How To Reduce Blackheads
What are blackheads?
For many people, blackheads can be a major source of frustration – though they might be tiny, these dark, pesky spots are actually a very common skincare woe. At the gist of it, they’re essentially clogged pores that are congested with excess oil and dead skin cells. Unlike whiteheads, blackheads have an open pore trapped at the surface, allowing air to oxidize and giving them their distinctive black hue. While most commonly found on the T-zone area of the face due to its high oil concentration, they are known to occur all over the body.
Causes of blackheads
Excess Sebum Production & Accumulation of Dead Skin Cells: As skin cells naturally shed, they can mix with any excess sebum and become trapped in the pores, creating the perfect environment for blackheads to form.
Poor Cleansing Habits: Inadequate, or lack of, proper cleansing can lead to an uptick in blackheads. Similarly, squeezing and picking at any existing spots can lead to inflammation and even scarring – so, while tempting, it’s best to leave the extraction to proper skincare techniques.
Hormonal Changes: Puberty, pregnancy and menstruation can lead to an increased production of sebum, which may consequently result in blackheads becoming more frequent.
Genetics: Genetic predispositions can lead to some people having sebaceous glands that are more active, meaning they produce more sebum. Similarly, some individuals may have pores that are naturally larger, leaving more space for dead skin cells to gather and therefore causing blackheads to appear more often.
Cosmetics and Skincare Products: Certain beauty products, particularly those that are not labeled as non-comedogenic, may contain ingredients that are heavy on the skin and therefore clog the pores, contributing to the development of blackheads.
Products to help reduce blackheads
ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
ANUA’s Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is your ultimate solution to clean, clear and refreshed skin. This cleanser not only melts away makeup with efficient ease, but also clears pores and rids the skin of any blackheads or excess sebum in the process. Specifically catered to those with acne-prone skin, its light formula is designed intentionally not to clog the pores, so as to prevent further blockages and ensure the skin remains smooth and unobstructed for longer.
SOMEBYMI Bye Bye Blackhead 30 Days Miracle Green Tea Tox Bubble Cleanser
Say goodbye to congested pores and hello to a luminous, glowing complexion with SOMEBYMI’s Green Tea Tox Bubble Cleanser. This gentle, yet effective, cleanser targets even the most stubborn of blackheads, unclogging the skin with the help of naturally-derived BHA acids and preventing any new blockages from forming in the future.
Making this product a stable part of your skincare routine can even help to regulate sebum production, leaving the skin looking smoother and more balanced while further decreasing the likelihood of blackheads developing anytime after use.
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Keep your skin looking radiant and congestion-free with COSRX’s BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, an exfoliating solution formulated with both BHA and Niacinamide to revitalize the skin whilst simultaneously eliminating impurities and dead skin cells.
This essence has been consistently proven to reduce the appearance of pores, and its combination of Sodium Hyaluronate and White Willow Bark effectively fade any lingering hyperpigmentation and acne scars for an even-toned complexion.
Petitfee Blackhead Melting Mask
Just like many of the other products in this list, Petitfee’s Blackhead Melting Mask is also infused with BHA, allowing it to dive deep into the pores and rid the skin of any excess sebum, leaving behind a refined and polished canvas. This nose mask works tirelessly to dislodge any impurities and offers mild exfoliating properties, making it your ticket to a nourished, well-balanced visage.