8 Of The Best Ways To Get Rid Of Blackheads

Now we know what a blackhead is, let’s take a look at our first way to help you along with your blackhead removal. Our first pick is using a retinoid product. If this sounds like a foreign concept, let’s explain. Retinoid is an over-the-counter or prescription cream used in the treatment of acne and blemishes.

Simone Kitchens of Huffington Post explains that a retinoid product is essentially a derivative of Vitamin A.

There are different strengths of retinoid. Prescription strength formulations are going pack more of a punch. However, there are plenty of over-the-counter alternatives that can be just as effective for the treatment of blackheads.

So how does retinoid cream work, exactly? Retinoid cream works by targeting the receptors on the skin. This helps to improve the way the skin grows and inevitably sheds, helping to avoid the end result of acne.

The outer layer of your skin can even out and get thicker. The outer dead layer of your skin has the chance to shed more efficiently. Because of this new level of shedding, you may experience peeling.

However, if you use retinoid every day for several weeks, this peeling will subside, and you will experience clear, glowing skin.

We have to throw a home remedy in here, because you may already have this blackhead removal product in your kitchen pantry.

Simone continues by saying that another great way to deal with those pesky blackheads is by exfoliating them.

A word of warning, however. Scrubbing away at your skin isn't entirely risk-free – you want to take it gently. Rubbing too hard can strip new skin away before it's had a chance to grow.

Using brushes and sponges can often be the result of this harshness, even if you don't feel like it's too rough. That's why it's a good idea to find something less abrasive to run across your skin.

Baking soda has many health benefits and proven cleaning features. Among these, is helping with your blackhead removal.

Dermatologists use baking soda in the process of microdermabrasion, an exfoliating method in itself. When you mix baking soda with water, you get a soft scrubbing paste.

The gritty components of the baking soda will be just enough to create a soft exfoliation. Do this regularly, and you can say goodbye to your blackheads.

We've already mentioned that blackheads are mild acne. Because of this, it's appropriate to suggest trying an acne medicine to help you achieve your clear skin goals. Medical News Today explains that using a prescription or over-the-counter acne medicine with blackheads can be useful.

They point to topical creams that you apply directly to the problem area.

Two popular acne medications are Azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Other prescription medications include tretinoin, tazarotene, and adapalene.

The last three acne medications work by helping to prevent blockages from forming at the entry point of your hair follicles. This, in turn, will promote more rapid growth and turnover of skin cells, getting them out of the way.

We think it’s worth noting acne medicine is a good option if you’re starting to run out of effective treatments and nothing seems to be working. Typically, people turn to prescription acne medication when their acne has worsened to the point that requires medical intervention.

If you're not at this stage yet, we recommend trying out our other blackhead removal tips first and see how you get along.

Christina Pai of ​Glamour​ talks about how microneedling dealt a permanent blow to her blackheads.

Let’s break microneedling down, so you know what you're getting yourself into.

Microneedling is a procedure carried out by a dermatologist. It involves a pen that has hundreds of tiny needles. This pen swipes in circular motions across the surface of your skin. The tiny needles cause little injuries to the first couple of layers of your skin.

Because of these injuries, your skin has no choice but to begin the repair process. The inevitable side effect of your skin repairing itself is an increase in elastin and collagen production.

This can help to minimalize the look of your pores and smooth out your skin.

Before this procedure is carried out, the dermatologist will apply a topical numbing cream, so you shouldn’t feel anything.

Microneedling typically takes two or three sessions to be effective. When applied to areas of the skin where you may have acne scarring or active blemishes, the needles will go a little bit deeper. This is to penetrate through to the good skin you have underneath.

The deeper the needles are able to penetrate, the more repair your skin is forced to do. This can result in clear, radiant skin.

While we’re mainly focusing on treatments designed to remove the blackheads once they’re there, we also wanted to share a bit of advice on what you can do to prevent getting blackheads in the first place. Molly Roemer of Total Beauty says that moisturizing is one of your best forms of artillery in the fight against the formation and appearance of blackheads.

The reason why moisturizer is effective at preventing blackheads is that it keeps the skin nice and hydrated. Dry skin is notorious for causing breakouts. This is because overly dry skin can start to produce oils in the outer layers that are known for creating blackheads.

While it's relatively common knowledge that too much oil in your skin can mean blackheads, so can too little oil as well. It's all about a delicate, clean balance.

Molly recommends using an oil-free moisturizer. Moisturizers that have hyaluronic acid in them can deeply hydrate the skin, which means you won’t have to moisturize as often. By keeping the levels of your skin's moisture balanced, you can help to prevent breakouts like blackheads.

Remember, always use a moisturizer that has an SPF.

Let's take a quick trip back to the pharmacy and talk about another blackhead fighting ingredient that you'll find in a lot of over-the-counter products.

Healt​​hline says that this ingredient is salicylic acid.

The reason why this is a preferred ingredient in many different acne fighting products is that it helps to break down the two parts of the skin that cause blackheads: dead skin cells and excess oil.

You can even find salicylic acid in daily facial cleansers. By choosing one that contains salicylic acid, you can help to prevent any more blackheads from breaking out by merely cleaning your face daily.

If you wash your face twice a day, consider using your salicylic acid cleanser for just one of these washes at first. It's vital you give your skin time to get used to the new product, especially if you have particularly sensitive skin.

We recommend using your new cleanser at night before you go to bed, then using your regular cleanser in the morning. That way, the salicylic acid can fight those blackheads while you sleep.

Once your skin is used to the product, you can use it for both of your daily face washes. It’s important to remember that not everyone’s skin works well with salicylic acid, however.

Using facemasks is a great way to work on those blackheads.

Healthline continues by pointing to two effective facemasks for your skin.

Clay masks are a great way to fight blackheads because they are a sworn enemy of oily skin.

They soak up oil, dirt, and any other nasty things you may have hiding in your pores.

Clay masks may even be able to loosen and remove dirt from your clogged pores, too, which is why they’re great with blackheads.

There are also clay masks that contain sulfur. Sulfur is an active element that helps to break down dead skin cells.

Charcoal masks are another elixir of clear, radiant skin. They work their magic deep down in the skin to draw up any unwanted overstayers, including dead skin and oil.

There are ingredients in charcoal that are thought to be even more useful on this task than clay. It's up to you which one you prefer the feel of.

We’d like to finish with another natural remedy for triumphant blackhead removal.

According to Meenal Rajapet of Style ​​Craze, tea tree oil is excellent for the removal of blackheads.

This is because it has powerful disinfectant and antibacterial properties that both help to fight and prevent further breakouts.

Tea tree oil soaks into the skin, finding its way right underneath your clogged pores. Once it’s penetrated your skin deep enough and removed unwanted dirt, it disinfects and dries out the pores, naturally drawing out the blackhead.

Simply mix tea tree oil with water. We recommend that you steam your face prior for five to ten minutes. This will help to open your pores.

Apply your tea tree oil and water mixture. Leave this concoction to soak into your face for up to fifteen minutes. When the time is up, rinse with warm water and dry with a fresh towel.

We recommend using this method twice a week as a blackhead fighting boost, along with your daily cleanser.