Dealing with blackheads? Here’s how to get rid of them
Blackheads are one of skincare’s most persistent annoyances — but the solution is far less aggressive than most people think.
From pore strips to harsh scrubs and endless “miracle” cleansers, there is certainly no shortage of advice when it comes to tackling blackheads.
Is there anything more annoying than stubborn blackheads? While it’s super tempting to squeeze them out with your fingers, every dermatologist will warn you against it, as it’s the quickest route to further inflammation and scarring. So, what is the best way to get rid of them? Read this article to find out.
What actually are blackheads?
Before we can tackle the problem, we need to address one common myth - blackheads are not trapped dirt. You cannot simply wash them away with standard soap and they are not caused by being “unhygienic”.
Scientifically, blackheads are also known as open comedones. These are essentially a type of mild acne caused by a blockage in the hair follicles. This is caused by a combination of dead skin cells and excess sebum (your skin’s natural oil). But, unlike a whitehead (or a pimple), where the pore is closed, a blackhead is open to air, causing it to oxidise and, therefore, turn dark.
How to deal with blackheads
The best way to get rid of blackheads is not through brute force, but by dissolving the “glue” that holds the plug together and encouraging healthy cell turnover. Here are the most effective methods:
Chemical exfoliators
Chemical exfoliation is widely known as the gold standard for blackhead treatment. These are mild acids that gently dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells and the gunk inside of the pore. The most effective types include:
• Salicylic Acid: Using a salicylic acid serum consistently is a highly effective way to get rid of blackheads. Because it is oil-soluble, it can actually penetrate deep into the pore to break up the sebum plug.
• Glycolic Acid: Derived from sugar cane, Glycolic Acid works on the surface to sweep away dead skin cells that might otherwise fall into the pore and cause new blockage.
• Lactic Acid: A gentler but still effective method that exfoliates the pores while helping the skin retain moisture, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Physical exfoliators
While you should avoid harsh scrubs that cause micro-tears, especially with sensitive skin, gentle physical exfoliation once or twice a week can also help remove the very top layer of debris. Look for such products as:
• Natural exfoliators: Instead of using synthetic plastic microbeads, natural exfoliators use ingredients like jojoba beads, oatmeal, coffee grounds, sugar, sea salt and similar.
• Rice bran powders: These often come as a dry powder that turns into a creamy paste when mixed with water, providing a very fine, non-abrasive exfoliation.
• Micro-fine bamboo particles: These offer a uniform shape that smooths the skin’s surface without causing irritation.
• Konjac sponges: Made from vegetable fibre, these are naturally alkaline and help gently buff the skin while washing your face.
Physical exfoliators
Peel masks are not a long-term solution to keep your pores clean, but they can be an intense, targeted treatment for areas most prone to congestion, like your nose or chin. You could try:
• Clay and kaolin masks: These act like a vacuum, drawing out excess oil and impurities from the pores as the mask dries.
• Charcoal masks: Activated charcoal is highly porous and brilliant at sticking to toxins and debris, pulling them out of the skin as you peel the mask off.
• Enzyme peels: Often using fruit enzymes, like pineapple or papaya, these masks digest dead skin cells, giving the pores a brighter and clearer appearance.
All about consistency
Unfortunately, there isn’t one quick fix that will magically get rid of your blackheads. It’s a process that requires a lot of consistency and patience but, with a bit of time, the results will certainly come.
