How to Get Rid of Blackheads On Your Own

Troublesome skin comes in many shapes, sizes and colors. Blackheads are those annoying, dark spots that often appear on the nose, chin, back, and forehead. If you’ve tried every scrub, mask, and other blackhead removal treatment but still have those pesky dots, you might not be using the best ingredients and methods. Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa has a few solutions you should consider. 

Blackhead Treatments – What Not To Do

Before we get into blackhead treatment methods, it’s important to know what not to do. First, fight the urge to pop your blackheads (and other pimples). When you squeeze your blackheads, the follicle can rupture and create a lesion or cyst under the skin. In other words, if you pop a blackhead, you can develop a much more severe skin condition. 

Also, be cautious of those tech gadgets that promise to suck sebum and oil from your pores. In most cases, the suction tools you can buy for at-home use are too rough and damage delicate skin. 

Blackhead Treatments to Try

Now that you know what not to do, here are a few tried & true blackhead removal treatments you can do at home. 

For mild blackheads, try skincare with salicylic acid

Salicylic acid should be your holy grail ingredient if you have blackheads. Salicylic acid helps promote cell turnover, remove excess oil, exfoliate and unclog pores. Try a facial scrub or cleanser formulated with salicylic acid to help clear your pores. 

Tip: Don’t use a harsh scrub. As tempting as it may be to scrub until your skin turns red, harsh scrubs can strip your natural oils and actually create more buildup. 

Use a retinoid if you have more stubborn blackheads 

You’ve probably come across retinol if you’ve ever dabbled into anti-aging skincare. Retinol is a lower-concentration retinoid. Retinoids can help improve acne, blackheads, and clogged pores by loosening the cells that clog pores. Like retinol, retinoids also speed up cell turnover, so you can also get the anti-aging benefits.  

The best course of action is to introduce a retinol-based night cream to your routine (don’t use retinol during the day). If you have a more extreme case of blackheads, you may have to get a prescription retinoid cream. 

Consider AHAs to keep blackheads at bay

While salicylic acid may be better for helping unclog pores, AHAs can help maintain your results. 

Alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid and lactic acid, can be helpful to prevent future spots. AHAs work above the skin’s surface to eliminate the dead skin cells that clog pores and cause blackheads. Try adding a highly-rated AHA-based night serum to your daily routine. 

Med Spa Solutions for Blackheads 

Help, nothing is working!

If you have a more severe or persistent case of acne, consider med spa blackhead treatments. There are a few options to consider, but most people find that customized facials, laser therapies, or microneedling can work wonders in removing lingering blackheads. 

At Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa, our guests often book a Classic Treatment or Luxe Treatment to help combat blackheads. These personalized facial treatments include cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, and specialized remedies for your unique skin type. 

For more information on dealing with blackheads or any of our spa services, please visit Colair Beauty Lounge & Med Spa in Gilbert, Arizona or call us to schedule an appointment at 480-912-5325.