I have always gotten blackheads on my face as I’ve grown up, and I’ve always wondered how to get rid of them, at times I would try and hide them with my makeup but they would always show through so, I decided to research about them and what causes them and how to get rid of them.
How do you get rid of blackheads?
- Diet
- Face masks (clay face masks with charcoal)
- Exfoliating the Skin
- Clairsonic
- Nose Strips
- Facial Peels
- Facials (microdermabrasion )
- Detoxifying Face Masks
- Avoiding Greasy Products
- Natural Diy Face Masks
- DIY Black Head Extractor
- Cleansing the skin daily with the right products
What Is The Cause Of Blackheads
Blackheads are caused due to overactive sebaceous glands which are known as the oil-producing glands of the skin. When blackheads occur it because the oil collects and sits in the skin’s pores and hardens over time. Since the pores are opened and have oils, the dead skin cells in them which do harden in the pores with a mixture of the pores being exposed to air oxidizes which makes the pore appear black.
This is known as a blackhead. When the pore is closed and the oils and dirt are trapped in the pore it usually is known as known to be a white head. Washing the skin every day won’t get rid of blackheads. It’s one of the most stubborn things to remove. Getting rid of blackheads can be a pain. To prevent them from reoccurring is the main key because most of the time they will most likely reoccur.
It is important to prevent blackheads from occurring because when the pores are fully blocked the oil gland can get fully infected with creates a pimple.
Tip #1. Your Diet
Blackheads are common in oily skin types. What we put into our bodies does affect the way our skin appears on the surface. Certain foods such as excessive fats, carbohydrates, and sugars increase the secretion of the skin. It’s important to incorporate more natural foods such as fruits and vegetables in our daily diet because such foods have many benefits towards our skin. There are certain vitamins that really help our skin which natural foods contain,
Here are some key vitamins to incorporate in your daily diet to help improve the appearance of your skin:
Vitamin C: which is known to help create collegian for the skin. This usually helps with radiance and helps prevents wrinkles. It can be found in pineapple, cantaloupe, mangos, papaya, strawberries, and blueberries.
Vitamin E: is another vitamin great for the skin because it helps protect the membranes of the skin. This usually helps damaged skin. You can find this vitamin in foods such as Spinach, broccoli, almonds, peanuts, and walnuts.
Vitamin K: is an essential vitamin that can help heal the skin. It’s good at healing bruises. It can be found in foods such as kale and cabbage.
Having a diet with high antioxidants is also beneficial to the skin because it brings radiance to the skin along with antiaging properties. This can be found in foods such as pomegranate and apples.
There are two ways that I personally incorporate these vitamins in my diet one way is through having daily smoothies. A simple recipe that I have daily would include something like this:
½ a cup of frozen pineapple( vitamin C)
½ cup of frozen mango (vitamin C)
½ a green apple (antioxidants)
½ a avocadoe ( Vitamin C,E and K)
½ cup of kale (vitamin K)
½ spinach (vitamin E)
1 table spoon of honey (for a sweeter taste)
½ of coconut water for some hydration
Blend these ingredients in the mornings before you start your day so that it can give your body all the benefits required plus it will help you have a cleaner diet.
Another way that I get my vitamins into my diet is through supplements. Always consult with a doctor before trying any recommended supplements. The one I always take is My Kind Organics which is an organic plant collagen builder which helps with hair, skin, and nails. This helps you maintain beautiful skin with the vitamins that are essential for healthy looking skin.
Tip #2 Using Face Masks
Applying a weekly face mask can do wonders to the skin. I never understood the point of them at one point, but I have seen the difference it does to the skin. Face masks are usually applied to cleansed skin for 10- 20 mins. The purpose of most face masks especially charcoal masks is that they help detox the skin of any dirt, oils, and impurities. There are two types of face masks to keep in mind one being a clay mask and the other being a sheet mask.
