Blackheads form when pores are clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. The characteristic dark color is not due to dirt: when the sebum and dead cells are exposed to the air they oxidize, which is why they take on a dark color. There are many ways to get rid of it, from home remedies to medical treatments. If you use them the wrong way you risk making the situation worse, so be careful and try not to be in a hurry. Everyone has blackheads, but everyone has different skin. Don't worry: you can definitely find a method that suits you.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Homemade Treatment with Natural Ingredients
Step 1. Evaluate the different possibilities
If you want to use natural ingredients that you will probably be able to find quite easily at home, there are numerous DIY recipes to get rid of blackheads, from egg whites to lemon juice. If the first method you choose doesn't work, be prepared to try more than one.
- None of these methods are guaranteed to be effective, as each skin is different and reacts in its own way.
- If you have rather sensitive skin, be especially careful and use the diluted versions of these solutions.
- If an ingredient irritates your skin, stop using it.
Step 2. Try making an egg white mask
It can help narrow pores and get rid of blackheads. Just separate the egg white from the yolk. Dry your face and apply it to your skin. You can use a brush or sponge. If you spread it with your fingers, first make sure they are dry and clean. Once the first layer of egg white has dried, spread another one. Repeat 3-5 times, but always wait for the underlying layer to dry first. Finally, rinse your face and pat it dry with a towel.
- You can spread a tissue paper between one layer of egg white and the other. Before rinsing your face, "peel" one layer at a time.
- Make sure you don't ingest raw egg white.
Step 3. Use lemon juice
It is very effective for shrinking pores. You simply have to apply it on the affected area and you will feel it act immediately. Soak a cotton ball, then gently press it on the blackheads. Repeat the procedure a few times a week just before going to bed. The next morning, wash and moisturize your face as usual.
- Lemon juice is quite aggressive, so if you have sensitive or dry skin, you should dilute it with a little water first.
- Lemon juice photosensitizes the skin, so don't expose yourself to the sun after applying it, otherwise blisters may form.
- Lemon juice is not recommended for those with dark skin, as it can stain it.
Step 4. Use warm honey
It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, so it is a great alternative for blackheads associated with acne. Also, being very sticky, it can bind to blackheads and remove them better. Just heat some in a pan or dip a jar into hot water. Once it is warm to the touch, but not hot, dab it on the blackheads and let it dry for about 10 minutes.
- Remove it with a damp sponge.
- You can leave it on overnight, but make sure it has dried before going to sleep, otherwise you risk waking up with your face stuck to the pillow!
Method 2 of 5: Homemade Treatment with Artificial Ingredients
Step 1. Make a boric acid solution
To carry out this treatment you have to mix it with water. Boric acid is a weak acid available in pharmacies. Mix one and a half glasses of water with half a tablespoon of powdered boric acid. Soak a sponge in this solution and dab it on your skin. You can leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2. Use iodine tincture and Epsom salts
This method literally extracts the sebum and dead cells from the pores. Epsom salts have good exfoliating properties. Mix one teaspoon with four drops of iodine tincture and half a glass of warm water. Stir the ingredients until the salt has dissolved and the temperature has dropped slightly. Once it feels pleasant to the touch, apply the solution to your face with a cotton swab and let it dry.
Rinse your face as usual and pat it dry with a towel
Step 3. Try mixing baking soda and water
Baking soda is known for its stain removal properties, but it can also be used to treat blackheads as it is a good exfoliant. As you can imagine, you will only need a small fraction of the amount that would be needed to remove a carpet. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with enough water to form a thick solution; a glass or a small bowl should suffice. Apply the mixture to the skin by making a gentle circular massage.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- After using the baking soda you should moisturize your skin.
- After the treatment, try mixing equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water to replenish the skin's natural pH.
- Since baking soda is aggressive, you shouldn't try this treatment more than once or twice a week.
- Give it a try. If you don't notice any improvement or it irritates your skin, stop using it.
Method 3 of 5: Use an over-the-counter product
Step 1. Find out what your skin type is
Knowing if you have more or less sensitive skin helps you determine which products to look for when you need to buy a cleanser at the supermarket or pharmacy. In principle, the treatments are based on two types of active ingredients: benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
Products containing these active ingredients can cause allergic reactions. Stop using them in case of reactive skin
Step 2. If you have sensitive skin, choose a product containing salicylic acid
For sensitive skin that tends to dry out and get irritated, it is better to opt for a product based on this active ingredient. The only care you should have is to check the ingredients list before buying it. Salicylic acid is gentler on the skin, rarely causes redness or cracking, and works slower than stronger alternatives.
