Tired of blackheads popping all over your face? This post is all about getting rid of blackheads permanently and giving yourself the glow-up that you deserve.
Blackheads are the absolute worst skin issues that we women can have. Okay, fine, they are not the worst. Acne has that title in my dictionary, but blackheads are close enough.
They pop up uninvited, making our noses and chins look like a strawberry (and not in a cute way).
No matter how many times we squeeze, scrub, or wish them away, they always keep coming back.
But guess what? There are ways to get rid of them and keep them gone forever!
And no, I’m not talking about slapping on a pore strip and hoping for the best. That is only a temporary solution.
In this post, we’re going to look at real ways to banish blackheads for good.
But first, let’s get to know our enemy a little, shall we?
What Are Blackheads, Really?
Blackheads happen when your pores get clogged with excess oil, dead skin, and bacteria.
While whiteheads stay sealed in your skin, blackheads remain open. They react with the air, causing oxidation, and that’s where they get their dark color from.
I love that I am actually able to picture this happening, thanks to my high school chemistry lessons.
But anyway, we’re not here to be fascinated. We’re here to deal and be rid of these buggers.
Okay, so blackheads are not dirt, though they may look like it. They’re just exposed to the air.
Now that we know what we’re up against, let’s talk about how to get these blackheads to pack up and leave:
10 Tips To Remove Blackheads
1. Double Cleanse
There is nothing wrong with cleansing your skin just once, but if you have loads of blackheads and other issues, then chances are your skin needs more cleansing.
Double cleansing is the ultimate secret to keeping your pores clean and healthy.
So, how do you do it the correct way?
First, use an oil-based cleanser to break down excess sebum, sunscreen, and makeup. Then follow up with a water-based cleanser to remove impurities and deep-clean your pores.
For the first cleanser, I would recommend Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil by The Face Shop.
And when it comes to the second step, you’d need a cleanser with salicylic acid, because that thing works like vacuum for your pores.
My trusted cleanser for this is the Cipla Saslic foaming face wash. I must’ve emptied about a dozen bottles of this by now, and my skin still loves this thing.
2. Exfoliate Your Skin The Right Way
We all know the importance of exfoliating your skin, and many women do it religiously too.
The problem is that few actually do it the right way.
If you scrub your face like you’re sanding a piece of wood, then you need to stop right now.
Exfoliation should be done gently, as the exfoliants already have the necessary ingredients to act on your skin, so you don’t need to apply extra pressure at all.
It’s also important to pick a scrub that doesn’t irritate your skin.
For good exfoliation, glycolic acid is a holy grail ingredient. Glycolic Acid 7% Toner from The Ordinary is perfect for this.
It will on your skin on a microscopic level to dissolve dead skin cells, which then prevents them from clogging up your pores.
Wait, but how often should you exfoliate?
Okay, so many popular exfoliants would say they are safe for everyday usage, but I think that’s too much.
No matter what solution you go for, 2-3 times a week is enough.
Too much exfoliation can lead to dryness and irritation, and you do not want to swap out one skin issue for another.
3. Instead Of Pore Strips, Try These
Yes, pore strips look satisfying and they definitely feel satisfying when you take em off.
But we all know they do not solve the problem long-term and can actually lead to even more blackheads.
I only ever use pore strips when I have an important event to attend.
But for permanent blackhead removal, here is what you should try:
- Clay masks (like kaolin or bentonite) to suck out excess oil
- Charcoal masks to detoxify and unclog pores
- Honey and cinnamon DIY masks for an anti-bacterial, pore-cleansing boost
I would highly suggest using a clay mask on your T-zone once a week. It will really keep your oil and blackheads under control.
4. Try Retinol for Your Pores
If you have loads of blackheads, then you could give retinol a shot.
No, retinol is not just for wrinkles. It’s actually a less-known ingredients for blackhead-prone skin as well.
This vitamin A derivative speeds up cell turnover, preventing dead skin from clogging pores in the first place.
When it comes to retinols though, you should always start slow. Two-three times a week only.
And when you’re using it, you should wear sunscreen every day without fail; retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
But a word of caution: If you have sensitive skin like me, always consult a dermatologist before picking retinol as it can cause skin purging (ugh).
A dermatologist would also be able to recommend you the right retinol product for your skin.
