If you are wondering how to remove blackheads—those annoying little spots on your face that seem to appear out of nowhere, especially on your nose—you are not alone! These pesky dots are everyone’s ever-elusive enemies, sneaking up on your skin without a warning, making it difficult for you to achieve a flawless texture and radiant skin tone.
The good news, however, is that there’s still hope for you to regain your flawless complexion, and while your everyday skincare routine might not be sufficient to eliminate blackheads entirely, a few additional steps can make a significant difference.
To make things easier, we have created a comprehensive list of skincare tips and face care products that will guide you on how to get rid of blackheads and also prevent them from re-appearing. We have also included a section on how to remove blackheads naturally, filled with DIY face mask recipes that you can easily try at home to enjoy a clearer and smoother complexion. So read on!
What Are Blackheads And Their Causes
Blackheads, scientifically known as open comedones, are a common skin concern characterised by small, dark bumps on the skin’s surface. These pesky blemishes occur when hair follicles become clogged with excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria.
Unlike whiteheads, blackheads remain open to the skin’s surface, causing the trapped dirt and oil to oxidise and turn dark, giving them their distinctive colour.
Besides excess sebum production, some of the main culprits of blackheads include:
- Accumulation of dead skin cells: When the dead skin cells on your skin’s surface mix with excess sebum, it blocks your pores, causing blackheads.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation and pregnancy trigger excess sebum production, making some people prone to blackheads.
- Use of comedogenic products: Certain skincare and makeup products, especially those containing oils, can clog pores and contribute to blackhead formation.
- Poor skincare habits: Inadequate cleansing routines, such as not removing makeup or cleansing thoroughly, can leave a residue that blocks pores and leads to blackheads.
- Diet and lifestyle factors: Consuming a diet high in greasy or fried foods, as well as exposure to environmental pollutants, can worsen blackhead issues.
- Genes: Genetic factors can influence skin type, making some people more susceptible to oily and acne-prone skin and blackheads.
- Friction and pressure: Constant rubbing or pressure on the skin, caused by activities like resting your face on your hands, stimulates oil production and contributes to blackhead formation.
How To Remove Blackheads
Using an antioxidant-rich face cleanser can help get rid of impurities and clogged pores and reduce blackhead formation / Image credit: Freepik
Use An Antioxidant-Enriched Face Cleanser
If you are wondering how to eliminate blackheads on your face, your first step should be to add an antioxidant-rich face cleanser to your daily regimen.
This is because these tiny dark spots, which commonly appear on oil-prone areas like your nose, chin, and forehead are mainly caused by open pores filled with oxidised sebum, turning them dark gray. Using an antioxidant-rich face cleanser can prevent blackheads by halting the oxidation process.
You can opt for The Moms Co.’s Natural Vitamin C Face Wash, which is formulated with antioxidants like vitamin C, willow herbs, and orange peels that deeply cleanse your pores to remove excess oil and prevent the appearance of blackheads.
The face wash also contains orange beads that gently exfoliate your complexion, boost collagen, and neutralise skin-damaging free radicals, promoting overall skin health.
Exfoliate Your Skin With AHAs
We all know that exfoliation is ideal for deep-cleansing the skin and removing impurities clogged in the skin pores, but did you know that this skincare step can also help effectively tackle blackheads?
For best results, opt for a gentle face scrub, such as The Moms Co.’s Natural Coffee Cranberry Face Scrub, which is enriched with plant-based alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and other antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients like coffee, cranberry seeds, aloe vera, and niacinamide.
These potent ingredients work together to eliminate blackhead-causing sebum cells and product build-up, ensuring thorough cleansing without compromising your skin’s natural moisture and oils.
For blemish or acne-prone skin, exfoliate twice weekly. For those with normal or dry skin, exfoliating thrice weekly will do the job. Remember, gentle exfoliation is key, avoid excessive rubbing to prevent skin irritation.
Apply A Clay Face Mask
Applying a clay face mask once or twice a week is one of the best ways to remove blackheads. Various types of clay, such as bentonite, charcoal, and kaolin boast powerful antibacterial properties, which effectively absorb dirt and excess oil from clogged pores, revitalising your skin surface, and diminishing blackheads.
