Blackheads may be small, but they're mighty in their staying power. Most of the time, they're not very visible, but they can be a nuisance or a speck on your otherwise glowing complexion.

If you regularly get facials or extractions, blackheads may not be a concern. But most of us struggle to get rid of them, so what can we do?

What are blackheads?

A blackhead, the proper term is comedone, is a clogged pore. Sebum and dead skin cells mix to clog the pores, and when this mixture becomes exposed to air, the tip oxidizes and turns dark, resulting in a blackhead.

To break it down, when the skin cells that line a follicle (also known as a pore) die, they move to the surface on a stream of oil. But if you are more blackhead prone, this process moves too fast, and the follicle is overwhelmed by the speed of skin cell growth and turnover. So essentially, a traffic jam of sebum and skin cells happens in our pores.

How to get rid of blackheads

There are various treatments and ingredients you can use to get rid of blackheads, including different DIY recipes you can use. But the most important and effective method is maintaining clean skin.

Use Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a great ingredient used to clear acne. It's accessible, and you can find various products with different concentrations, making it easy to find the right combo. Salicylic acid is a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) that is oil-soluble, which allows it to penetrate the oils of your skin to dissolve any debris that can clog the pores.

Use Retinoids

Using a face cream or serum with retinol may be an excellent way to reduce the opportunity for clogged pores. Retinol is great for slightly boosting the speed of your skin cell turnover, which can help clear acne. It is also helpful to help tighten and minimize the appearance of pores so then blackheads can appear smaller.

Exfoliate Regularly

We have already established that blackheads are pores clogged by skin cells, dirt, sebum, and sweat. Exfoliating regularly helps reduce product buildup and rid the skin of any pore-clogging sebum. Physical exfoliants and chemical exfoliants are both excellent options, but BHA's (salicylic acid) is a chemical exfoliant with anti-bacterial properties ideal for acne. However, chemical exfoliants can leave the skin sensitive to UV rays, so remember to use them sparingly and apply your SPF after.

Use Non-Comodegenic Products

Non-comedogenic refers to products without pore-clogging oils. This is great for lowering the risk of getting blackheads. There is a wide range of products, from cleansers to SPF, that are oil-free or non-comedogenic, so you can be sure to find the products that will work for you.

Avoiding blackheads

To prevent getting blackheads, you can:

• Wash your face often (i.e., morning, night, after exercising.)
• Be gentle when washing your face; use your fingertips to gently massage your face wash. Try not to use washcloths as they can irritate the skin.
• Use non-comedogenic products.
• Use alcohol-free skincare products.
• Avoid touching your face too much.
• Change your pillowcase.

Best products for blackheads

Epicuren Clarify Cleanser

Epicuren Clarify Cleanser is a gentle yet powerful exfoliating cleanser that purifies the pores while leaving your skin silky smooth. This multifunction facial wash cleans away the makeup, oil, and dirt while managing oil production and removing bacteria that can lead to breakouts. Leaving your skin with a healthy, hydrated glow.

Packed with all effective anti-acne ingredients such as Zinc, PCA inhibits bacterial growth and controls oil production to keep your skin away from acne. Plus, Salicylic Acid exfoliates the skin, dissolves oil, and constricts pores, and Glycerin locks skin in moisture for long-lasting hydration.

Face Reality Salicylic Serum

The Face Reality Salicylic Serum is a potent serum with exfoliating properties, brightening benefits, and high-quality ingredients that create an ideal solution for acne-prone skin. It's gentle enough to use every day, even on sensitive skin types. This powerful formula combines the exfoliating power of salicylic acid, lactic acid, and Azelogicina for a flawless complexion.

Do not recommend for clients that are pregnant or nursing.

Product requires authorization for purchase.

Skin Script Retinol 2% Exfoliating Scrub

Skin Script Retinol 2% Exfoliating Scrub is a powerful cellular turnover scrub to clean, soothe and polish the skin. Featuring Retinol (Vitamin A), it encourages the breakup of blackheads and clogged pores. Jojoba beads and kojic gently exfoliate dead skin cells and lighten age spots and blemishes left from scars. Skin Script Retinol 2% Exfoliating Scrub provides chemical and physical exfoliation while brightening to promote a clear, healthy skin tone.

Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask

Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Fizz Mask is a powerful blackhead removal mask that targets blackheads and effectively cleans pores. This unique mask's active fizzing formula is infused with sulfur to clean pores and blackheads, keeping your skin youthful and healthy.

Technology stimulates upon application, supporting to open pores, decongests the skin, and promotes blackhead removal. Then active ingredients provide anti-microbial benefits to help clear skin while absorbing excess oil. After purifying the skin, naturally gentle botanicals help hydrate the skin and lock in moisture to soothe irritated skin.