Ways to remove blackheads can range from elaborate treatments at the doctor’s, to simple remedies practicable at home.

Blackheads are one of the most commonly experienced skincare problems in the world. Some resort to squeezing out blackheads only to find out that they are being replaced by new ones. Many think that the best way to deal with blackheads is to cover them up with layers of foundation.

Let’s look at what are blackheads, how they are caused, and ways to rid your skin of it permanently.

What are Blackheads? 

Blackheads are a type of clogged pore. They are formed when the hair follicle in our skin gets clogged up with oil, bacteria and dead skin cells to become a wide opening at the surface of our skin. Once this oil and other debris are exposed to the air, it oxidises and turns black.

The pores on your nose are larger and are more prone to getting clogged. Hence, the blackheads on your nose are probably more visible.

What Causes Blackheads?

The common misconception about blackheads is that they are the cause of dirt accumulated in your skin or that the face is not washed enough. While that's true, it’s not entirely the case. Some of the actual common causes of blackheads are:

Hormonal Changes

Especially during adolescence, there is a change in hormones that triggers sebum production leading to increased blackheads. Apart from puberty, hormonal changes due to mensuration, birth control pills, and pregnancy can also cause blackheads.

Genetics

Your genes may very well be responsible for how you regulate and are affected by hormones. While certain people are more prone to blackheads, the underlying reason for this is still not fully understood.

Stress

The effects of stress on skin are much more profound than most people think.

Stress leads to increased production of androgen in the body. Androgen is responsible for oil production and hence, blackheads. So, stressing about blackheads will probably give you more blackheads! It’s a weird paradox.

Makeup Products

Your makeup products might be responsible for clogging up of pores, which eventually pave the way for debris to accumulate leading to blackheads.

Ways to Get Rid of Blackheads

Well, there’s always medical treatments you can resort to if your blackheads are getting out of control. However, in other cases, there are some simpler things you should give a shot to:

1. Try Pore Strips

Pore strips for blackhead removal are one of our favourite products. They can get rid of the blackheads on your nose in 20-25 minutes in a single-use. Talk about instant results!

These strips are like magnets. They suck all the dead cells and dirt clogging your pores. So, add this product to your shopping lists if you haven’t already.

2. Exfoliate with a Gentle Chemical Exfoliant

Exfoliation gets its hype for good reason. Adding this simple step to your skincare routine can help tackle a host of skin issues, especially blackheads, whiteheads, and acne! 

Exfoliating works primarily to remove dead skin cells and clear out your pores, giving you glowing skin without an expensive facial – we like to think of exfoliation as a simple way to detoxify your skin!

3. Try Steaming

The benefits of steaming when it comes to deep cleansing pores cannot be stressed enough. All you need to do is a fill a bowl with hot water, and drape your face with a towel to create a trap of hot steam.

This will help rid your skin of dirt and soften your pores, thus making it easier to remove blackheads.

If done once or once or twice, steaming can do wonders for your skin. Furthermore, it's simple, cost-effective, and can be practised right at home. However, make sure you do not overdo it - you don't want to dry your skin up.

Steaming can also be used as a preventive measure against blackheads.

4. Get Yourself a Noncomedogenic Sunscreen

To keep clogged pores at bay, many dealing with blackheads shun sunscreens. However, if SPF is missing from your skincare routine, you'll have to deal with a range of other skin problems.

What are you to do then?

The next time you go skincare shopping, look out for a sunscreen with the label "noncomedogenic."  Such products offer protection from harmful UV rays without clogging the pores.

This is partly because they're much lighter in nature - just what you need if you're looking for ways to remove blackheads.

5. Natural Face Masks

Our good old trusted friends in our kitchen cabinets will always be the answer to any skin-related woes. These are safe, easy to make, inexpensive and very relaxing. What else can one ask for?

Some of our favourite ingredients and DIY blackhead masks are:

• Mix 1 teaspoon of honey into 1 egg white and apply the mixture on your face. Let it dry and then wash it with warm water.
• Apply freshly extracted gel from aloe vera leaf. Leave for 10 minutes before rinsing.
• Mash a peeled tomato to apply it on your face. You can leave it overnight and wash it off with water in the morning.
• Use 1 teaspoon of dry green tea leaves and water to make a paste. Apply this paste to your face for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with water.
  
  

6. No Squeezing

As tempting as it may be, do not squeeze out your blackheads. This can leave you with scars and chances of infection.

The fight against blackheads can be exasperating. But with these tips in hand, you won't only get rid of blackheads for good but you can also prevent them from occurring in future. Flawless skin doesn’t sound like a distant dream now, does it?