You can go for The Moms Co.’s Natural Clay Face Mask, infused with activated charcoal, plant-based AHAs, and Moroccan lava clay. This powerhouse combination detoxifies and purifies your pores, regulates oil production, and effectively prevents blackheads, especially in your T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin).
Do Steam Facial At Home To Open Up Your Pores
If you are wondering how to remove blackheads fast, then you should not skip this skincare step. A steam facial can transform your skincare routine, effectively opening up your pores and facilitating easy blackhead removal.
For optimal results, make sure to indulge in this remedy weekly. After extraction, pamper your skin with a hydrating toner, to rebalance its pH levels and restore essential moisture for a refreshed, radiant complexion.
You can go for The Moms Co.’s Natural Green Tea Face Toner, which has a non-alcoholic formula and contains antioxidant-rich ingredients like green tea, aloe vera, niacinamide, and plant-based AHAs that regulate sebum production, tighten your pores, and prevent blackhead formation.
For the steam facial, you will need:
- A big bowl of steaming hot water
- Soft towels
How to take a steam facial:
- Position your face over the bowl of steaming hot water.
- Cover your head with a clean towel and remain in this position for around five minutes.
- Gently pat your face dry with the towel, then use it to extract your blackheads delicately.
Use A Blackhead Extractor
Using a blackhead extractor tool is also considered one of the best ways to remove blackheads. Start by cleansing your face to remove any dirt or makeup. Then, gently press the looped end of the extractor around the blackhead, applying slight pressure.
Make sure not to press too hard to avoid skin damage. Gradually and carefully glide the tool across the affected area, using a rocking motion if necessary.
Afterward, cleanse the area again and apply mild anti-acne products to soothe your skin. Remember to sanitise the extractor tool before and after each use to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection. If you find it difficult or painful, it’s advisable to stop and seek professional help to avoid any potential harm to your skin.
Use A Potent Serum
Serums with active ingredients help regulate oil production and prevent the formation of blackheads / Image credit: Freepik
How to get rid of blackheads permanently you ask? A potent serum might be your answer! Serums are mainly formulated with active ingredients, which work effectively to dissolve excess oil, unclog pores, and eliminate blackheads.
By incorporating a serum into your skincare routine, you can expect a reduction in blackhead formation, leading to a smoother, clearer complexion. For best results, you can try The Moms Co.’s Natural Advanced 20% Vitamin C Face Serum, which as the name suggests, contains 20% vitamin C that helps exfoliate your skin, promote skin cell turnover, and reduce the formation of blackheads.
Additionally, the serum contains 0.5% ferulic acid and licorice extracts that shield your skin against the damaging effects of free radicals and inhibit melanin production to prevent conditions like hyperpigmentation.
Add A Non-Comedogenic Moisturiser To Your Routine
Opting for a non-comedogenic moisturiser can significantly benefit your skin, especially in tackling blackheads. These moisturisers are specifically formulated not to clog pores, making them ideal for those prone to blackheads and acne.
You can consider using The Moms Co.’s Natural Oil-Free Moisturiser, which has a lightweight formula, designed to provide hydration to oily or acne-prone skin, without clogging pores. The moisturiser is formulated with antioxidants like vitamin C, niacinamide, and green tea that regulate sebum production and prevent blackhead formation.
In addition to this, the moisturiser also contains hyaluronic acid and squalane that offer intense hydration to your skin and promote cellular regeneration to reveal a youthful and radiant complexion.
Target Blackheads With Retinol Alternatives
If you are wondering how to eliminate blackheads on your face fast, then you should add retinol alternatives, such as bakuchiol to your skincare regimen. As you know, retinol can be irritating to certain skin types, and in some cases, worsen skin conditions, such as acne.
Hence, bakuchiol is considered a safer alternative, as it is plant-derived and 100% botanical. Bakuchiol possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it effective in combating blackheads and preventing pore blockages.
If you are looking for a bakuchiol-infused face cream, you can try The Moms Co.’s Natural Age Control Day Cream, which is formulated with bakuchiol, and many other potent ingredients like hyaluronic acid, green tea extracts, and sea buckthorn oil.
