Unlike other kinds of acne, blackheads aren’t inflamed, red, or filled with fluids, but they have a never-say-die attitude. Just when you think your nose strip has gotten rid of all the gunk from the depths of your pores, a complicated black dot will make an appearance.
First of all, let’s make it clear that blackheads are normal. And more often than not, they’re not something that happens because you’re unhygienic. “Blackheads have open surfaces and are caused due to our hair follicles being blocked by dead skin cells and sebum. These clogged pores often get oxidised due and look black in colour,” explains Dr Harshna Bijlani, medical head of Mumbai-based The AgeLess Clinic and celebrity skin expert.
Ahead, find the answers to your burning blackhead questions including why you get them and how you can treat them at home without damaging your skin.
How can I get rid of mild blackheads?
Contrary to the path that most of us choose to take–that is squeezing the spot–Dr Bijlani recommends using mild skincare acids like AHAs and BHAs to treat blackheads. “Regular exfoliation will keep your pores clean by breaking down the sebum and dead skin cells that are stuck to your hair follicles,” she explains. Avoid using physical or granular scrubs as these tend to irritate and damage the skin. “Look for gommage scrubs like the Shangpree Fresh Peeling Mask as this is made of chemical exfoliants that break down the gunk in your pores and reduces the appearance of blackheads,” she adds. Overusing acids isn’t a good idea so make sure you use any acid-based products just once or twice a week.
What if my blackheads are stubborn?
The best plan of action then is a clean-up. “Go to a good skin clinic and let a professional work her magic with a comedone extractor. This can be painful but it is the only solution to remove blackheads in one go,” explains Dr Bijlani.
But can’t I just use a pore strip?
Word to the wise: If you have sensitive skin, steer clear of nose strips as the adhesive on them can be irritating and cause redness. “The problem with pore strips is also that they only work on the surface of your skin. So while the top of the blackhead does come off and is less visible, the dead skin and sebum that is deep in the pores haven’t been cleaned,” explains Dr Bijlani. This is why you often get blackheads repeatedly in the same spot.
The three most common mistakes to stop making while tackling blackheads
Don’t perform extractions at home
“People trying to perform clean-ups at home by steaming their nose area every day, which often exacerbates the problem instead of solving it. Instead, use a 2 per cent salicylic acid-based product to manage blackheads,” says Dr Bijlani.
Figure out if the blackhead is a blackhead
“People often mistake black hair for blackheads and try to remove them. If it is the former, then bleaching hair with a laser or opting for laser hair reduction is a better option than trying to extract them,” advises Dr Bijlani.
Don’t resort to aggressive formulas
“Sometimes people think blackheads can be washed off with stronger cleansers or scrubs. These often lead to skin damage so I’d advise staying away from them and consulting your dermatologist,” says Dr Bijlani.
Looking for some serious blackhead-fighting ingredients products? Dr Bijlani recommends:
Salicylic acid: Fights blackheads by dissolving dead skin cells.
Try: FCL Penta Peel Pads, Bioderma Sebium Global
Benzoyl Peroxide: Helps absorb excess sebum and kills acne-causing bacteria.
Try: FCL B-Prox 10 Wash, Persol Forte Cream
Retinol-based serums: Prevents pores from getting clogged.
Try: Sesderma Azelac Liposomal RU Serum or Dermaceautic Activ Retinol 0.5 Serum
Lactic Acid: Removes dead skin cells that sit on the surface of your face.
Try: Shangpree Fresh Peeling Mask, E’clat Glow Tonic Exfoliating Facial Toner