This thing is kinda tricky, so I don’t recommend a product on my own, even the ones that I’ve used myself.
5. Keep Your Pores Happy With Niacinamide
Niacinamide is that overachieving skincare ingredient we all need in our routine.
It minimizes oil production, reduces redness, and keeps your pores looking smaller.
I really think people need to talk about this more, as it’s the one ingredient that’s made a real difference to my blackheads.
My recommendation: The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide Serum
How do you use it?
- Cleansing
- Toning
- Apply Niacinamide serum
So, the way I use it is that on the days when I use the glycolic acid toner for exfoliation (which is thrice a week only), I then follow it up with this niacinamide serum.
These two products make a really good combo against blackheads.
6. Steam Your Face
For the longest time, I neglected steaming my face. It can be a bit of hassle to set it all up and then the process doesn’t seem all the fun.
But last year, I suddenly grew loads of blackheads on my nose, and I was willing to try about anything to clear it up.
My salon lady (bless her) recommended I get steaming done, so I read more about it and then gave it a shot. It actually worked!
Turns out, that a little steam action can soften up blackheads and make them easier to remove.
All you gotta do it boil some water, let your face hover over it for 5-10 minutes (not too close!), and then gently extract any loosened blackheads with a comedone extractor or clean tissue.
It’s always important to sanitize your extractor and never force out a stubborn blackhead as you’ll just end up with inflammation and scarring.
Just remove any blackheads that come off easy enough and let the rest be.
I steam my face about twice a month and it really really helps keep most of the blackheads at bay.
7. Keep Your Skin Hydrated
I don’t know what your skin type is — Oily, dry, sensitive combination.
Whatever it is, you need a moisturizer in your skincare box, period. And you need to be using it at least twice a day.
Dehydrated skin actually produces more oil to compensate, leading to more blackheads. That’s why every skin type needs moisturizer.
You should go for something lightweight and non-comedogenic that can hydrate your skin without clogging pores.
I’ve seen gel-based moisturizers with hyaluronic acid work really well against blackheads.
But my personal choice is Moiz LMF 48 Lotion.
It’s not that well-known, but my dermatolgist recommended it to me ages ago, and I’ve never strayed from it, that’s how good it is.
8. Do Not Touch Your Face
If you’re a chronic face-toucher, it’s time for an intervention and I am glad to hold this party for you.
Your hands carry dirt, bacteria, and oil, all of which can transfer to your skin when you touch it unnecessarily.
And can you guess what this habit leads to? Yep. Blackheads. Not to mention a plethora of other problems like acne and irritation.
So, please, for the love of clear and healthy skin, keep your hands off your face, and touch it only when you need to do your skincare.
9. Don’t Skip Your Sunscreen
Whenever we’re dealing with any kind of skin issue, there is one thing that is always non-negotiable, and that is sunscreen.
You need it to fight blackheads too.
UV damage from the sun can make your skin produce more oil and lead to clogged pores. All that means more blackheads.
So, wear your sunscreen as the last step of your morning skincare, and reapply if needed in the afternoon.
You should go for something oil-free and non-comedogenic (that doesn’t clog pores) so that your skin stays protected without turning greasy.
My choice: UV Doux Sunscreen
10. Get a Professional Treatment If You Need It
Sometimes, an issue requires professional treament, and that’s completely fine.
I’ve never had too many blackheads to need professional care, but I do suffer from acne issues and for that, I always have to pop up at the dermatologist.
So, if your blackheads are persistent and nothing seems to work, book a facial with a licensed esthetician or go see a dermat.
A professional will safely extract your blackheads, recommend medical-grade treatments, and also guide you toward clear skin.
In-office treatments to consider:
- HydraFacials for deep cleansing
- Chemical peels for smoother skin
- Laser treatments to shrink oil glands
Recommended post: 17 Clear Skin Tips That Will Give You An Eternal Glow
Blackheads Can Be Removed, Girl!
Blackheads may be stubborn, but they’re not invincible. Nothing really is, except your inner beauty and health, of course.
With the right mix of cleansing, exfoliation, and targeted treatments, you can achieve a smooth and filter-free glow.
Just remember that you gotta be consistent to get rid of the stubborn blackheads on your nose, chin, and all the other areas.
Skincare isn’t about instant gratification. It’s about long-term love for your skin.
Now, go ahead and shine (minus the blackheads, of course).
