How to Get Rid of Blackheads With the Right Skincare
We all want to feel beautiful in our skin, but it’s not always easy. So many factors, from our diet and exercise, all the way to our hormones and genetics, play a role in the way our skin looks. Thankfully, if you’re having an issue with blackheads, there are a number of skincare strategies that’ll help your skin look fresher in no time. We’ve made a list of our best skincare for blackheads to help you get the even texture and glow you deserve
What are blackheads?
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and noticed a darker, pin-sized pore on your skin, it’s most likely a blackhead. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one – blackheads are one of the most common skin concerns. They can usually be found on oily zones such as your forehead, nose and chin, as well as on other parts of the body such as the back, arms, and chest. Blackheads appear when a pore on your skin gets blocked or clogged. As your skin produces oil throughout the day, it becomes trapped in the pore, and darkens due to oxidation or exposure to air.
What causes blackheads?
There are many reasons you could be experiencing blackheads. Sebum, the oil produced by the skin, plays an essential role in keeping the skin healthy and moisturised. But if your skin produces too much of it, this can increase the chance of blackheads. If you notice that your skin is naturally quite shiny, you’ll want to learn more about skincare for oily skin. If you’re not sure what type of skin you have, try a face mapping tool to help you figure out your unique needs.
Hormonal changes, such as puberty or changes in skincare, can cause blackheads too. For some, it could be as simple as using the wrong skincare for blackheads. Comedogenic products can block your pores and leave your skin feeling congested. Understanding the skincare you need is imperative to figuring out how to get rid of blackheads.
Your skincare dictionary
Before we get started, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page. Here, we’ve broken down a few of the common skincare terms you might hear on your quest to beat blackheads.
Comedogenic: Essentially, this means the product is more likely to clog your pores and can include some seed and plant oils. Always look for products labelled as non-comedogenic which means they have been formulated and tested to not block pores.
Sebaceous filament: Sebaceous filaments and blackheads are not the same. Sebaceous filaments are the structures that allow sebum to flow to the skin surface. Everyone has them, and they are essential to proper skin function. So, if you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of sebaceous filaments, we’ve got bad news for you: it’s not possible (nor would it be a good idea).
Open comedone: An open comedone is another term for a blackhead. This is because the pore is open and exposed to air, which oxidises the sebum and makes it appear black. Closed comedones are also known as whiteheads, because the pore is blocked beneath the skin, resulting in a bump filled with white fluid.
Skincare for blackheads
A few simple changes to your skincare routine can have a big impact on your blackhead blues. We’ve outlined a few skincare tricks on how to help get rid of blackheads at home.Avoid comedogenic products
While you’re dealing with blackheads, you’re going to want to cool it on products that may be comedogenic. Lighten up on your use of powders, concealers, and foundations, select non-comedogenic formulas and ensure you cleanse them off thoroughly at the end of the day. Remember, not all formulas are built the same: keep an eye out for products that are labelled non-comedogenic.Keep the skin clean
If you’re wondering how to prevent blackheads, the first step is keeping the skin clean. Washing away makeup, excess oil and dirt ensures that your pores have less of a chance to become blocked. Grab your favourite foaming cleanser and wash your face in the morning and at night. To make sure you get the deepest clean, apply Micellar Cleansing Water to a Micellar Eco Pad, gently massaging the cleanser into your skin to loosen and remove makeup and grime.Try an exfoliant
Nothing feels as good as giving your face the occasional scrub and getting rid of any grime and imperfections. Exfoliating helps to remove the layer of dead skin that sits on top of your face – which could block pores and can cause trouble. If you’re wondering what to use for blackheads, an exfoliant like the Pure Active Anti-Blackhead Charcoal Exfoliating Gel should be at the top of your list. With salicylic acid and finely-milled vegetal charcoal powder, it combines physical and chemical exfoliation for healthier looking skin. Lather a small amount between fingertips and gentle massage onto damp skin before rinsing. Alternatively, the Pure Active Intensive Exfoliating Cleansing Cream is a good choice which can gently cleanse and exfoliate skin at the same time. Exfoliating two to three times per week is recommended for how to prevent blackheads and target existing ones.Apply a face mask
If you’re in need of a little extra TLC, a face mask is a great way to help you look and feel your best. The Pure Active Charcoal Anti-Blackhead Peel Off Mask is specifically designed to target blackheads and diminish their appearance. For those who want an all-in-one solution, the Pure Active 3 in 1 Wash, Scrub and Mask is our first choice to get the job done.Use a serum
Our final suggestion for how to treat blackheads is to reach for a high quality blemish-busting serum. The AHA+BHA Charcoal Anti-Imperfection Serum is packed with potent ingredients that help to chemically exfoliate and minimise the appearance of pores, such as niacinamide, AHAs, BHAs and charcoal. Proven to reduce the appearance of blemishes in 28 days*, the combination of these blackhead-targeting ingredients give an immediate smoothing, mattifying effect, while improving skin texture in the long run. To add the serum to your skincare regime, apply a few drops to clean, dry skin, gently pressing the product in with your fingertips. Use morning and night to best harness its anti-blackhead properties.
*Cosmeto-clinical test, 43 volunteers, twice daily application for 28 days.
If you liked our guide on how to get rid of blackheads and want to learn more, check out our tailored skincare routine for blackouts and oily skin.
.jpg?w=150&rev=276eabb6962647d89d1b21e89416445a&hash=7F0C9D87AFC8A070E1025C04A1BB15AF)
