Blackheads are blockages of your pores, without any inflammation. Such a blockage is an ideal breeding ground for certain bacteria that cause pimples , such as Propionibacterium acnes. When the amount of bacteria grows and the hair follicle becomes inflamed, the blackhead develops into a pimple. Thus, a blackhead can be a precursor to a pimple, but pimples can also develop without blackheads preceding them.
How can you best remove blackheads?
It is important that you do not express deep-set blackheads with your nails. This could damage the skin, leaving you with a wound prone to inflammation. Dirt and bacteria under your nails can also cause new infections. What is the best way to remove blackheads? There are several options for this:
- Nose strips
- Exfoliate your skin
- With a comedone spoon
- By a beautician
- Nose strips
To remove your blackheads, you can use special blackhead strips. Wet the strips and stick them on your cleansed skin. After ten minutes you pull the strip loose and a lot of blackheads come along! Most people have blackheads on their nose, for which special nose strips are suitable. For example, the Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips also contain charcoal, which removes dirt, grease and blackheads. Do you also have blackheads on your forehead or chin? The NIVEA Purifying Clear-Up Strips are suitable for forehead, nose and chin. Extra nice: these strips are enriched with fruit acid and deeply clean the skin!
Exfoliate your skin
To clear clogged pores, you can exfoliate your skin. This means that you remove dead skin cells with products that contain a mild acid. These acids soak blackheads, dissolve fat and sebum and remove dead skin cells. Exfoliating acids that you can use for this include:
Salicylic acid, as in Dr. Van der Hoog Clearskin Day & Night Control 24-Hour Cream
- Vitamin A acid
- Fruit acid
- Comedone spoon
You can also remove blackheads using the Gym445 Comedone Spoon . This is a metal bar with a loop at the end that looks like a small spoon. Disinfect your comedone spoon well before using it. Then place the loop over the blackhead and apply gentle pressure. Be careful not to damage the skin or cause wounds. Remove the released blackhead with a clean cotton ball and clean your skin with cleaning products such as the Olaz 2-In-1 Cleaner & Tonic or an exfoliating product such as Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Lotion .
Do you find it difficult to remove your blackheads yourself? Then you could also have a facial done by a beautician. He knows how to remove blackheads in a professional way.
How can I prevent blackheads?
In addition to treating the blackheads you have, it is of course also nice to know how you can prevent the development of new blackheads! You can reduce the risk of blackheads by making adjustments to your lifestyle and daily routine:
- Eat healthy and varied and watch your sugar intake
- Remove your makeup every night before going to sleep and clean your skin daily
- Exfoliate your skin at least once a week
- Use skincare products that suit your skin type
Avoid oily creams, petroleum jelly, and skin oils that can clog your pores
Unfortunately, you cannot always prevent blackheads. For example, you have little influence on them when they are caused by changes in your hormones, an underlying medical condition or the use of medication. In that case, discuss your options with your doctor.
