How To Get Rid of Blackheads & Whiteheads?

It is possible to get blackheads or whiteheads when you suffer from acne.

A blackhead appears as a black spot on your skin, whereas a whitehead appears as a white spot. Although blackheads and whiteheads form differently, they both respond similarly to treatment.

Find out what causes whiteheads and blackheads and how to get rid of them.

5 Ways to Deal With Blackheads

One of the most common types of acne is blackheads. Although people with oily skin are more prone to blackheads, they can occur in anyone.

Clogged pores are caused by dead skin cells and excess sebum (oil) from the sebaceous glands.

Unlike whiteheads, which have closed pores, blackheads have open surfaces that result in dark oxidation. Here are 5 methods for removing blackheads:

1. Cleanse with salicylic acid

Look for over-the-counter (OTC) products containing salicylic acid instead of benzoyl peroxide.

Blackheads and whiteheads are easily treated with salicylic acid since it breaks down clogging materials. You can also remove these elements by using a salicylic acid cleanser on a daily basis:

• daily dirt
• oil
• makeup

Even though you should still wash your face twice a day, start by using a salicylic acid cleanser once a day. It is especially beneficial for people with dry skin to use salicylic acid.

It might be a good idea to use it only at night and then use your regular cleanser in the morning. You can use it morning and night once your skin gets used to it. You can also use salicylic acid face serum for this purpose.

Salicylic acid sensitivity affects many people. It might only be possible to use it once every few days. Use it less if it keeps causing you problems.

2. Use a clay mask

Clay masks help to unclog pores by drawing oils and toxins out of the skin. Clay masks are frequently regarded as must-haves for oily skin.

Sulfur is also present in some clay masks. Sulphur is another ingredient that breaks down dead skin cells that form blackheads.

Use whatever mask you choose once a week in addition to your weekly or biweekly exfoliating treatment.

3. Consider a chemical peel

Chemical peels have traditionally been used to provide anti-ageing benefits such as the reduction of age spots and fine lines. Peels frequently contain AHAs or BHAs and exfoliate the skin.

In theory, the procedure should result in smoother, more refreshed-looking skin.

Though not a primary treatment for blackheads, chemical peels may be able to remove dead skin cells and shrink enlarged pores.

This treatment method may be especially beneficial if you want anti-ageing benefits as well.

4. Make sure you’re using non-comedogenic products

If you don’t use noncomedogenic makeup and face products, even the best cleanser, mask, and exfoliator will be ineffective. Use a blackhead removal regimen that includes non-comedogenic products.

Noncomedogenic means the product will not cause comedones or clogged pores. Because not all products are non-comedogenic, you must carefully read labels.

5. Gently exfoliate with AHAs and BHAs

You may have heard that exfoliating has a negative impact on acne. It is especially true for inflammatory acne, where irritation and redness can be exacerbated by the process.

Inflammatory acne is especially susceptible to irritation and redness, which the process exacerbates. You can also use the procedure to gently remove existing blackheads.

AHAs and BHAs are the best alternatives to harsh scrubs. The most common AHA is glycolic acid, while salicylic acid is known as a BHA.

Both of these treatments remove the top layer of your skin. This can reduce wrinkles and age spots while also cleansing pores and softening your skin.

5 Ways to Deal With Whiteheads

Whiteheads form when dead skin cells, sebum (oil), and dirt clog your pores. Whiteheads, unlike blackheads, are closed within the pore and cannot be pushed out. This can make treatment more difficult.

You still have hope if you want to get rid of those pesky whiteheads. There are many different types of treatments to choose from, such as over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. Here are five effective solutions –

1. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is widely advertised as a natural anti-inflammatory. It could also have antimicrobial properties. Because of these effects, tea tree oil may aid in the removal of whiteheads.

You can apply the extract directly to your face. Besides cleansers, masks, and spot treatments, tea tree oil can also be found in skincare products.

2. Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide can be used both to treat spots and to treat the whole face. It aids in the removal of bacteria and excess oil. Benzoyl peroxide may be beneficial if you have multiple whiteheads in one area because it can reduce inflammation in the surrounding area.

Simply apply once a day to the affected area. Once your skin is used to it, you can increase the application to twice daily. Also, wash your hands immediately after using benzoyl peroxide-containing products because the ingredient can bleach hair and clothing. Look for products that contain at least 2% benzoyl peroxide

3. Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid, like benzoyl peroxide, can reduce oil production in pores. Additionally, it dries out your skin, removing dead skin cells that can clog your pores.

Salicylic acid may be the most effective as a whitehead preventative measure. You can use it up to three times per day. Acne toners, astringents, creams, and gels are all available. Salicylic acid is also found in some face moisturisers.

4. Retinoid creams

Retinoids contain more potent forms of vitamin A. When used as a daily face cream, retinoids can provide anti-ageing benefits while also unclogging pores. Adapalene is a prescription-only retinoid that can be extremely beneficial. It should be applied all over the face, not just in spots. If you have dry or sensitive skin, start by using it every 2 to 3 nights, then gradually increase to nightly as tolerated. If the OTC adapalene is ineffective, your dermatologist can prescribe much stronger topical prescription retinoids.

When using retinoids, use caution. They can make your skin more sun sensitive. Wear sunscreen every day and stay out of direct sunlight during peak hours.

5. Gentle exfoliants

Exfoliants containing or not containing salicylic acid can also help with whiteheads. These not only smooth the skin, but they can also remove dead skin cells.

The key to selecting the best exfoliant is to go with a gentle formula. It will exfoliate your skin without causing any unnecessary irritation or dryness.

Summing Up

Now that you know all the methods to help you effectively deal with blackheads and whiteheads, the only part remaining is to be constant in your efforts and trust the process. All the techniques mentioned above are clinically proven and have great results! So do try it out today!