Whether you have acne-prone skin or not, blackheads are an incredibly common blemish to develop. Appearing as black or brown dots, these markings are enlarged pores that have been clogged over time with everything from dirt and grime to dead skin cells. If left untreated, they have the potential to become more than just an eyesore. In fact, clusters of blackheads are linked to bacterial growth that can lead to full-blown acne breakouts. When it comes to getting rid of them and preventing them in the future, using these top tips for treating blackheads can ensure your success.

Wash Your Face With Salicylic Acid

The first step to ridding yourself of blackheads is to find a cleanser that targets the problem specifically. Otherwise, it might not penetrate deep enough into your pores to clean out the debris. Salicylic acid is a wonderful ingredient for this purpose because it will target any impurities and dissolve them on contact. You’ll be able to clear out your pores just as effectively as you would clean the surface of your skin. Keep in mind, however, that salicylic acid can be irritating in larger doses. As such, you’ll want to use products with no more than two percent of it to protect your skin from dryness.

Exfoliate Regularly With Hydroxy Acids

You’ll also want to get into the habit of regularly exfoliating your skin to remove any clutter that gets left behind after washing. Despite how thorough salicylic acid is, even it can’t get everything. This is why you’re guaranteed a much better clean by pairing it with either a physical or chemical exfoliant. Products that include alpha or beta hydroxy acids are particularly effective because they’ll promote additional turnover of your cells—making room for the healthier ones underneath them. For blackheads on other parts of your body, scrubbing with a dry brush can remove dead skin cells that could clog your pores.

Use Purifying Masks

Using the occasional purifying mask can be beneficial as well. This is because thicker materials can attract impurities like a magnet—drawing them out of the deeper parts of the pore. This makes debris much easier to remove. Clay and charcoal are two especially important substances to keep in mind when choosing one of these masks. This is because they’re also good at absorbing oils and even removing skin cells, just like salicylic acid. If you’re going to partake in a weekly facial, it’s best to pick products that use these substances.

Open Your Pores With Steam

Another top tip for treating blackheads is to open your pores prior to using your skincare products. Steam from a pot of boiling water, or even your bathtub, increases the rate at which you generate sweat, and your pores react to this stimulation by opening. This provides extra space to remove debris and makes it easier for your skincare products to successfully penetrate the upper layers of skin. Your creams and treatments will take effect faster, and you’ll have a greater chance of success. Steaming your pores has also been linked to better blood flow and it promotes a healthier overall complexion.

Find the Right Retinoid Cream

After steaming and caring for your face, it’s important to use a quality cream to infuse your skin with beneficial nutrients. Retinoids are a variant of vitamin A that promotes an increased cell shedding rate. This brightens the skin by ensuring that only your healthiest and most beautiful cells are sitting on the surface. Blackheads become rare since there are fewer dead skin cells left to clog your pores. This is why many use these products as a staple in their routine regardless of the blemish they want to treat.

Keep Your Skin Moisturized

Make sure you apply moisturizer. Our skin requires the proper amount of hydration to bounce back from injury and sustain a healthy environment for our cells. In fact, those with dry skin tend to produce more natural oil to make up for that lack of hydration. This is what ultimately makes these individuals more prone to developing blackheads, and later, acne. For this reason, keeping your skin hydrated is the key to promoting balance and preventing the formation of blackheads in the future.

Apply Oil-Free Sunscreen Products

Make sure you don’t forget the sunscreen, either. After all, if you don’t like the appearance of blackheads, you’ll hate having freckles even more. But, in this case, you’ll want to use a sunscreen that’s labeled as oil-free. This cuts down on the amount of oil sitting on the surface of your skin—reducing the risk of your pores becoming clogged from it. There are thousands of these products on the market with varying strengths. You’re sure to find something that works with your skin’s distinct needs.

Get Advice From a Dermatologist

If you still find that you’re struggling to get rid of your blackheads, you should see a dermatologist to get additional advice. These professionals specialize in all conditions related to the skin—making them the best possible resource to give you a fighting chance against your blemishes. They could instruct you on further changes to make to your skincare routine or even perform an extraction in their own office. Either way, they can help you find the perfect plan for your skin and work with you over time to ensure you get the results you’re after.

While blackheads themselves don’t cause lasting harm to your skin, they can set the stage for even worse conditions down the line. As such, we at Flawless Beauty and Skin seek to not only teach you how to control these blemishes but to also provide you with effective products that can help. Our skin brightening soaps are infused with deep-cleansing salicylic acid to loosen and dissolve the dirt in your pores. Our specially formulated serums work to shrink your pores and prevent future flare-ups. We’re dedicated to helping individuals like you achieve clearer, healthier skin. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or want more information.