How to Get Rid of Blackheads

Blackheads can be a big nuisance, distracting from your natural beauty with blemishes that you can’t seem to solve. However, with the right support and some helpful treatments, you can begin your journey to clearer skin and get rid of blackheads for good.

Here at Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa in Gilbert, AZ, we strive to support you in maintaining your healthiest skin however we can. Whether it’s providing you with the proper education or offering you a rejuvenating skin treatment, we are here to help you manage blackheads and be confident in your appearance.

What are Blackheads?

Blackheads are open bumps on the skin caused by a mix of oxidized dead skin cells, dirt, and oils, called sebum, clogging pores. These pores then turn black when they are exposed to air. Blackheads are a type of acne, but they are not the same as pimples or whiteheads.

Though there’s a lot you can do to stay on top of them, there’s a significant genetic disposition to blackheads/pore size. People with oily skin are more likely to develop blackheads, but anyone can get them.

How to Remove Blackheads

Though it might be tempting to pick at those stubborn blackheads, you’ll want to resort to better treatment methods if you really want to eliminate them. In fact, picking can make blackheads worse, leaving you with an infection and then possibly scarring. Fortunately, you can tackle blackheads with a few tactics.

1. Try Salicylic Acid

One of the best tools in your arsenal against blackheads is salicylic acid. It’s a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that works to remove excess oils and dead skin cells from the surface of your face.

You can find salicylic acid in daily cleansers and make it a part of your skin care routine. It’s best to start by using a cleanser with this ingredient once a day to see how your skin reacts. Some people are sensitive to salicylic acid, so stop using it if you notice any adverse reaction.

Colair not only sells products from SkinMedica and other high quality professional skin care lines that include salicylic acid, but we incorporate them into a few of our facials as well, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of this helpful ingredient.

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from your skin’s surface. You can exfoliate using a chemical treatment or an exfoliation tool, like a brush. Although there are doubts about the effectiveness of exfoliating for acne, it is a helpful practice for blackheads.

Be sure to choose a gentle cleanser over a harsh scrub that can irritate the skin. As a BHA, salicylic acid is a great option for exfoliating, but you can also use an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or other BHAs.

Exfoliating also offers a range of additional benefits past improving blackheads. By removing dead skin cells and cleansing your pores, exfoliating can also help soften your skin and make it appear more vibrant.

3. Try Retinoids

Retinoids are an ingredient that can open up your pores to more easily remove dirt and oil, acting as an exfoliant for your skin. By opening up the pores, retinoids may even help make other skin care products more effective, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin.

Keep in mind, however, that strong retinoids are not the best choice for those with dry or sensitive skin, as they can irritate your skin even further. You will want to speak with your skin care professional before you start any retinoid product.

4. Use a Face Mask

Face masks are another great option for drawing out oil and dirt from your skin. They are both excellent as a skin care practice and a self-care routine.

The two most popular face mask options are: 

• Clay masks – Clay masks help remove oils and toxins from the skin and unclog pores, and they are great for those with oily skin. Some clay masks also have sulfur, which breaks down dead skin cells that can cause blackheads.
• Charcoal masks – Charcoal masks work similarly to clay masks but are thought to be more efficient at purifying the skin.

Face masks can be a great addition to a consistent skincare routine. Try using them about once a week to maintain clear pores.

5. Perform a Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is the practice of applying a chemical solution to your skin to exfoliate it, make it smoother, and provide a more youthful appearance. On top of helping you enjoy more vibrant skin, a chemical peel is also a great way to target blackheads and prevent the clogging of your pores.

At Colair, we offer a chemical peel as one of many options to support your journey to clear skin. We have options for chemical peels with multiple levels of intensity, so we can help you find the right treatment for you and your skin type. Our skilled aestheticians will also ensure you have a full understanding of what to expect during the process so you are comfortable throughout.

6. Receive a Facial at Colair

Instead of picking at blackheads, control them with the help of professionals. A facial treatment from our skilled providers at Colair can make all the difference. We start off by steaming your pores to open them up—then, after some magical topical solutions, we can manually clean up all of those pores.

We offer a variety of facial treatments that allow you to find the best option for your needs, including:

• Classic Facial 
• Luxe Facial 
• Fire & Ice “Red Carpet” Facial
• Diamond Glow Facial

After completing your facial, one of our highly trained aestheticians can point you in the right direction for choosing the appropriate skin care products. After your treatment, you’re going to want to keep your skin moisturized—this helps keep the skin balanced so you don’t overproduce oil.

Ways To Prevent Blackheads from Forming

Of course, the best way to get rid of blackheads is to prevent them entirely. With a solid skincare routine, you can minimize the risk of blackheads forming before you have to worry about getting rid of them.

Some ways you can prevent blackheads include:

• Washing your face morning and night with warm water and a mild cleanser
• Moisturizing your skin daily and after washing
• Choosing non-comedogenic skin care products and makeup
• Using topical or oral retinoids, after consulting with a skin care professional

What To Avoid

As you work to manage blackheads, it’s important that you are careful not to make them worse with the wrong techniques. Be sure to avoid the following things in your skincare routine:

• Harsh scrubs – Harsh scrubs can irritate your skin and make you more prone to blackheads and other types of acne. Stick to gentle cleansers and avoid over-exfoliating.
• Picking/squeezing – Touching or picking at blackheads can irritate your pores, causing redness, damaged pores, and potentially more blackheads.
• Sleeping in makeup – Wearing makeup overnight can clog your pores and make blackheads more likely.
• Oily products – Excess oil can clog your pores and cause blackheads. Try thinner products or oil-free products instead.

It can be hard to determine the right routines and strategies for managing blackheads. Fortunately, our experienced team here at Colair is ready to provide you with guidance and support. Let us be your skincare partner by helping you find the right strategies, products, and routines to keep blackheads under control. 

Get Rid of Blackheads for Good 

Blackheads are frustrating to manage but not impossible. If blackheads are your #1 enemy, allow our team at Colair to help. Between our exceptional providers and strong lineup of clinical strength products, we will support the health and appearance of your skin, helping you manage those pesky blackheads.

If you’d like to learn more about our facial treatments, products or spa services, visit Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa in Gilbert, AZ or call us at (480) 923-6138. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.