7 ways to remove blackheads
Have you ever wondered what the little dark spots on your nose are? Many people may not
know this but, blackheads are just another type of acne.
Also known as comedones, blackheads usually occur due to our sebaceous glands (the
glands that are responsible for producing oil in the skin) getting blocked and preventing
excess oil from flowing out.
Blackheads can affect anyone of any age, but those who have combination or oily skin are
most prone to developing them. Because blackheads are so common and frustrating, many
people have tried various methods to remove them. However, not every method is safe and
may end up damaging your skin.
What are blackheads?
Blackheads form when pores on the skin become clogged with a mixture of dead skin cells,
bacteria, and sebum(oil). A lot of people commonly think that blackheads are dark because
that’s the color of the dirt underneath their skin and in the pore. However, the reason why
blackheads can seem black, brown, or either dark gray is because the oil and dead skin that
clogs the open pore turn dark when they oxidize (come into contact with air).
Skin types that are prone to blackheads
Combination:
When someone has combination skin, this means that certain areas of the face are dry and
some areas remain oily. Also known as the ‘T-zone’ those that have a combination skin type
have their forehead, nose, and chin oily or blemished while their cheek area remains dry.
Oily:
Those that have oily skin, means that their sebaceous glands produce too much sebum(oil).
The forehead, nose, and chin are areas that produce the most oil and thus remain oily and
or shiny.
Due to the excessive production of oil, the pores become blocked and mixed with bacteria
and dead skin cells, and thus blackheads occur.
How to Safely Remove Blackheads
If you’re dealing with blackheads, you may be wondering how to get rid of them. Here are 7
safe and simple ways to remove blackheads.
1. Wash your face twice a day
Cleaning your face twice a day or regularly can go a long way. It’s a good idea to wash your
face in the morning to remove any dirt or bacteria that may have gotten on your face during
the night, and also in the evening to remove any impurities or residual layers of dirt that may
have accumulated on the face during your day!
Regularly cleansing your skin will help remove any excess dirt, oil, dead skin cells, bacteria,
or makeup that’s lingering on your face— basically all of the stuff that builds up to eventually
form a blackhead. However, be careful not to over-cleanse, which may strip the skin of its
natural oils and make it produce more oil to compensate.
2. Exfoliation
Cleansing your skin regularly may not be enough to remove all the dirt and dead skin cells
that clog your pores, so exfoliating it can be additional help. We know that when someone
thinks of exfoliation they immediately think of harsh or rough scrubs that can cause more
damage to your skin. However, there are many skin care products that are gentle exfoliants!
3. Moisturize
Don’t leave your skin out to dry, even if you’re battling frequent blackheads. Despite popular
belief, oily skin still needs to be kept moisturized and hydrated. If you deprive your skin of
moisture, then your skin ends up producing excessive oil in turn. The right balance of
moisture can help decrease the presence of dead skin cells, which aid in blackhead
formation.
4. Salicylic acid
Salicylic acids are an effective exfoliant. They help dissolve the keratin that clogs pores.
Salicylic acid works by drying out sebum and dead skin cells. This not only helps break up
pores that are already clogged but also helps prevent blackheads from forming. Salicylic
acid is available in various facial cleansing products such as cleansers, toners, and some
moisturizers.
5. Clay masks
Clay masks are often considered must-haves for oily skin types. Clay is a gentle ingredient
that helps rid the skin of excess oil and may help to remove dirt from clogged pores. So, clay
masks help draw oils and toxins out of the skin, which then aids in unclogging pores. Clay
provides a deep cleansing action that gradually flushes out dirt and oil from the pore.
6. Charcoal masks
Charcoal is a great detoxifier. Charcoal masks, like clay masks, work deep into the skin to
draw out oil and other impurities.
7. AHAs and BHAs
Look for those products that contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs). AHAs
and BHAs are gentle acids that aid in removing dead skin cells. Once the dead skin cells are
cleared, your pores have much more space to breathe and thus this diminishes the chances
of blackheads occurring.
People with blackheads should avoid popping, squeezing, rubbing, touching, or picking at
affected areas. This can result in pore enlargement and skin irritation. Scarring may be
another risk. It is safer to implement products in your daily skincare regimen that are
effective in treating blackheads.
BelleCôte Paris’ Products That Fight Blackheads
At BelleCôte Paris, we offer you a range of products that can help combat blackheads,
unclog pores and clear your skin without damaging your skin!
Day Light Moisturizer
With a unique Phyto stem cell complex, our lightweight cream has the ability to fight free
radicals, dehydration, and the degenerative signs of aging by replacing damaged skin cells.
In addition, with powerful antioxidants, our cream removes toxins and pollution from the skin
as well as prevents loss of moisture and dehydration due to its hydro-protective elements.
Ideal for normal, dry, and sensitive skin types, our Day Light Moisturizer provides complete
moisturization and hydration to the skin which helps prevent the excessive production of oil
by the skin and thus, diminishes the chances of blackheads occurring.
DIRECTIONS:
With a light motion, apply in the morning and night over clean skin.
Marine Moisture Gel
BelleCôte Paris’ Marine Moisture Gel is a light, oil-free gel that provides total moisturization
to the skin. With Marine peptides and powerful AHAs (alpha hydroxy acid), this gel shrinks
large pores, heals as well as prevents breakouts, and provides an instant cooling effect.
For men and women and ideal for normal and oily/combination skin, our gel is a non-greasy,
non-sticky texture, that is fast-absorbing with antibacterial properties. Leaves the skin with a
smooth look.
DIRECTIONS:
Apply after cleansing, morning and night. Smooth evenly over the face and massage in
gently until all is absorbed.
Organic Seaweed Exfoliator
Powered with Mandelic, Lactic, and Salicylic acid, BelleCôte’s Organic Seaweed Exfoliator
proves itself best in effectively removing dead cells, excess oil, and unclogging and refining
pores. This exfoliator also hydrates, soothes, and brightens the skin immediately due to the
presence of Laminaria extract.
A gentle exfoliator, ideal for all skin types. Suits sensitive skin well.
DIRECTIONS:
Massage gently into the skin using circular movement with wet hands. then, rinse with
lukewarm water or a warm towel for best results.
Azelaic Toner
Powered with Azelaic and Salicylic acid, our Azelaic Toner reduces oiliness, instantly shrinks
large pores and also exfoliates the skin, and controls oiliness. Also known as the miracle
healer for breakouts, our toner prevents breakouts due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial
properties, and clears breakouts almost overnight!
Perfect for normal and oily/combination skin types. Ideal for men and women.
DIRECTIONS:
Use after cleansing in the morning and evening. Moisten a cotton pad and pat on the face,
concentrating on problem areas. Avoid eye area.
Black Mud Nourishing Mask
Made with a unique combination of healing black mud, black oil, and marine volcanic ashes,
this charcoal mask flushes away toxins, excess oil, and pollution from the skin while
activated charcoal establishes an anti-inflammatory barrier for the skin. Also provides a
fresh, hydrated, and radiant glow to the skin. This mask exfoliates, purifies, and nourishes
the skin at the same time.
For all skin types, especially oily/combination skin.
DIRECTIONS:
Apply to clean skin. Remove the mask with a hot facecloth after 10 minutes. The steam will
help release peptides and enzymes into the skin. Do not use around eyes.
The Takeaway
Blackheads may be difficult, but not impossible to remove or prevent. Even though they are
harmless, they may be annoying. However, with the right skincare products, you may be
able to loosen and clear out some of these stubborn pores.