Applying toothpaste on blackheads: Yes, there's an idea circulating the web that you can use toothpaste to extract your nose blackheads. Don't buy it! Toothpaste can cause dryness and irritation, causing more skincare troubles than it's worth.
“Toothpaste and baking soda can both be very damaging to the skin, causing dryness and irritation,” explains Shah. Jegasothy adds, “I have seen more patients have problems from applying toothpaste to their face than to have ever successfully treated their blackheads.” Verdict: Not worth it.
Both lemon and salt work effectively for cleansing the skin, leaving it dirt-free and fresh. Lemon helps remove dirt and grime, preventing blackheads and even whiteheads and acne. Salt possesses antibacterial properties that kill bacteria and germs clogging the open skin pores.
One go-to ingredient for eliminating blackheads is salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that increases cell turnover and unclogs pores, says Saedi. Suozzi adds that the acne treatment can help dry active acne lesions because it is a mild chemical irritant. A wealth of research suggests salicylic acid helps treat acne.
Petroleum jelly (vaseline) is a barrier and does not melt away a blackhead. In actual fact it can cause more harm than good, this is because it traps the dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells on the skin surface leading to the skin becoming irritated and causing more inflammation.
Turmeric & Honey Mask
When combined with honey, it creates a potent mask that not only combats blackheads but also brightens and rejuvenates the skin. Mix a teaspoon of honey with a pinch of turmeric powder to form a paste, apply it to your face, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
Salicylic acid: This is available over-the-counter for blackheads as a cleanser or lotion. It helps remove the top layer of damaged skin. Salicylic acid dissolves dead skin cells to prevent your hair follicles from clogging. Azelaic acid: Barley, wheat, rye and other various grains naturally contain azelaic acid.
Making a paste with lemon juice and baking soda is quite effective for nixing blackheads. Simply mix one tablespoon of baking soda with half a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Apply the paste to the blackheads area and allow it to dry completely. Once it's dry, rinse it away with warm water.
Professional Treatments for Blackheads
3 You may need a prescription-strength retinoid to help remove your blackheads. Professional treatments like comedone extraction, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, hydrafacials, or laser therapy may also help remove persistent blackheads.
Products to Use for Blackhead Removal
They include: Face washes, lotions, masks, clays, peels, exfoliants, and gels that help dissolve blackheads. Sticky pore strips. Manual blackhead removal devices (which help you put pressure on the skin around the blackheads)
Your body can gradually break down pus and reabsorb its components. That's why small accumulations of pus (like in a pimple) often don't need treatment.
When constantly battling blackheads, online blogs may tell you that hydrogen peroxide is a great alternative to treating acne, but this is wrong. This common household item exacerbates irritation and worsens acne scars.
Extractions – for those who have numerous blackheads or whiteheads, a dermatologist may recommend an extraction. It can be tempting to pop pimples at home, but this increases the risk of scarring, inflammation, and infection. Professional extractions are a safe and effective option for whitehead and blackhead removal.
“My go-to treatment for blackheads is recommending a salicylic acid wash once a day,” he says. “There are even medicated face wipes that contain it.” If you want to try salicylic acid, start off by using a product that contains between 2% and 4%.
Chemical peels
The procedure can unclog pores and start up new skin growth. You get a chemical peel in your doctor's office. It removes cells from the top layer of your skin. Common ingredients in chemical peel products are salicylic, glycolic, and retinoic acids.
While it's challenging to completely remove blackheads in just 5 minutes, using a pore strip can offer quick results. Apply the strip to a wet nose, let it dry, and then peel it off to remove blackheads instantly.
For mild blackheads, use salicylic acid
"The combination of physical exfoliation from the scrub and chemical exfoliation from the salicylic acid can help keep the pores clear," Dr. Zeichner says. A couple of our favorite salicylic acid scrubs include the St.
Chemical peels can help to remove deep blackheads through skin regeneration, but it's important to note that skin irritation can occur but does usually clear within 7-14 days. The good news? You can expect to start seeing the results in as little as 3-5 days [9]. Microdermabrasion is another great option.
Mineral oil: Considered non-comedogenic and can help to dissolve blackheads and other impurities. Sunflower oil: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it is lightweight and easily absorbed, making it suitable for oil gritting.
Slugging is basically the process of slathering your face (or, in some cases, your nails) with petroleum jelly overnight. Social media skin care gurus claim it has given them a gorgeous glow. So, how does it work? “Petroleum jelly is a simple and very occlusive ointment,” Dr. Kassouf says.