These ingredients work to regulate sebum production and minimise excess oil that often leads to blackheads. They also exhibit gentle exfoliating properties that aid in removing dead skin cells and preventing them from clogging pores. Bakuchiol also promotes collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity and texture, and is suitable for sensitive skin types without the risk of irritation or dryness.
Do Not Skip Sunscreen
While you may not have complete control over the appearance of blackheads, you can certainly take proactive measures to prevent this common skin issue from worsening. To minimise blackheads and avoid unexpected breakouts, it’s essential to incorporate preventive strategies into your daily skincare routine.
One crucial step is applying sunscreen diligently each day. Regular use of sunscreen not only protects your skin from harmful UV rays but also plays a vital role in minimising blackheads and maintaining clear, healthy skin.
Opt for The Moms Co.’s Natural Daily Sunscreen, which has a mineral-based formula and contains zinc oxide, chamomile, and calendula extracts that shield against both UVA and UVB rays and soothe skin sensitivity to prevent acne breakouts and blackhead formation.
Consider Professional Treatments
For more stubborn blackheads, you can explore professional treatments administered by licensed dermatologists. Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy are advanced procedures designed to address persistent blackheads.
These procedures are performed under professional supervision, ensuring safety and efficacy. Consulting a dermatologist will allow for personalised treatment recommendations tailored to your skin type and specific concerns, providing a comprehensive solution for stubborn blackheads.
5 Home Remedies For Blackheads
A baking soda scrub is simple to make and helps purify your skin to reduce the appearance of blackheads / Image credit: Freepik
Besides incorporating these skincare products, you can also try the following home remedies for blackheads. Ensure to conduct a patch test before trying these remedies to identify if you are allergic to a certain ingredient or not.
Baking Soda Scrub
Baking soda has natural exfoliating properties that gently remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and dirt from your skin’s surface. It also unclogs pores, thus preventing blackheads from forming.
Additionally, baking soda acts as a natural antiseptic, helping prevent bacterial infections that could exacerbate blackhead formation.
How to:
- Mix water and baking soda to create a paste.
- Gently massage the paste onto the affected area.
- Rinse and moisturise your skin.
Honey And Cinnamon Mask
Antioxidants in honey and cinnamon promote skin regeneration, minimising blackhead appearance. It also helps tighten pores, preventing dirt and oil buildup, further reducing the likelihood of blackheads.
How to:
- Combine honey and cinnamon to form a thick paste.
- Apply it to your face, focusing on blackhead-prone areas.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse.
Oatmeal Face Scrub
Oatmeal’s mild texture exfoliates your skin, removing dead cells and unclogging pores, thus reducing blackheads. Oatmeal also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that soothes irritated skin and prevents acne breakouts.
How to:
- Mix oatmeal and yogurt to create a thick paste.
- Apply to your face, exfoliating gently in circular motions.
- Rinse with warm water.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil’s natural antibacterial properties help kill acne-causing bacteria and prevent breakouts. It penetrates deep into the pores, clearing out dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells, preventing blackheads.
How to:
- Dilute tea tree oil with water.
- Apply it to the affected areas using a cotton swab.
- Leave it on overnight and rinse in the morning.
Green Tea
The natural polyphenols in green tea help unclog pores by removing excess oil and impurities, preventing blackhead formation. It is also rich in antioxidants that combat free radicals and promote overall skin health.
How to:
- Brew green tea and let it cool.
- Apply it to your face using a cotton ball.
- Rinse after 10-15 minutes.
We hope we have answered all your queries on how to remove blackheads from your face! While dealing with blackheads can be frustrating, they are not impossible to get rid of. By following a consistent skincare routine and giving your skin some extra care, you can easily bid farewell to these pesky spots. Additionally, you can also try the home remedies for blackheads and repeat them consistently to identify which one works best for your skin type.
Also Read:
How to get rid of open pores: Wondering how to get rid of all the visible pores on your skin? We have you covered with the right skincare tips and products. Take a look!
Pimples on forehead: What’s causing pimples on your forehead and how to get rid of them? Get all the details in this post.
Cover Image Credit: Freepik.com