In particular, look for products that contain salicylic acid and glycolic acid
Step 3. If not, choose a product containing benzoyl peroxide
If you don't have particularly sensitive and dry skin, look for benzoyl peroxide products. This active ingredient breaks down and dissolves the substances that clog the pores, favoring their escape. It is the fastest solution among those available in perfumery or pharmacies, but it can be a bit aggressive on the skin.
Step 4. Consider an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) product, which includes glycolic acid
They can be very effective for exfoliating the skin. Glycolic acid is also found in everyday scrubs and chemical facial peels. It dissolves and eliminates dead cells, so it is excellent for fighting blackheads.
- Use it the same way you would use a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid product. Always read the instructions.
- AHAs can photosensitize the skin, so if you expose yourself to the sun after this treatment, be careful.
Step 5. Use a cream
In addition to using a cleanser based on one of these active ingredients, apply a cream containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. The longer you let it act, the more effective it will be, but follow the guidelines for the product you have chosen. If you leave it on for too long, it could irritate your skin. Ten minutes should be enough.
Method 4 of 5: Steam and Other Methods
Step 1. Dilate pores with steam
Before you try to squeeze blackheads or use other methods to get rid of them, you definitely need to open your pores. Blackheads offer a lot of resistance and are difficult to remove, but with the opening of the pores the chances of succeeding will be greater. Just hold your face over a bowl of boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
- Place a towel over your head so the steam doesn't escape.
- You will feel the steam begin to open the pores.
Step 2. Try removing them with blackhead patches
Several brands offer them. This technique will hardly irritate the skin; it is only a temporary measure, but it could be exactly the solution for you in an emergency situation. Occasional use of these patches should be combined with good cleansing and exfoliation habits.
To obtain good results, it is good to apply a specific cream for a few nights in a row in view of this procedure, in order to open the pores
Step 3. Avoid squeezing, teasing, or popping blackheads
This can cause inflammation and infection, and rest assured that blackheads won't stop appearing.
Method 5 of 5: Medical Treatments
Step 1. If blackheads persist, see a dermatologist
With skin full of imperfections, it is best to make an appointment with a dermatologist to know how to intervene in a targeted manner. He will be able to carefully examine your skin and prescribe the most suitable treatment, which could be a natural remedy or one available at the pharmacy.
Step 2. Consider prescription products
If it is a particularly serious skin problem, a dermatologist can prescribe some specific treatments. They are generally not given to people who only have occasional black spots on their nose. They are usually expensive and very chemically concentrated, so be sure to discuss them thoroughly with your dermatologist.
- Your dermatologist can prescribe a concentrated version of salicylic acid, which is stronger than what you find in over-the-counter products. It works by clearing clogged pores.
- Alternatively, they may prescribe another active ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, which reduces the concentration of acne-causing bacteria.
Step 3. Be prepared for the possibility of combining oral antibiotics and topical treatment
Your dermatologist may prescribe a course of antibiotics to take orally and products to apply topically. This solution is used only in the most serious cases.
Advice
- Try only one method at a time and treat your skin gently. Overdoing it with exfoliation, harsh chemical treatments, and washes can actually make the situation worse. Be gentle.
- Keep your nails clean. This way you will avoid contaminating your face with dirt and bacteria found on your hands, especially if you squeeze pimples or blackheads.
- Wash your face every day with a very mild soap or cleanser.
- Try not to touch your face too much to avoid transferring the oil from your hands.
- After finishing a treatment, rinse your face with cold water to make sure that the pores shrink and do not accumulate a lot of dirt.
- Keep your hair clean. If you have a clean face, oil from your hair can slowly flow down your face and clog pores.
- Always use an oil-free moisturizer to avoid further blocking your pores.
- Wash your face at least once a day; if possible, try to do it twice, which is morning and evening. Pimples and blackheads often disappear within 4-5 days.
- Use a good facial exfoliant. If you have sensitive skin, avoid it, or opt for a mild product and use it at least once or twice a week. Overdoing the skin exfoliation eliminates the sebum that naturally moisturizes it and protects it from blackheads, pimples, irritation or redness.
- Changing your pillowcase every day helps you prevent future blemishes.
- Sometimes products that minimize pores can help decrease the appearance of blackheads.
- Hair bangs can irritate the skin on your forehead, so try pinning or clipping it.
- If you squeeze blackheads, don't do it aggressively. Proceed gently and make sure your hands are clean.
Warnings
- Aggressive treatments can make the situation worse rather than improve it. You risk finding yourself with a red, swollen pimple when you previously had a blackhead that no one else could see but you.
- If you decide to try honey, make sure it's not too hot. It can burn you to the point of causing a blister with blood.
- If a product causes irritation, contact the company that makes it (usually the number is on the back of the package) and stop using it immediately.
- Avoid applying blackhead products around the eyes. If this happens, wash it off immediately with water.
