How to get rid of blackheads from your face and nose?

One of the most common forms of acne, blackheads are like the popular game of whack-a-mole: Each time you manage to get rid of one, two others pop up. Learn how to remove blackheads to get the smooth and clear complexion you’re after with some help from Olay.

WHAT ARE BLACKHEADS?

The medical term for blackheads is open comedones.  

How do blackheads form?

Blackheads form when a pore becomes filled with dead skin cells or sebum and P. acnes -Bacteria stuffing. When this substance is exposed to air, the oxidation process turns it black. 

Types of blackheads 

Different types of blemishes can look like blackheads. Let’s discuss how to spot the differences. 

Blackheads vs whiteheads

Blackheads (open comedones) are pores that have been clogged with debris, but remain open at the surface. This exposure to air causes the clogged material to oxidize and darken. 

Whiteheads (closed comedones) are also pores filled with oil and dead skin cells, but they're covered by a thin layer of skin, which prevents the contents from oxidizing. As a result, they maintain a white or skin-colored appearance. 

Blackheads vs follicular filament

Another type of black spot, commonly confused with a blackhead, is called a follicular filament, which are small plugs of sebum and dead skin cells. They may look like tiny specks of white or yellow in the pore. 

They are a natural part of the skin's oil system. They help channel the flow of sebum along the lining of the pore where it naturally lubricates the skin and hair. They don’t need to be removed. Trying to extract them can actually damage your skin. 

Blackheads vs pimples 

Both pimples and blackheads originate from blocked pores. However, unlike blackheads, pimples are characterized by redness. They exist deep beneath the skin, forming bumps that can often be painful. Conversely, blackheads are located just beneath the skin's surface. If blackheads are not eliminated, they have the potential to evolve into pimples. 

Where do blackheads usually appear 

It is most common to notice blackheads predominantly in the T-zone: the forehead, nose, and chin. However, if the skin is exceptionally oily, blackheads can surface across the entire face including cheeks and the area around the mouth. This happens due to the presence of sebaceous glands, which are not only abundant in these areas but are also large in size.

WHAT CAUSES BLACKHEADS?

The number one cause is hormonal changes. Blackheads, like other acne-like breakouts, are most common during puberty, when changing hormone levels (most notably androgen, the male sex hormone) trigger a spike in sebum production and a higher turnover of skin cells. 

The hormonal changes experienced during menstruation, pregnancy and when using birth control pills can also result in the hormonal fluctuations that increase the risk of blackheads. 

Other possible factors at play can include: 

• Cosmetics blocking or covering your pores 

• Excessive sweating 

• Activities that expose your hair follicles, such as shaving 

• Spending time in a high-humidity environment or exposure to greasy substances, like in the kitchen or in a car repair shop 

• Stress 

• Health conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and premenstrual syndrome 

• Steroid-based drugs like corticosteroids, and medications that increase the rate of skin cell turnover. 

BEST WAY TO GET RID OF BLACKHEADS 

To remove regular blackheads naturally, simply follow this skincare routine for blackheads: 

Cleanse  

To get rid of the dirt, oil and make-up blocking your pores, you’ll want to make cleansing a part of your morning and evening skin care routine. Opt for our best cleanser for blackheads Olay Cleanse Detox & Glow Daily Polish Cleanser, which helps you lift away dirt and caked-in make-up, leaving your skin clean and refreshed, thus decreasing your chances of developing blackheads. For an in-depth look at how to effectively cleanse your skin check out our article on the 3 steps for an effective cleansing routine. 

Gently exfoliate   

Exfoliating your skin a few times a week helps remove excess dead skin cells, preventing them from settling into your pores and helps remove existing blackheads. Choose products containing salicylic acid (BHA) or glycolic acid (AHA) which are especially effective in exfoliating dead skin cells. 

Face masks for blackheads  

Face masks are available in various formats, such as pastes, creams, foams, or sheet masks, providing intensive nourishment or deep cleansing action. They can be particularly beneficial for people with blemish-prone skin or abundant blackheads, as they can remove excess oil and stimulate cell regeneration. Look for masks that incorporate ingredients like salicylic (BHA) acid or activated charcoal, which can effectively combat blackheads. They can be especially handy for targeting and removing blackheads in specific areas, such as blackheads on the nose. 

Use Retinol for blackheads  

Retinoids, derivatives of vitamin A, are a powerful class of skincare ingredients known for their multifaceted benefits, one of which includes combating blackheads.  

They work by promoting rapid skin cell turnover (1), which prevents the buildup of dead skin cells and excess oil in the pores - a common cause of blackheads. This accelerated skin cell regeneration process helps to keep the pores clear, reducing the likelihood of blackheads formation. 

Moreover, retinoids, such as retinol can help regulate sebum production (2), which can further help in reducing the occurrence of blackheads. As they also possess strong anti-inflammatory properties (3), they can help reduce the redness and inflammation often associated with blackheads. 

