Blackheads are also acne, the most common type of them. Regardless of skin type, anyone can have blackheads – they appear when pores become clogged with the combination of dead skin cells and excess oil (sebum) that is produced by your sebaceous glands. Despite whiteheads, blackheads have open surface which oxidates causing the black colour on top of them.

While pinching and pushing the black plug out can be a good idea to make blackheads gone, these can actually lead to scarring and other skin damages. Instead, now we list some useful tips on how to get rid of them.

1. Take care what you put on your face

There are several products on the market promising clean pores, but you should be aware of what they really do. Though masks and pore strips can remove dirt from pores, they also remove the important elements from the skin that are indispensable to help, including natural oils and hair follicles. As a result, sebaceous glands react to the irritation by turning on their survival mode and produce even more oils, leading to more blackheads.

The solution is to always go to a professional, who can professionally treat blackheads without making scratches, scars or wounds on the skin.

2. Avoid benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is only useful for acne caused by inflammation. When choosing the right product to better blackheads, always take care not to opt for one containing benzoyl peroxide. Instead, you should select products that contain salicylic acid, which is able to break down materials that cause blackheads, excess oil and dead skin cells. However, some people have allergic reactions to salicylic acid, so in case you experience any irritation, use it only once in a few days or completely stop using it.

3. Exfoliate gently with AHAs and BHAs

Exfoliating is said to worsen acne, which is only true in case of inflammatory acne, as this process can cause redness and irritation. For blackheads, exfoliating is actually a useful way, in order to remove dead skin cells and clogged pores and thus gently remove blackheads. The best versions to use are alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA), which can gently scrub the skin without any harsh effects. The most common type of AHA is glycolic acid, and salicylic acid is the most popular type of BHA so it is worth looking up the ingredients and choose items containing any of them.

4. Use clay or charcoal mask

Both clay and charcoal are said to be must-haves for people with oily skin. Their superpower is that they retrieve oil, dirt and every contamination. Clay masks often contain sulphur too, which is also ideal to break down dead skin cells and help clean out clogged pores. Using these masks within your weekly exfoliating routine is a great option to maintain the cleanness of your face.

If you have tried almost everything but still experience unwanted blackheads or even acne, talk to a professional who can highlight the source of the problem and give further advice. Write us to info@cocoonmedicalspa.com with any questions or to book an appointment.