How to Get Rid of Blackheads

Blackheads, although unsightly, are just pimples that have been exposed to air. They form in the pores when excess oil becomes trapped and clogs a pore’s opening. The difference is that with a blackhead, some of the trapped oil reaches the skin surface where it is exposed to the air. The air oxidizes the exposed oils and causes the dark coloring to appear at the surface.

Believe it or not, gently squeezing blackheads is an effective method of removal. Before you squeeze, you’ve got to loosen the blackheads to make removal easier. Heat is a good way to loosen up the blackhead. Either steam the face, or hold a warm compress against the blackheads. If using a compress, first prepare a mixture of warm water, iodine and Epsom salt and then use the mixture to moisten the compress. Once the blackheads are loosened, press the compress gently against the loosened blackheads until the pus pulls free.

If using fingers, wrap them in tissue or gauze and then squeeze. If you’d rather, you can use a blackhead remover. This is a specially-designed tool with a different-sized opening at each end. Place one of the open ends atop the blackhead and push lightly. The pus should come right out.

However, an even better way to deal with blackheads is to keep them from developing in the first place. Wash acne-prone areas twice daily using soap and warm water. Use a product containing benzyl peroxide if your skin can handle it. In addition to washing blackhead-prone areas, also use a mud mask to deep clean your pores.

Exfoliating your skin is also an effective way of keeping blackheads under control. This removes the dead skin cells so they can’t clog the pores. Exfoliate several times a week, if your skin can tolerate this. And finally, keep hands and hair away from areas prone to blackheads. The dirt will only make matters worse.