Treatments For Blackheads

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Did you know that blackheads are a type of acne? Well, if not, then yes, blackheads are a type of non-inflammatory acne. Blackheads are really common but blackhead removal can be really tricky. Small dark or black looking spots on the face especially nose are blackheads and are usually caused due to clogged/blocked hair follicles. Building up of bacteria, dead skin and excessive sebum production are some of the other causes for blackheads.There are various blackhead removal tools and products available in the market and if you are trying to get your hands on something that will help you get rid of these stubborn blackheads, you are at the right place as we have prepared a list of a few things we are sure would work for you!

A woman's face with various tools in her hands

BLACKHEAD CAUSES:

  1. Excessive sebum/oil production.
  2. Hormonal changes in the body.
  3. Increased P. Acnes bacteria on the skin.
  4. When hair follicles are clogged/blocked

HOW TO GET RID OF BLACKHEADS:

Exfoliate with AHA/BHA:

Including AHA/BHA in your skincare routine can be your best bet when it comes to treating blackheads. AHA stands for Alpha-Hydroxy Acid whereas BHA stands for Beta-Hydroxy Acid and both are chemical peels.  AHAs and BHAs are both exfoliators and help in exfoliating the dead skin and work beautifully when it comes to unclogging the pores. By shedding the top layer of the skin, it not only treats blackheads, it also helps in reducing the signs of ageing, fine lines and wrinkles. It might not work well for people with inflammatory acne as it has the tendency to worsen the affected area. 

 

Salicylic acid:

If you are thinking that salicylic acid only works for inflammatory acne, then you probably need to rethink as this skincare ingredient not only works for acne but can make a huge difference for blackheads and whiteheads as well. As we already know that BHAs work amazingly well for treating blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid is the most commonly used BHA. One of the major causes of blackheads is excessive oil production, salicylic acid helps in controlling that. It not only helps you get rid of excess oil, it also helps in unclogging the pores and shedding dead skin cells. 

 

Clay masks:

Clay masks are yet another effective choice of people with blackheads and whiteheads. These masks do an amazing job in pulling out the impurities from the clogged pores resulting in blackhead free skin. Not only this, clay masks are also known to have exfoliating properties and can control excess oil production. By removing the dead skin cells and bacteria, clay masks are also effective in giving the skin a firm and younger look. 

two girls with face packs on their face

Pore cleansing strips:

Most people with blackheads love pore cleansing strips for a good reason! Though some people are of the opinion that these strips are painful and do nothing but damage the skin. Pore cleansing strips are a temporary solution to clearing blackheads like just before an event! These are sticky strips really effective for smaller areas like blackheads on nose and chin. Using these strips occasionally will not cause any harm to skin. 

A girl using pore cleansing strip on her nose

Tea tree oil:

Tea tree oil may sound familiar to you, right? You must be wondering that tea tree oil works best for inflammatory acne. But that’s not the case, tea tree oil works well for blackheads and whiteheads too! This oil has amazing antibacterial properties which makes it an ideal choice for treating any form of zit nd acne. This also helps in unclogging the pores and reduces inflammation. 

 

Azelaic acid:

Many of us are still not aware of what magical properties azelaic acid has for the skin. It not only treats current blackheads and whiteheads due to its exfoliating properties but it also prevents future blackheads too! Just like other blackhead healing skincare ingredients, azelaic acid too has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in fighting acne causing bacteria which prevents future blackheads. 

 

Following a healthy diet:

While following a proper balanced diet may not treat your active blackheads, but can prevent future skin conditions. Indulging in processed and refined food can worsen inflammatory acne, blackheads and whiteheads. 

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Is tea tree oil beneficial for treating blackheads?
Tea tree oil may sound familiar to you, right? You must be wondering that tea tree oil works best for inflammatory acne. But that’s not the case, tea tree oil works well for blackheads and whiteheads too! This oil has amazing antibacterial properties which makes it an ideal choice for treating any form of zit nd acne. This also helps in unclogging the pores and reduces inflammation.
Are pore cleansing strips effective in clearing blackheads?
Most people with blackheads love pore cleansing strips for a good reason! Though some people are of the opinion that these strips are painful and do nothing but damage the skin. Pore cleansing strips are a temporary solution to clearing blackheads like just before an event! These are sticky strips really effective for smaller areas like blackheads on nose and chin. Using these strips occasionally will not cause any harm to skin.
Is salicylic acid good for blackheads?
If you are thinking that salicylic acid only works for inflammatory acne, then you probably need to rethink as this skincare ingredient not only works for acne but can make a huge difference for blackheads and whiteheads as well. As we already know that BHAs work amazingly well for treating blackheads and whiteheads, salicylic acid is the most commonly used BHA. One of the major causes of blackheads is excessive oil production, salicylic acid helps in controlling that. It not only helps you get rid of excess oil, it also helps in unclogging the pores and shedding dead skin cells.