On the list of the most irritating phenomena on the skin, blackheads are definitely at the absolute top. Those black dots that usually appear on the nose, cheeks, but also on other parts of the face and even the body do not represent a "serious" dermatological problem, but they definitely disrupt the texture and appearance of the skin and emphasize the pores. If you are looking for effective methods to remove blackheads and prevent their return, here are some proven tips and steps for a clearer complexion.
(Double) clean your face regularly
As strange as it may sound, proper and thorough cleansing of the face is the best way to prevent blackheads - and this step is usually where the most mistakes are made. Since blackheads are actually oxidized accumulations of our natural sebum, impurities, remnants of make-up and sun protection products, it is necessary to regularly remove all this from the surface of the skin.
Double cleansing of the skin forms a completely logical procedure. In the first step, an oily texture cleanser such as Microbalm is usually used. Water cannot remove oil on its own, i.e. our own sebum and hard-to-dissolve UV filters, which is why there are specialized cleaners that easily dissolve all makeup deposits, SPF and accumulated sebum. The specialty of Microbalm is reflected precisely in the formulation without classic oils, which can have comedogenic potential and clog pores on certain skins. The trick is that this cleansing step must last long enough until the heat of the palms "releases" all the hardened sebum from the pores, and then wash with a gel or foam. And yes, regular double cleaning will reduce the visibility of the so-called sebaceous accumulations, i.e. dots on the nose that are not blackheads in themselves, but part of the natural texture of the skin.
Exfoliation makes a difference
Accumulations of dead skin cells can also clog pores, so it is good to remove them regularly. This can be done with mechanical exfoliation, such as the Active Peeling Immortelle, or with a chemical exfoliant. Microexfoliant is an innovative microexfoliating hybrid peeling powder that combines chemical and very mild but effective mechanical exfoliation. It is based on 1% salicylic (BHA) acid and round and delicate grains of castor wax, which is why it perfectly suits skin with a rough texture, prone to comedones and pimples.
Chemical peels with salicylic acid are particularly effective because they deeply clean pores and break down accumulated sebum. But if you don't prefer powder exfoliants, the good news is that they can be part of an (almost) daily serum regimen like Routeen reSTART BHA Face Serum with as much as 2% salicylic acid, licorice extract and MSM.
Steam your face at least once a month
Steaming your face occasionally can help open up your pores and make it easier to remove blackheads, but be careful while doing this. Heat water and add homemade dried chamomile, then let the steam release. Avoid adding essential oils to avoid irritation due to the higher temperature. Lean your face over the bowl, being careful not to get too close to avoid burns, then cover your head with a towel to concentrate the steam around your face. The face can be steamed once or twice a month, followed by exfoliation and more abundant hydration - of course if it suits the skin.
Moisturize your skin regularly
A cream will also make a difference in the prevention of blackheads. It is the cream, carefully selected according to the needs of the skin, that will replace moisture, nourish and protect, thereby establishing support for the natural barrier. By doing so, the protective layer of the skin will be balanced, and certain formulations can also influence the reduction of sebum secretion.
Creams without classic "heavier" oils such as Vitamin Cream B3 with niacinamide or Routeen deLIGHT Gel Face Cream with beta-glucan offer a light texture that will not burden the pores, but bring plenty of hydration that you don't need to be afraid of. Quite the opposite - if desired, before the cream itself, enrich the routine with a moisturizing tonic and hyaluronic serum.
Use face masks
Face masks can be great for deep pore cleansing. Especially useful are masks with active ingredients such as clay or charcoal that attract and absorb excess sebum from the pores, which can help reduce blackheads. Active Mask Immortelle is based on the purifying action of activated charcoal and green clay for a refined appearance of the skin, while essential oils of immortelle, aloe vera and chamomile nourish and soothe it. Due to the high content of glycerin, the mask does not dry completely and does not create a feeling of dryness and tightness.
If your skin cannot tolerate acids or mechanical exfoliation, and clay dries it too much, reach for fruit enzymes. Professional Enzyme Face Mask is actually a treatment exfoliant with a creamy texture based on the fruit enzymes papain and bromelain. It is suitable for almost all skin types, including more sensitive skin (depending on the type of sensitivity). It does not contain classic acids for exfoliation and is therefore a more adequate alternative for skin prone to irritation or for easier integration into a routine with retinoids and other stronger active ingredients.
Avoid touching and squeezing
Excessive touching of the face with hands can transfer impurities from the palms and lead to additional clogging of pores. So in addition to touching, avoid squeezing blackheads at home, which you will surely think of at some point, because this can lead to inflammation and scarring. If the blackheads are more pronounced, professional cleaning in the hands of a beautician will be a better option, with subsequent maintenance using selected cosmetic products. And no less important, take care of the cleanliness of your makeup accessories, especially makeup sponges that easily attract moisture.
