Blackhead Removal Routine That Really Works
If you’re tired of seeing little pepper flakes dotting your complexion, you’re not the only one. You might feel lucky that your skincare routine is staving off the worst of red, inflamed acne breakouts, but you can have the appearance of a clear complexion with our recommended blackhead removal routine, superpowered with the use of an ultrasonic desincrustation spatula if needed.
What are Blackheads?
Blackheads are essentially the first step before an acne breakout. They are the visible accumulation of dead skin cells and oils that oxidize to turn dark or black. The scientific name for a blackhead is an open comedone, whereas a closed comedone is a whitehead.
Acne bacteria can feed off this material and cause an outbreak that infects the pore, which is why getting rid of blackheads not only helps your appearance in the short run, but also helps prevent your skin from becoming infected in the longer term.
Blackhead Removal Routine
1. Use Products with Salicylic Acid
The first and easiest thing to do is to switch to a high-quality cleanser or exfoliant that include salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that helps get rid of bacteria and dissolves dead skin cells that can clog pores. When you use products like our Micro-Derm Ultra-Refining Scrub, another tip we recommend is steaming your face to help your pores open up and release their debris as you cleanse and exfoliate. Be sure to use products as directed, and not rub harshly with aggressive formulas.
2. Moisturize Twice Daily
Whenever you cleanse, you need to help your skin’s moisture content and seal it off from environmental toxins with a good moisturizer. For most people struggling with blackheads, an oil-free moisturizer is the way to go. Use just enough to keep your skin from feeling and looking dry, as too much of a good thing can make it easier for dirt and dead skin cells to get trapped in the oils on your skin.
3. Add Retinol to Your Routine
One potent ingredient to consider adding into your routine for, less vulnerable skin is retinol. Retinol is actually a class of compounds that are derived from Vitamin A that have many desirable effects in your skin. First, they help tighten the appearance of your skin. Second, they are microbe killers and signal your immune system to be on heightened alert for bacteria in your pores. And finally, they are antioxidants, which helps your skin in the long term from free radicals that your body produces and that are found throughout the environment that can harm skin cells’ DNA.
4. Take Advantage of a Weekly Face Mask
If you’re not already using a good face mask on a regular basis to help your skin look and feel great, it’s time to start. Our Clarify Polishing Mask is an excellent choice for people who want proven ingredients to vacuum up the dirt and oils that get trapped deep in your pores. Clay and sulfur are two active compounds that help decongest your skin’s pores as they bind with oils and debris and physically scrub away dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.
You can power up your weekly or monthly routine and visibly get rid of blackheads with a nourishing mask and ultrasonic desincrustation spatula. For best results, help open your pores with steam and use a hydrating peel formula to ensure any open pores remain cleansed and moisturized as you use the spatula to gently pulse away blackheads and whiteheads with ultrasound energy.
Professional-Grade Skincare for a Clearer Complexion
Clearer appearing skin is achievable with Epicuren Discovery’s potent cleansers and mild moisturizers, helping keep your skin clear on a daily basis while providing luxurious, high-quality weekly treatments. Browse our collection or get tailored product advice for your skin type and concern by taking our Skin Quiz today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackheads
What is the best way to remove blackheads?
Use steam to help your pores open up and moisturize your skin. A desincrustation spatula and a cleansing peel can further help lubricate the skin and prevent the removal of a blackhead from becoming a bigger problem that it was to begin with.
Should you squeeze a blackhead?
No, without a sterile spatula, popping open a blackhead can introduce more bacteria into the closed pore, resulting in a worse breakout, not to mention the potential to damage surrounding skin cells and pores.
Can I remove blackheads myself?
Yes, with the right technique, you can open up your pores and gently lift away blackheads while using a good cleanser to dissolve any debris.
How can I remove blackheads at home fast?
An ultrasound desincrustation spatula can work very well at removing blackheads, especially when combined with a good cleansing formula.