Retinoids can be quite potent, so it's important to start with a lower concentration and use them sparingly only in your evening routine to avoid skin irritation. It's also essential to use sun protection during the day while using retinoids as they can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. 

Olay Retinol24 Night Cream. Enriched with a retinoid complex, this cream delivers 24-hour hydration and a multitude of benefits for your skin. This cream works to minimize pores, smooth and tighten your skin. 

Professional treatments 

Professional extraction. Dermatologists and professional aestheticians can use special tools to gently remove blackheads without damaging the skin. 

Chemical peels. These treatments can help to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. They should be performed by a skincare professional to ensure safety. 

Facial to remove blackheads: A facial to remove blackheads can help by deeply cleansing the skin, exfoliating dead cells, and using extraction techniques to clear clogged pores, resulting in fewer blackheads. 

Remember, it's essential to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional before starting any new skincare routine, especially if you have sensitive or problematic skin. 

HOW TO GET RID OF DEEP BLACKHEADS

If you find yourself dealing with a more severe or persistent case of blackheads that you can’t seem to tackle even with Olay’s help, we advise you to see a dermatologist.  

We do not recommend squeezing blackheads or using a needle or a blackhead removal tool to remove deep-seated blackheads.   

Squeezing can strain the skin and introduce new bacteria into the sebaceous gland, leading to more blackheads and pimples.  

HOME REMEDIES FOR BLACKHEADS  

Here are some of the best home remedies to help combat blackheads:  

• Steam: Steaming your face before cleansing can open up your pores, which may help to loosen the blackheads and make it easier to remove them.  

• Baking Soda for Blackheads: Mixing baking soda with water and gently massaging it onto clean skin can help exfoliate, unclog pores and remove blackheads.  

• Powdered Clay: Clay masks can help draw out impurities, including excess oils and dead skin cells that can cause blackheads.  

• Honey and Cinnamon Mask: Honey has antibacterial properties and cinnamon can improve circulation and act as a natural exfoliant, helping to remove blackheads.  

• Lemon and Sugar Scrub: The citric acid in lemons can help tighten pores, and sugar is a natural exfoliant that can remove blackheads.  

• Lifestyle Changes: Keeping a healthy diet, staying hydrated, reducing stress, and avoiding skin products that can clog pores can also help prevent blackheads.  

Remember, before applying anything to your skin, do a patch test first to ensure you don't have a negative reaction. Be gentle when using any scrub or mask to avoid irritating your skin. And always moisturize your skin after treating it.  

HOW TO PREVENT BLACKHEADS FROM APPEARING

Follow these three simple rules to reduce your chances of developing blackheads:  

• Don’t use self-tanners on your face. The ingredients in many self-tanning products can take up residence in your pores and cause blackheads. Excessive use of makeup and creams can similarly block pores.  

• Don’t overuse acne products. Overusing skin care products developed to fight acne (such as those containing sulphur, salicylic acid, and benzol peroxide) as well as exfoliants or scrubs can easily overwhelm and dehydrate your skin. This can lead to more blackheads popping up on your nose and face as your pores will produce even more sebum to combat your skin’s dryness.  

• Don’t skip moisturising. When you have dry skin, your sebaceous glands will produce more oil to prevent further dehydration, increasing the number of blackheads peppering your face. The best way to combat this is to use a daily moisturiser, as part of the skin care regimen.  

• Don’t touch your face too often: this can distribute more bacteria across your skin.  

It's always easier to prevent the appearance of blackheads than to remove them later on.   

BLACKHEADS FAQ 

Do blackheads go away on their own? Sometimes, but they often need proper skin care to fully clear.  

Should you squeeze blackheads? No, squeezing can cause scarring and infection.  

Does salicylic acid remove blackheads? Yes, it helps to dissolve the debris and oil that cause blackheads.  

Does toothpaste remove blackheads? No, toothpaste can irritate the skin and is not recommended.  

Benzoyl peroxide for blackheads? It's more effective for inflamed acne but can help reduce bacteria and oil.  

Do blackheads turn into spots? Yes, blackheads can become inflamed and develop into pimples.  

References:  

1. Sorg, O., & Saurat, J. (2014). Topical Retinoids in Skin Ageing: A Focused Update with Reference to Sun-Induced Epidermal Vitamin A Deficiency. Dermatology, 228, 314 - 325. [https://doi.org/10.1159/000360527]  

2. Stewart, M., Benoit, A., Stranieri, A., Rapini, R., Strauss, J., & Downing, D. (1983). Effect of oral 13-cis-retinoic acid at three dose levels on sustainable rates of sebum secretion and on acne.. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 8 4, 532-8 . [https://doi.org/10.1016/S0190-9622(83)70061-7]  

3. Yang, L., Cao, Y., Zhang, M., & Ma, P. (2016). Anti-inflammatory effects of retinoids and their application in inflammatory skin diseases. International Journal of Dermatology and Venereology, 42, 405-408. [https://doi.org/10.3760/CMA.J.ISSN.1673-4173.2016.05.013]