HOW TO REMOVE BLACKHEADS & PREVENT THEM FOR CLEARER SKIN

What Are Blackheads?

Blackheads are small, dark spots that form when pores, clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells, oxidize (darken) from air exposure. A mild type of acne, they are sometimes mistaken for dirt.
Blackheads are typically found on the nose, chin, and forehead. These areas of the face, which form the T-zone, are most prone to oiliness and congestion.

Blackheads vs. Sebaceous Filaments

Blackheads are often confused with sebaceous filaments, which also tend to congregate on the T-zone, especially on the nose. However, the two differ from each other in several ways. 
Blackheads look like small, dark spots but are actually oxidized, clogged pores. 
Sebaceous filaments are naturally occurring, tube-like structures that help move sebum to the skin’s surface to keep the skin hydrated. Sebaceous filaments are normal and, unlike blackheads, are not clogged pores or acne. 
Additionally, sebaceous filaments look lighter, more uniform, and less elevated than blackheads do. And unlike blackheads, sebaceous filaments cannot be completely removed. 
To help you distinguish the two, check out this recap: 
 Blackheads
·      Type of acne that occurs when clogged pores oxidize
·      Look like tiny, dark spots 
·      Found on the nose, forehead, and chin
·      Raised appearance on the skin
·      Can be completely removed with the right skincare
Sebaceous Filaments
·      Naturally occurring structures
·      Look like tubes
·      Found on the nose, forehead, chin, and cheeks
·      Flatter appearance on the skin
·      Cannot be completely removed but can be made less visible with certain exfoliating products

What Causes Blackheads?

Blackheads form when excess sebum (oil) mixes with undissolved dead skin cells, creating a plug inside the pore that turns black when exposed to air. 
Other things that can plug or clog pores (and thus cause blackheads) are residue from makeup, sunscreen, or other skincare products, and pollutants. 
Factors that lead to increased sebum production can also cause blackheads. These include humidity, stress, and hormonal fluctuations. 

Why Your Nose Is a Blackhead Hotspot

Blackheads on nose are extremely common because the nose has more sebaceous (oil) glands compared to the other parts of the face. Nose pores also tend to be larger and filled with more sebaceous filaments. 

How to Safely Remove Blackheads

The key to proper blackhead removal is to use techniques that prevent scarring, infection, or more breakouts. We go over the techniques below so you can safely and confidently remove blackheads. 

Do Not Squeeze or Pick at Your Blackheads

Think twice before you try to manually remove your blackheads. Squeezing or picking at a blackhead can push it further into your skin, causing more irritation as well as inflammation, infection, and potential scarring. It could even introduce more oil and bacteria into your blackhead, leading to breakouts. 

At-Home Blackhead Removal Methods

While squeezing or picking at your blackheads should be off the table, there are other blackhead removal methods you can implement at home that are kinder to your skin. 

1. Use a Cleanser With Salicylic Acid

Banishing blackheads starts with careful cleansing. A cleanser with salicylic acid, an exfoliant, washes away oil, dirt, and impurities, and penetrates deep into pores to dissolve dead skin cells and prevent clogging. You can find this ingredient in Thayers Blemish Clearing Cleanser. Start with a few applications weekly to avoid irritation, then gradually increase usage as your skin develops a tolerance to it.
How you use your cleanser is important, too. Scrubbing too hard or overcleansing can irritate the skin, causing more issues. 

2. Exfoliate Your Skin a Few Times a Week

You should also use a chemical exfoliant with an AHA or BHA a few times a week. Chemical exfoliants are effective in combating blackheads because they help remove dead skin cells that can clog pores. 

3. Use a Pore Strip (Sparingly)

Pore strips physically lift buildup from pores, taking sebaceous filaments and even blackheads with them. While they’re a quick and easy fix for removing blackheads for an event, they, unlike targeted cleansers and toners, don’t do anything for prevention. What’s more, pore strips should be used sparingly because they can cause irritation. And if you have sensitive skin, you might want to stay away from pore strips altogether. 

How to Prevent Blackheads From Coming Back

Blackheads are a nuisance to many, but there’s a silver lining to these dark spots. With the right products and routine, they can be reduced. To prevent blackheads, focus on maintaining healthy oil production and clear pores without stripping or doing anything harsh to your skin.