Salicylic acid is one of the best blackhead fighting ingredients, says Alexis Stephens, M.D., a Florida-based dermatologist and founder of Parkland Dermatology. Included in this Inkey List cleanser, Dr.
Dermatologists know how to remove acne safely
One is called acne extraction, which involves using sterile instruments to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. Acne extraction is usually offered when other acne treatment fails to clear the skin. it's rarely a first choice because it takes time and can be expensive.
Next, the esthetician uses cotton- or tissue-wrapped fingers to apply gentle pressure to each blackhead or blemish. Some estheticians may also use a small metal tool called a comedone extractor to release the blackhead plug from the pore.
While cellophane tape could possibly remove surface dead skin cells, it's unclear how effective this method is in removing clogged gunk in your pores. Don't use masking, duct, industrial, or any other type of tape that could be harmful to your skin.
Home remedies for blackheads are green tea, tea tree oil, salt scrub or sugar scrub. Green tea helps lower the oil production on your skin while tea tree oil can stop the growth of bacteria. The salt or sugar scrub exfoliates your skin and removes the dead skin that is clogging the open skin pore.
Deep blackheads should be removed by a medical professional — usually a dermatologist or medical aesthetician. They use a small tool with rigid metal loops on the ends (blackhead or comedo extractor) to apply even pressure to your blackheads.
Dermatologists Weigh in on the Vaseline Method
"I would never recommend this method to any patient," San Francisco-based dermatologist William Kwan, MD, told Health. "Vaseline can clog pores and applying plastic wrap is physically occluding the pores.
Via Refinery29, Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., agrees that after the clay mask brings all the junk to the surface, physical massage can "indeed dislodge clogged pores and whatever's inside them."
Blackheads are caused by dirt and oil that clog your pores and turn black when exposed to air. Help prevent and get rid of nose blackheads by incorporating a combination of cleansers with Salicylic Acid, pore strips, and gentle exfoliation into your skincare routine.
'You should absolutely not squeeze blackheads. Squeezing a spot can push the inflammation deeper and this can cause scarring of the skin,' she says. Squeezing a spot can push the inflammation deeper and this can cause scarring of the skin.
Baking soda can be used as an exfoliant to clean out pores and reduce the appearance of blackheads and acne. Baking soda is also mildly anti-bacterial, so it could potentially kill off bacteria that causes acne.
Exfoliate Regularly To Maintain Clean Pores
"Blackheads are caused by clogged pores from oils in the skin, makeup or moisturizers used on the skin, and bacteria," says Sperling. "AHA's, such as glycolic acid, and BHA's, such as salicylic acid, work well to exfoliate the skin.
It's irreversible damage,” says Dr. Henry. Damaging your skin by squeezing or picking can also cause inflammation, hyperpigmentation and scarring. Squeezing additionally introduces bacteria, oil and dirt from your hands into your pores, which can lead to more blackheads.
Don't: Treat with Hydrogen Peroxide
Regardless of whether you have sensitive skin or not, it's a safe bet to treat blackheads with gentle products that are free of fragrances and irritants. Hydrogen peroxide is a commonly misused solution and is neither a gentle nor a valid long-term treatment.
Exfoliate. Use an exfoliating scrub on the skin once a week to help remove the dead skin cells that contribute to blackheads. A scrub may also improve the overall appearance of the skin. Avoid exfoliating if it irritates the skin, and stop using a scrub if it makes the skin feel dry or sore.
Moreover, it also balances the pH levels of the skin by controlling sebum production. Use apple cider vinegar diluted with water (keep the ratio 1:3) on the blackheads and let it sit for 10-20 seconds. Rinse it with water immediately. Doing this once a week can help you to remove blackheads.
Apple cider vinegar is excellent for removing blackheads. It has a strong antimicrobial effect, which effectively makes it eliminate even some of the most dangerous bacteria. What to do: Take a few drops of apple cider vinegar on a cotton ball or pad and gently dab it on the affected regions of your face.