When using charcoal clay masks it usually comes in a container and is applied to cleansed skin. This usually absorbs any excess oil that may be sitting in the pores which sometimes it can even remove blackheads. When a charcoal clay mask is left on the skin for approximately 10-20 minutes to remove the oil, dirt, and makeup that is sitting in the pores. Sometimes you can even see the excess oil is absorbed by the charcoal clay masks.
This also helps the pores appear smaller. A clay mask is also another way that helps exfoliate dead skin which can help brighten the skin. It’s suitable for all skin types. A great charcoal mask that does the trick all the time is Glam Glow Supermud Clearing Treatment.
The second way of using a mask to help detox the skin is by using sheet masks. These are usually inexpensive and can be found almost anywhere. Its usually applied onto cleansed skin. Sheet masks are usually non-greasy masks which have extracts that draw out impurities that clog the pores its an excellent way of deep cleaning the skin.
She masks is a sheet that is applied on the skin for at least 15 mins and have ingredients such as charcoal, algae extract and hyaluronic acid which helps detox the skin will minimizing pores. Sheet masks don’t require you to rinse your face but rather rub the ingredients into the skin afterward.
The one that I found works well for blackheads is the Garnier SkinActive The Super-Purifying Charcoal Sheet Mask. It minimizes the look of pores because of its ability to remove the oils that sit in the pores to make them appear larger. The first step to preventing blackheads from occurring is by removing oils and dried skin that can be trapped in the pores which can potentially turn into blackheads. Such face masks can help prevent blackheads from occurring.
Tip #3 Exfoliating the skin
It’s really important to exfoliate the skin at least once or twice a week. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells that sit on top of the skin. This can prevent the build-up of dried skin cells sitting in the pores which could turn into blackheads. When exfoliating the skin weekly it can lead to a lot of other benefits such as better radiance and it allows your skincare products to absorb into the skin better. The Body Shops Vitamin C Glow-Boosting Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Face Scrub.
This exfoliator has microparticles that have crushed garnet stones which help remove dead skin cells giving the skin more radiance. This improves the skins overall texture and has Vitamin C to encourage collegian production to the skin. When applying an exfoliator to the skin make sure you massage it onto cleansed skin in a gentle circular motion this will not only remove dead skin cells but also help with blood circulation which will help with the radiance of the skin.
Tip #4 Clarisonic
The Clarisonic is another device that can help really improve the overall appearance of the skin. it’s one of the best ways to exfoliate and deep clean your skin. There are several brush heads that cleanse the skin. If you do have a Clarisonic or are thinking of it one of the brush heads that can help prevent blackheads is the Clarisonic Deep Pore Brush Head. I have written an article about the Clarisonic Brush heads here.
The Clarisonic is a cleansing brush that cleanses the face with a gentle spinning circular motion which deep cleans the skin by lifting away any dirt and oils that may be sitting in the pores of the skin. This particular brush head is suitable for normal/combination skin types to oily skin types.
The Clarisonic has a built-in timer so that you don’t overdo it with cleansing the skin. The timer times the face about 30 seconds. The Clairsonic Deep Pore Brush Head would require a gel or foam cleanser for your skin type so that it can deep clean the pores in which it removes oil and dirt build up. Not only does it prevent blackheads from occurring but removes them with continuous use.
A lot of products on the market will remove the blackheads but not prevent them from coming back whereas this device will do that. The Clarisonic can be used once or twice a day. The Clarisonic is gentle enough to cleanse all skin types even sensitive skin types and even has brushes built for sensitive skin types. This product has reduced and even removed blackheads from my skin check out my review on it.
Tip #5 Using Nose Strips
If you suffer from blackheads around your nose this can be a big pain to remove. One of the ways to remove blackheads from the skin. However, it doesn’t treat the problem it’s up to us to treat the problem through proper skin care. The way nose strips work is by applying the strip on cleansed skin which is slightly moistened. The strip usually stays on the nose for approximately 10-15 minutes. Once the strip is dry it should slowly be peeled off and the blackheads are usually on the strip.
