How To Get Rid of Blackheads

Is there any skin problem more annoying than blackheads?! They may not be the worst, but they are one of the hardest problems to get rid of. Even if other people don’t notice them, you still do. But with the right skin care products and treatments, you can banish your blackheads and get smoother, clearer skin.

What are blackheads?

A blackhead is a type of breakout that forms when a hair follicle becomes clogged with excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. Unlike whiteheads, blackheads have a darker appearance due to the oxidation of the excess oil when it comes into contact with air.

Why are blackheads so hard to get rid of? 

Some people are just genetically likely to get them no matter what they do (thanks, Mom). But once a blackhead hardens, it’s very difficult to extract it. Don’t try to squeeze or poke blackheads out; that doesn’t work and you’ll just scar your skin or make it inflamed. However, there are some skincare products that can help prevent blackheads from forming. 

‍

What skincare products work for blackheads?

• Antioxidants: Antioxidants include products like Vitamin C, and they help by preventing the oil on your skin from oxidizing, or reacting with oxygen. They also help fight against free-radicals like pollution that cause premature aging. 
• AHAs: alpha hydroxy acids target another cause of blackheads: dead skin buildup. These acids gently dissolve away dead skin cells so your pores can’t get clogged up. 
• Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is a mainstay ingredient for treating acne of all kinds, but it’s good for blackheads because it helps to reduce oil and clear away dead skin cells. Some people can find it very drying, though, so if your skin is super dry, an AHA may be better for you.
• Retinol: Retinol, whether over the counter or Rx, is great at reducing oil output and speeding up skin cell turnover, both of which help with blackheads. But it also helps make your pores appear tighter and smaller, so your blackheads (if you have them) won’t look as noticeable.  

‍

The Hydrafacial: A facial that helps with blackheads

Even if you have a great skincare routine for treating blackheads, sometimes it’s best to call in the professionals. Enter: the Hydrafacial. It’s an advanced facial uses gentle suction to painlessly extract the gunk from your pores–including blackheads. It also incorporates exfoliation and intense hydrators, so you’ll walk out of the MedSpa looking insanely glowy. If your blackheads don’t improve with a good skincare regime, or you just want instantly clearer skin, then a Hydrafacial might be right for you. For best results in treating blackheads (or other mild to moderate acne), get a Hydrafacial every four weeks. This keeps your skin cleaner and clearer in the long term and prevents blackheads from forming in the first place. 

‍

Where to get a Hydrafacial? 

The Hydrafacial is a patented technology that only skilled professionals are trained to use. But we have a curated network of providers on the Upkeep app so you can book your Hydrafacial with confidence! We’ve taken the guesswork, the Googling, and the stress out of self-care.  Book your Hydrafacial in seconds on Upkeep!

‍