Follow this step-by-step guide to rid your skin of stubborn blackheads and get clear skin -- finally
Blackheads: The word alone is ugly. And the reality of having blackheads on your face is even more unpleasant -- so much so that we understand why women are willing to go to great lengths to find out how to get rid of blackheads.
But before you bust out that magnifying mirror and start popping blackheads like it's a game (seriously, don't do that), you'll want to check out our helpful guide to getting rid of blackheads fast. In other words, we picked the brains of experts so you don't have to pick at the blackheads on your nose.
Read our guide to ditching blackheads for good now.
So, what is a blackhead? Blackheads are basically the same as whiteheads, except blackheads have an oxidized fatty deposit, which makes them look dark, giving them their name, explains Dr. Harold Lancer, MD, dermatologist and Medical Director of Epicuren. "Blackheads differ from other pimples because they are open, and not enclosed by a layer of skin like most spots or pimples," he says.
And what is the best way to remove blackheads? We rounded up trusted, expert-approved techniques for blackhead removal -- which should prevent you from ever having the urge to pick again. Here, your ultimate guide on how to get rid of blackheads once and for all.
What Is a Blackhead?
Use a Cleanser that Prevents Blackheads
Remove Blackheads by Toning
Add Acne-Fighting Ingredients at Night
But before you bust out that magnifying mirror and start popping blackheads like it's a game (seriously, don't do that), you'll want to check out our helpful guide to getting rid of blackheads fast. In other words, we picked the brains of experts so you don't have to pick at the blackheads on your nose.
Read our guide to ditching blackheads for good now.
So, what is a blackhead? Blackheads are basically the same as whiteheads, except blackheads have an oxidized fatty deposit, which makes them look dark, giving them their name, explains Dr. Harold Lancer, MD, dermatologist and Medical Director of Epicuren. "Blackheads differ from other pimples because they are open, and not enclosed by a layer of skin like most spots or pimples," he says.
And what is the best way to remove blackheads? We rounded up trusted, expert-approved techniques for blackhead removal -- which should prevent you from ever having the urge to pick again. Here, your ultimate guide on how to get rid of blackheads once and for all.
What Is a Blackhead?
Consider this your 101 on what causes blackheads. The No. 1 culprit: your DNA. Blackheads are a genetically inherited predisposition, so they are genetically programmed to occur or not occur, says Lancer. If you have the genes for them --lucky you -- then your lifestyle choices can make blackheads more glaring.
In short, all the things that we know aren't good for us (think: caffeine, alcohol, dairy products and a high-carb, high-fat diet) can cause blackheads. Oh, and surprise, surprise: Stress also makes blackheads worse because it influences hormone production, which causes little spikes of testosterone that predispose skin to blackhead formation. The longer blackheads go untreated, the more they expand your pores, and the longer they stay expanded, the bigger your pores become.
In short, all the things that we know aren't good for us (think: caffeine, alcohol, dairy products and a high-carb, high-fat diet) can cause blackheads. Oh, and surprise, surprise: Stress also makes blackheads worse because it influences hormone production, which causes little spikes of testosterone that predispose skin to blackhead formation. The longer blackheads go untreated, the more they expand your pores, and the longer they stay expanded, the bigger your pores become.
Like getting rid of plain old pimples, your first line of defense against blackheads is properly cleansing your skin. In the mornings, wash your face with an exfoliating face wash, such as a salicylic acid-based cleanser, recommends Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.
"[Salicylic acid] penetrates skin and sebaceous follicles well," says Gohara. To boot, it acts as an antibacterial and an anti-inflammatory. Try Dermalogica MediBac Clearing Clearing Skin Wash, $36. We also like CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser, $11.99.
If salicylic acid is too much for your skin, Gohara suggests using a mild cleanser that has exfoliating properties but won't irritate. She likes Dove's Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar, $10.79 for six, and Glytone's Mild Gel Wash, $32.
"[Salicylic acid] penetrates skin and sebaceous follicles well," says Gohara. To boot, it acts as an antibacterial and an anti-inflammatory. Try Dermalogica MediBac Clearing Clearing Skin Wash, $36. We also like CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser, $11.99.
If salicylic acid is too much for your skin, Gohara suggests using a mild cleanser that has exfoliating properties but won't irritate. She likes Dove's Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar, $10.79 for six, and Glytone's Mild Gel Wash, $32.
Post-cleanse, whip your skin into tip-top shape with a toner. Go for an alcohol-free product that contains Totarol (from the Totara tree which is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial), says Lena Bratschi, a trained esthetician and founder of Carasoin Spa in Beverly Hills, California. This puts back the acid mantle (basically it restores the pH of your skin).
Try Astara Blue Flame Purifying Toning Mist, $39, or Jurlique Purely Bright Mist, $39.
Try Astara Blue Flame Purifying Toning Mist, $39, or Jurlique Purely Bright Mist, $39.
Sometimes you need to break out the heavy-hitters. And when it comes to getting rid of blackheads, that means using benzoyl peroxide and retinol. "Benzoyl peroxide is tried and true in terms of getting rid of acne," Gohara says. It's good at eliminating pesky, blackhead-causing bacteria, she explains. Try AcneFree Oil-Free Acne Cleanser, $5.99 -- it's affordable and contains 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide.
Likewise, retinol products boost cell turnover, which helps unplug your pores, she says. Gohara likes La Roche-Posay Redermic [R], $56.99. "It's a 0.1 percent retinol, so it's buffered to get your skin in better shape, but it's less irritating," she says. "Even if you have a smidge of rosacea or sensitive skin, you can tolerate this product."
But don't go crazy with these potent ingredients. Gohara suggests switching between them. For example, you may want to use the benzoyl peroxide on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and use the retinol on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. "The reason I like to use them on alternate days is so that it's not overly irritating," she says.
Likewise, retinol products boost cell turnover, which helps unplug your pores, she says. Gohara likes La Roche-Posay Redermic [R], $56.99. "It's a 0.1 percent retinol, so it's buffered to get your skin in better shape, but it's less irritating," she says. "Even if you have a smidge of rosacea or sensitive skin, you can tolerate this product."
But don't go crazy with these potent ingredients. Gohara suggests switching between them. For example, you may want to use the benzoyl peroxide on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and use the retinol on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. "The reason I like to use them on alternate days is so that it's not overly irritating," she says.
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