk for good. However, minimizing oil and debris can make them appear smaller. Our top treatments listed above plus retinoids and chemical peels can all help tackle pore gunk causing stretched out pores.
So long, blackheads! Whip through our derm-approved list to get back your gorgeous, glowing skin! A few at-home spa sessions can nip pesky pore cloggers in the bud for good. And remember, resist picking or squeezing as it leads to more headaches down the road. Here’s to clear, flawless skin in 2024!