Blackheads may not be the type of acne that is visible from afar, but they do cause inconvenience to some extent, and in most cases, it will multiply and re-occur until we take measures to care for our skin more. This page is all about helping you to discover everything about blackheads, how they come to exist, and how to remove them the natural way. You might want to take a break from those store-bought nose strips, as they do not always work with every skin type.
If you are looking for a detailed guide to rid yourself of blackheads once and for all, Keep reading! We have created a blackhead removal starter kit for every skin type. But before we get to that, it is important to understand how blackheads form.
What are blackheads and its causes?
Our skin is covered by incredibly tiny openings called pores, and blackheads are basically our pores clogged by our skin’s natural oils, dead skin cells, and sebum. The clogging causes bacteria to be trapped in our skin. It goes through the process of oxidation when exposed to air, which causes it to turn black in color.
Whiteheads, on the other hand, are oil and dead skin cells covered by a layer of skin, which prevents them from oxidizing. Therefore turning them white, pink or skin-colored. Both blackheads and whiteheads should not be on our skin. People with oily skin types are more inclined to have this kind of acne.
Blackheads are caused by a build-up of excess oil and dirt on our outer layer of skin, and in some cases, the issue can also be hormonal and is usually more prevalent in people with oily and combination skin. Either way, it is easy to treat with enough knowledge and gentle awareness.
Why should we remove blackheads?
We should remove blackheads because unless you do something about it, it will continue to clog your pores, which can lead to other kinds of acne problems. Besides, bacteria, excess oil, and dead skin cells do not belong to your skin in the first place, and it is best to take them out with gentle and consistent care.
Common mistakes people make with blackhead removal
Everyone’s skin is unique and there is no one way to solve hard-to-handle acne. You need to find what works for you personally. Here are some common mistakes people do that can make hard-to-handle acne:
Not Knowing Your Skin Type
Different skin types deal with different skin issues. That results to one-too-many different solutions that work for everyone. For example, what works for someone with oily skin may be too abrasive for somebody with sensitive skin. Know your skin type and from there, you will find out what your skin actually needs.
Aggressive or obsessive picking
There is a satisfying feeling that comes with being able to remove blackheads from your own skin successfully. Although we recommend this method, there can be a tendency to overdo it-this can strip away healthy skin and oil from our face, especially for sensitive skin types. Instead, do it gently and be careful not to over pick your face.
Using The Wrong Removal Tools
Some blackhead removal tools can cause bruising and scarring if you do not know how to use it correctly. As much as possible, do not perform an extraction without enough knowledge on the tools and methods. If you want to know what the different types of blackhead removal tools are and which one you should use on your own skin, keep reading!
Identify the type of blackhead removal tool that’s right for you! Here is a quick cheat sheet. Keep reading this page to find the best blackhead removal tools in the market, based on research and ratings.
How To Remove Blackheads: A step-by-step guide
Here’s the full and simple ritual you can follow if you want to say goodbye to blackheads, whiteheads, and other acne once and for all! Make sure to allow at least 30-45 minutes every day, preferably in the evening for this regimen.
1. Wash Your Face
If you want to say goodbye to blackheads once and for all, it starts with washing your face.
Tip: Pick natural cleansers with the following active ingredients: tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and witch hazel. These are known to help blackheads and other acne issues.
2. Unclog Your Pores With Heat
The simplest way to do this is to place a warm compress such as a damp, clean towel onto your skin, alternately clay masks and facial steamers are also effective, but not absolutely necessary if you don’t have them on hand.
Tip: As much as possible, make sure your mask is made out of natural ingredients free of abrasive chemicals as these can clog the pores further.
3. Tone
Optional, but highly recommended! A refreshing way to soften those pores and clean out the impurities from your face.
Tip: Pick a toner with witch hazel extract. It may sting at first, especially when you aren’t used to it. Witch Hazel is a natural astringent that cleans out your face and helps fight acne!
4. Use your removal tool
First, make sure to sanitize your tool with hot water and some alcohol before using it on your face.
Gently place the tool over the blackhead.
Firmly but gently apply pressure around the blackhead until the residue inside is released.
Once it feels empty and flat, press down and gently slide the tool away, before cleaning your tool with a napkin or cloth.
Tip: Be gentle and know that not all blackheads contain built-up gunk underneath it. Do not pick your face too much as it could strip you of your skin’s natural oils.
5. Apply a treatment serum
This is very crucial for the first two weeks of the blackhead removal attempt. If blackheads do no recur, there is no need to continue with this step.
