Blackheads are the bane of many people’s existence. They’re often confused with pimples, but they’re actually completely different.
Blackheads are caused by a build-up of oil and dead skin cells in your pores. They’re not technically acne, but they can still leave your skin looking red and irritated.
While it’s tempting to pick at them, you should never do this because it can cause scarring. Instead, try these three methods to get rid of blackheads for good:
1. Cleanse Your Face Twice Daily
You should cleanse your face at least twice daily — once in the morning and once at night. This helps keep up the exfoliation process so blackheads don’t get a chance to form.
2. Use a Clarifying Cleanser
Cleansers made specifically for acne-prone skin or those designed to control oil production are best for keeping blackheads at bay. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid — these help break down dead skin cells that clog pores and cause whiteheads and blackheads alike.
3. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliating regularly helps remove excess sebum (oil) and dead skin cells from your face so they don’t build up and become blackheads later on down the line. Use an exfoliating scrub once or twice weekly. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that clog pores, allowing gunk to build up inside them instead. This makes them larger and more noticeable than they would be otherwise. Scrubbing also stimulates cell turnover so new cells replace older ones faster — meaning less time spent with blackheads!
4. Clay masks
Use a clay mask. Blackheads are caused by dirt and oil trapped in your pores. A clay mask will help draw out the impurities from your skin and prevent new blackheads from forming, leaving your pores clean and clear. Just apply a thin layer of the mask over affected areas twice a week for best results.
