Are you sick of blackheads? Do you find yourself constantly picking at them? Or buying products over and over trying to get rid of them, but they only seem to be coming back with a vengeance? Well sis, we’re here to help.
According to consultant dermatologist, Dr. Mary Sommerlad, blackheads are a “hair follicle or pore which is filled with keratin, sebum and dirt from the environment – the oxygen in the air oxidizes the cream-coloured sebum which makes it black, hence the term.” Unfortunately for us, blackheads usually appear in the areas “where pores are larger, such as the nose, jawline and forehead.” And not to mention, external factors such as the overproduction of oil due to our hormones, stress, and even how much makeup we wear can even play a role in their presence as well.
So how can we begin to get rid of blackheads? Here’s a few tips and tricks!
Reach for products with retinoids to promote cell turnover.
According to clinical facialist and skin expert, Kate Kerr, “any kind of blockage is the result of an over-production of oil and our skin cells not shedding efficiently.” Using products that are oil-free and noncomedogenic are the first step to keeping our pores clear, but also reaching for products that contain retinol can make a huge difference. Retinol allows the cells in our skin to keep reproducing at a quick rate which helps to prevent oil buildup and clogged pores.
Don’t reach for scrubs instead incorporate skin care products with salicylic acid, and AHAs and BHAs.
When we see that our skin is congested, one of the first things we think to reach for is a scrub. And that’s the last thing that you want to do. Instead, grab a skincare product formulated with salicylic acid as it will work to break down the dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that make up the blackheads. Following up with an exfoliator that contains AHAs or BHAs is a great way to reinforce this prior step, as they work to “gently remove existing blackheads.”
Refrain from picking your face and schedule a facial with an esthetician.
You’ve probably heard this over and over from your dermatologist, “stay clear of picking your face!” And you should. When we pick our face with our bare fingers, usually we just end up adding more bad bacteria to our skin’s surface, and we actually end up making the appearance of blemishes or blackheads worse. Instead, look for an established esthetician in your area and schedule a facial with them. Typically, facials include extractions which allow for the esthetician to properly remove the blackheads from your skin.
Don’t fall victim to spending your money on temporary solutions.
Blackhead vacuums and blackhead removing pore strips usually sound like a great solution. But they’re really just temporary fixes. And not to mention, they can actually be harsher on your skin than just using the right salicylic product or scheduling a simple facial.
Set your skincare routine in motion and stick with it.
The only way to see consistent results and keep the blackheads truly at bay is to develop a skincare routine and stick with it. Find the right products with salicylic acid and AHAs and BHAs and incorporate them into your regular skin care routine. Find and schedule regular appointments with a trusted esthetician and with time, you’ll be sure to see that the blackheads have banished.