Caused by an excess of sebum, blackheads and closed comedones usually form in areas such as the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead. Unfortunately, it is impossible to reduce the size of pores or prevent them from becoming clogged, but you can decrease the dirt that accumulates inside them to ensure that the skin is always fresh and clean. If you use products containing ingredients that help fight excess sebum and follow a daily cleansing routine, you can quickly get rid of blackheads and closed comedones.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Right Products
Step 1. Determine your skin type
To get rid of blackheads and closed comedones, you need to use products that dissolve and soften dead cells on the skin surface, so that they do not accumulate in the pores. Your skin type (normal, oily or combination) will guide you in choosing the products you should use to get rid of impurities. If you are unsure about your skin, a dermatologist will be able to help you clarify.
- If you have normal skin, it is likely that you are not particularly sensitive to skin care products. You probably already use products that you find in the supermarket, perfumery or pharmacy. In order to improve the skin, you must choose targeted ones to eliminate blackheads and closed comedones.
- If you have oily skin, it is probably prone to excess sebum in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). Perhaps you use products that have been prescribed to you by a dermatologist, and because of the oiliness, your skin is likely to be acne-prone.
- If you have combination skin, it will have normal areas and oily parts. She may also be prone to drying out, especially in the winter months, and will be sensitive to over-the-counter products. Maybe you use cleansers and creams prescribed by a dermatologist to counteract acne.
Step 2. Look for products containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid
These ingredients are dermatologically tested to eliminate dead skin cells and have been shown to remove blackheads and closed comedones. The most effective over-the-counter products for this purpose may contain only one of these three ingredients or a combination of the three substances. However, some people may be allergic to these active ingredients or suffer from dryness due to their action. If you are concerned about having an allergic reaction to these substances, talk to your dermatologist.
- If you have normal or oily skin that is not particularly sensitive, you can use products with a high concentration of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid. Applying products that contain all three ingredients will make blackheads disappear quickly.
- If you have sensitive skin that is potentially allergic to salicylic acid (which in this case causes cracking and dryness), you can still use products containing benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid, or a combination of both.
Step 3. Decide if you prefer to use one product or several
This depends on your skin type and its needs. If you have normal skin with some blackheads and closed comedones, you could apply a product containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid to the affected area. Apply it after washing your face with your usual cleanser to remove dead skin cells from the skin surface.
If you have oily or combination skin prone to acne, blackheads and closed comedones, you may want to use different products. You could follow strict beauty rituals, i.e. use a cleanser containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid (or a combination of these ingredients), then follow with a benzoyl peroxide-based tonic and finish with a moisturizer. glycolic acid. This will help you improve overall skin texture, but also get rid of closed blackheads and comedones
Step 4. Use clay masks
They can help you absorb excess sebum from the skin surface and exfoliate the skin, removing excess greasy matter, which cause blackheads and closed comedones. These cleansing masks should be used regularly, at least once a week, for them to be effective.
It is a product that can be found in the supermarket or herbalist's shop. You can also ask your dermatologist to prescribe a clay-based medicated mask
Step 5. Try blackhead patches
You can find them in the supermarket. Using this product can help you clear clogged pores, but without regular beauty rituals, blackheads will come back. The patches allow you to immediately eliminate blackheads, but they do not have the same effectiveness as other specific products to combat excess sebum.
Step 6. Ask your dermatologist to tell you about products containing retinoids
Prescription retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) (the most concentrated ones) are among the most effective products for clearing clogged pores and preventing blackheads from forming. Your dermatologist can prescribe them in tablet or topical form. It will also tell you the dosage and frequency of use.
Retinoids have the function of optimizing cell renewal and turnover, so that the skin is less prone to acne. They also uniform the outermost skin layer, the epidermis, and help the skin to expel dead cells. When you start using them, you may notice cracking, but with regular use three to seven times a week for four to six weeks, your skin should look cleaner and more even
Step 7. Ask your dermatologist to tell you about microdermabrasion and chemical peels
Microdermabrasion is a professional technique that consists of gently massaging the skin with an abrasive tool, removing the outermost layer of the epidermis, including blackheads and closed comedones. Your dermatologist may perform the treatment or recommend a device for home use.
Chemical peeling is a procedure that consists of applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate it and eliminate the outermost skin layer. You will then have a new and regenerated skin, free of dead cells, blackheads and closed comedones. During healing, it will be particularly photosensitive, but you should notice a substantial improvement in grain. Chemical peels should always be performed by a dermatologist
Part 2 of 2: Daily Beauty Rituals
Step 1. Never squeeze blackheads or closed comedones
You may be tempted to squeeze them, especially if they are swollen or prominent, but teasing and squeezing them will inflame the skin even more. You can also cause infection or scarring. Instead, make sure you wash your face well and apply specific products to treat blemishes.
Never use sharp tools on the skin, even if they are considered specific for removing blackheads. They can cause permanent damage that will be difficult to fix, so more intensive treatment will be needed to fix the problem
Step 2. Wash your face at least twice a day
To make sure you get rid of dead skin, you should wash your face at least twice a day, once in the morning and another in the evening. Use a cleanser containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid to effectively remove blackheads and closed comedones.
If you wear makeup every day, you should always wash your face thoroughly and remove your makeup completely before going to bed. This prevents accumulation of dirt and dead cells on the skin, and also ensures that no blackheads or closed comedones will form at night
Step 3. Use a tonic containing salicylic acid at least twice a day
Apply it after washing your face. The toner, usually dabbed with a cotton pad, can help remove dead skin cells and dirt, which can lead to the development of closed blackheads and comedones.
If your skin is intolerant or allergic to salicylic acid, you can ask your dermatologist to prescribe a benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid tonic
Step 4. Exfoliate your skin at least three times a week
Choose an exfoliator containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid to clear clogged pores. Apply it with circular movements on the areas affected by blackheads and closed comedones, such as nose, forehead and chin.
Exfoliation eliminates dead cells and promotes skin regeneration, helping you to have smoother skin. It also prevents the appearance of further breakouts, decreases impurities and pigmentation spots caused by acne
Step 5. Apply a moisturizer to prevent the skin from drying out
Many products can dry out it, especially if you are still getting used to the active ingredients. To prevent dryness or cracking, use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer. These properties ensure that it will not clog pores or irritate the skin.