This is a good way to quickly remove blackheads from the surface of the skin. Again it’s up to us to prevent the blackheads from occurring through great skincare regimes. The nose strips I currently own is the nose strips is the Biore Charcoal Nose Strips, this nose strips deep clean use the power of charcoal to remove blackheads from the skin. These nose strips are inexpensive and are worth trying.
Tip #6 Using Facial Peels
There are two types of facial peels that can help remove black heads from the skin. There are facial masks which when you apply to the skin in which the facial peel is applied to the skin and left to dry for about 10-15 minutes which dries up almost like glue and needs to be peeled off the skin. These types of face peels lift up dirt, oils, dead skin cells and blackheads. If you suffer from blackheads all over the face these types of products are worth trying out. It should be used once or twice a week depending on your skin type.
I personally think such products require a patch test because of the way it requires to be removed epically if you have sensitive skin. Oily skin types would benefit more from this type of a product because it treats oily skin which is prone to larger pores which are more likely to have blackheads. Most of this blackhead peel off masks contain charcoal which again helps pull up oils and dirt from the skin along with blackheads.
Tip #7 Facials
Facials are defiantly worth checking out. The reason being is because a facial usually requires a beautician to cleanse the skin and open the pores up with steam. Sometimes they may use a black head extraction to remove blackheads. These types of facials involve a lot of essential oils which can benefit the skin in other ways.
Another type of facial would be beneficial for blackheads is microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion should always be consulted with a dermatologist to see if it’s worth trying out. Microdermabrasion consists of 10-20 appointments depending on the skin concern. In regards to the removal of blackheads, it uses tiny crystals that are sprayed all over the skin so that can be exfoliated.
This is an effective way of getting blackheads removed due to the intense work. If you want to try something less time consuming and less costly then its worth trying out Estee Lauders Perfectionist Peel. This particular peel has almost the same effect of microdermabrasion it’s an at-home micro peel which focuses more on the skins natural cell turn over and reveals a smoother more glowing complexion.
It has AHA known as Alph Hydroxy Acid and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) which is meant to help treat the skin after usage. This micro peel has other benefits such as reducing the look of pores, creating instant radiance, reducing flakiness and roughness and helps with uneven skin types.
Tip #8 Detoxifying Face Masks
A detoxifying face mask is something that can make a world of a difference. There are different types of facial masks one of them discussed being a clay mask. The one that I find really works with my skin is to detoxify the pores is a cream-based facial mask. This type of mask I personally use once a week. The Estee Lauder Nightwear plus 3 Minute Detox Mask does the job in less time.
This works really well in deep cleaning oily pores and reducing the size of the pores which can prevent further blackheads from occurring. This type of product is more of a skin maintenance item to use after a few days of removing blackheads. The reason being is because it gets into the pores and keeps it clean which will later prevent further blackheads from occurring.
It has many other benefits besides cleaning the pores such as bringing radiance to the skin and just brightening the skin. I like the fact that this face mask only takes about three minutes to detoxify the skin and keeps it radiant and moisturized. It should always be done at night before going to bed.
Tip #9 Avoid Greasy Products
We now know the contribution to blackheads is oily skin. If you have oily skin the best thing to do is avoid products that can make your skin even more oily. Look at products that are more oil-free because having more oily products on oily skin will only contribute to the oiliness which can lead to future breakouts and blackheads.
Products that can help mattify the skin usually help oily skin types. For example, a good moisturizer for oily skin types would be The Body Shops Sea Weed Oil Control Gel Cream.
Tip #10 How to get rid of blackheads naturally
As we know the cause of blackheads is the pores secreting oils which then sit in the pores and collect dead skin cells and then later oxidizes and turns into a black head. Sometimes certain face washes can just make things worse because it can make the skin dry out where the skin will only just secrete more oils which don’t solve the problem of having more blackheads or maybe you have sensitive skin and some products may not agree with your skin.
