Are you fed up of those blackheads on your skin and tried every possible method to get it off? Well, not “every possible method” if you haven’t tried these! Check out these products below to help you get rid of those blackheads.
AHAs VS. BHAs
Knowing the difference between Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) is important while you choose your skin care products. AHAs are water-soluble acids which dissolve and exfoliate surface dead skin cells. They are great for restoring moisture and revitalizing dull skin tones, evening out of skin texture and help in fading hyperpigmentation. BHAs are oil-soluble and penetrate deep into the pores, dissolving dead skin cells, blackheads, sebum etc. They are great for treating acne, rosacea etc. it can clean up the pores and reduce their size, in turn reduce them from getting clogged.
1. Salicylic Acid:
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) and the most common one, which have many beneficial properties like it being comedolytic (which can help unplug the dead skin cells and reduce oil build up causing acne and blemishes), desmolytic (having the ability to exfoliate the skin) and it is also anti-inflammatory in nature. Salicylic acid can unclog pores as they help loosen the bonds between the dead skin on the surface and penetrate deep into the pores.
This property can be helpful to the skin as it is in the pores where it gets clogged with oil and debris which get trapped under the surface of the skin and it is this buildup that eventually leads to acne breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads. So this oil-soluble salicylic acid can get through the oil on the skin and thin it down and it can flow freely to the skin’s surface, so when you wash your face it can get washed off as well.
To use – After cleansing your face, apply Salicylic acid 1-2 times a week just on the blackheads or on your entire face. Follow up with a moisturizer.
2. Retinoids:
Retinol is a form of vitamin A (a vitamin which can help reduce acne). Retinol can help boost collagen (the protein essential for healthy joints and skin and is known to be one of the most produced proteins in the human body) production, by penetrating deep into the epidermis (protective outer layer of the skin) to the dermis (middle layer of the skin). It can help unclog the pores and reduce blackheads. Retinol is a common skincare ingredient and can be found in many over the counter skincare products.
3. Niacinamide:
Niacinamide is water-soluble by nature and cannot be dissolved in oil. It can often be found in topical water-based serums, moisturizers and masks. It is not acidic and non-irritating and can work well on all skin types. It can easily be absorbed by the outer layer of the skin.
It works with the natural substances in your skin in turn it can help visibly minimize the enlarged pores, therefore reducing the buildup in the pores causing reduced blackheads. READ MORE – ALOE COFFEE OVERNIGHT FACE MASK
4. CLAY
Bentonite clay is a healing clay known for its skin healing properties. When applied to the skin it essentially absorbs impurities that get trapped in the skin. It is a very gentle exfoliator that removes dead skin and unclogs pores to clear blackheads and whiteheads.
To use – Mix bentonite clay with equal parts of raw apple cider vinegar and water. Best to use a non-metal bowl and utensil. Stir the mixture well, until it is a smooth paste. Apply it to your face or just on the blackheads area and let it dry for 5-10 min. Remove the clay by rising it off with water and apply a moisturizer or aloe vera gel to soothe the skin. Slight redness of the skin is normal and will disappear in about 30 min.
5. Benzoyl Peroxide:
Benzoyl Peroxide is a white crystalline/granular solid which has a very faint odour and is commonly used as a beaching agent and in the treatment of acne. It can help kill bacteria and can reduce excess sebum (the oily and waxy substance produced by the body’s sebaceous glands) and dead skin cells (occurs due to the natural body process of the outer layer of the skin or the epidermis shedding the dead skin in order to replace them with new ones) which clog the pores and help reduce blackhead or whitehead formation.
Blackheads and whiteheads are still considered as acne, but they are the non-inflammatory type of acne because they do not cause red bumps on the skin, which is usually associated with the other types of acne pimples. Benzoyl Peroxide can be found in various types of skincare products like acne creams and lotions, face washes and foams, acne body washes and soaps (as breakouts can also occur on the back and chest), gels etc. READ MORE – TURMERIC – SKIN BRIGHTENING FACE AND BODY MASK
Caution: All these products are for general skin types. But in case you have sensitive skin, please consult your dermatologist before using any of these products. If you have used any of these products and it has caused some sort of an irritation on your skin, rinse off with water immediately and discontinue its usage with immediate effect. If the irritation persists, visit your dermatologist as soon as possible.