Natural options are always worth checking out in that respect. The main way to really control the oil control is by preventing the pores from secret excess oils. There is a natural remedy that can be used daily to help prevent and control blackheads which consist of
- 1 tablespoon of Seaweed lotion( is known to help control further oil secretion)
- 1 tablespoon of Honey (natural moisturizer)
- 1 tablespoon of Yoghurt ( has enzymes that work well as a natural cleanser and also helps with oily skin)
- 1 egg for the Egg white (tightens the pores and also and works as a natural cleanser)
This natural face mask should be worn for about 10-15 mins so that It not only cleanses, tightens the pores of the skin it will also remove any extra dead skin cells that may be sitting on the top of the skin. This face mask can be used every night and should be applied on the face in a gentle circular motion. This face mask will leave your skin smooth and supple after use.
Tip #11 DIY Blackhead Extractor
Is it okay to squeeze out blackheads?
One of the ways to get rid of your blackheads is by using a blackhead extractor. When using a blackhead extractor it should be used with caution because if you use it the wrong way it can cause scarring. There are two types of black head extractors that can be used at home one is a metal tool that has a look at the end of it and the other type looks like a set of tweezers. Because blackheads in an opened pore it’s easier to extract the blackhead out. Here are a few items you will need when performing blackhead extraction.
- 99.99 Rubbing alcohol to sanitize tools
- A magnifying mirror to see what you’re doing
- Cleanser and exfoliator for the skin
- Steamer or a hot cloth to open up the pores more
- Witch hazel or tea tree oil so it can be used as an antibacterial on the skin.
How to extract black heads for your skin at home:
Step 1: cleanse and exfoliate your skin- make sure your skin is cleansed and exfoliated before any extraction occurs because you don’t want other bacteria getting into the pores that were sitting on top of the skin
Step 2: open the pores either with a facial steamer or a hot washcloth (rinse a clean washcloth in hot water and ring it out). Apply the hot cloth on the area where you plan on extracting blackheads. If your using a hot cloth leave it on your skin for about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: using 99.99 rubbing alcohol disinfect all you blackhead extraction tools
Step 4: looking in a magnified mirror use the blackhead extraction tool to gently remove blackheads which should be pushed towards you. If your using the black head extracting tweezer gently remove the blackheads out of the pores.
Step 5: once the blackhead extraction has occurred use a facial antibacterial to prevent any other dirt and oils getting into the pores. You can either use witch hazel or tea tree oil.
Step 6: (optional) you can do a face mask to further detoxify the pores.
Tip #12 Using The Correct Cleanser
I know this seems like common sense and that we all cleanse our skin. Washing your face twice a day does help prevent some of the build-ups of makeup and oils in our skin. It is very important to know your skin type and the type of cleanser that you should be using. The last thing you want to do is use the wrong product that can create more blackheads. You need to categorize your skin type by knowing what it is.
Normal combination skin- can be a combination of both dry and oily. It’s very common to be oily in the middle of the face known as the t-zone which would be the nose, forehead, and chin. The cheeks are usually dryer. Its good to look at cleansers which are suitable for these skin types the one I currently use is Estee Lauders Nutritious foam cleanser which helps balance the pH levels of my skin.
Oily skin types- have more open pores which make it more prone to blackheads and blemishes. It’s important to find a cleanser that can help reduce the production of oils a good cleanser to try out for oily skin is The Body Shops Seaweed Deep Cleansing Face Wash. For more information on how to get rid of large pores check out my other article on how to get rid of large pores. This will explain a great skin care regime on how to control oily skin.
In conclusion, when it comes to blackheads its all about skin maintenance and oil control. We need to find the appropriate skin care products that can help prevent further oil secretion in our pores and prevent other ways of getting dead skin cells sitting in our pores. People who have oily skin types are more prone to having blackheads on their skin because the oil sits in the pores collecting dirt and dried skin cells which then oxidize and turn into blackheads.
Myself being a person who has normal/combination skin I still get blackheads in the oily region of my face like around my nose where oil secretion occurs the most. The tips that I have mentioned I have tried them all out and they all seem to work it’s a matter of finding out which one works best for you and maintaining that care afterward.