Tip: For best results, find a natural treatment for blackheads, or continue reading to read our product recommendations for every skin type.
The Best Blackhead Removal Tools And Products of 2020
Now that you know how blackheads are formed, what causes them, and a step-by-step guide on how to keep them away once and for all, you may feel overwhelmed by the facts and not know how to start finding the right tools and products. Here are some well-researched and tailor-made blackhead removal starter kits for each skin type!
As you know, our skin is unique to us alone and what works for you may not work for somebody else! So seek advice wisely by figuring out your skin type and what it needs.
Blackhead Removal Starter Kit for Oily Skin
Cleanser: 100% Pure Tea Tree & Willow Clarifying Cleanser
Specifically made for clogged pores and acne caused by oily skin, including nasty blackheads! 100% Pure is a brand fighting impurities with pure plant-based ingredients. Wash your face with this oil-fighting cleanser daily.
Toner: 100% Pure Tea Tree & Willow Acne Clear Astringent
This is the perfect toner to complement the cleanser from the brand 100% Pure. After washing with the clarifying cleanser, dry your face and use a cotton cloth or cotton ball to apply this cleanser. It is rich in antibacterial salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and neem oil.
Mask: Osea Black Algae Flash Mask
Warning, this mask is not for sensitive skin types as it contains very potent enzymes and oils formulated for oily and problematic skin. It is 100% guaranteed effective in getting those blackheads ready for extraction. Best of all, it only takes 5 minutes. Perfect even for the busy bees who would like to devote time for skincare.
Treatment Serum: Odacite B1 + T Serum
An earthy yet effective serum for oily skin. With the strong formulation of black cumin oil, cajeput oil and vitamin E, you will only need a few drops of this serum to manage those blackheads, as well as other impurities.
Blackhead Removal Starter Kit for Sensitive Skin
Cleanser: 100% Pure Coconut Oil Cleansing Milk
A milky treat for sensitive skin, minus the dairy! The coconut milk softens and hydrates the skin with every wash with a gentle but effective formula.
Toner: Annmarie Neroli Toning Mist
A carefully handcrafted toner specific to sensitive skin. Made with all-natural plant-derived ingredients and extracts such as aspen bark, neroli, and the ever effective aloe vera.
Mask: Four Sigmatic Mushroom Facemask and Tonic
A rule of thumb: if your face mask is pure enough to eat or drink, it is surely good for sensitive skin. We have another article on face masks for all skin-types with gentle, DIY recipes from kitchen staples that you can try at home! Rest assured, they work best for sensitive skin unless stated otherwise.
Treatment Serum: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Another rule of thumb, if your skin is sensitive and easily irritated, use formulations with lactic acid instead of the common glycolic acid and salicylic acid. This formulation by Sunday Riley is vegan, gentle and fragrance-free. Powered by 5% lactic acid, licorice, aloe, and lemongrass extracts.
Some Products For All Skin Types (That Won’t Break The Budget)
From left to right: cleanser, toner, mask and treatment serum
Cleanser: Alba Botanica Acnedote Deep Pore Wash
A cleanser that is gentle on the wallet as it is on the skin! Alba Botanica is one of the more popular drugstore brands today that carries natural and cruelty-free products. This facial wash was made to take care of pore related breakouts, including blackheads!
Toner: Thayers Original Witch Hazel Astringent with Aloe Vera
One of the best and most accessible toners in the market known to be safe and effective in unclogging pores and preventing breakouts using a natural and PH balanced formula that’s been around for decades!
Mask: Que Bella Professional Detoxifying Black Peel Off Face Mask
For less than $3, you get a vegan and cruelty-free detox mask with activated charcoal powder, which effectively cleanses the pores of excess oil and dirt that causes blackheads.
Treatment Serum: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
A vegan, cruelty-free face serum that does not contain any possible allergens or irritants such as oil, alcohol, silicone, nuts, and gluten. The Ordinary releases clean beauty and skincare products that are sure to help ease your skin issues effortlessly.
Best Blackhead Removal Tools
From left to right:
Tweezerman Blackhead Removal Tool
Two of our most recommended tool types (see infographic above), the small loop and an angled loop in one convenient tool. Well made, non-slip, and less likely to harm your skin in the process.
Bestope Blackhead Removal Tool Kit
Are you one of those people with normal or combination skin, are you new to blackhead removal and just not quite sure what tool to use? This tool kit is the perfect all-in-one solution for you! Do not forget to read all the tips above and use each tool with gentle caution.
Pore Cleaners and Vacuums
Want to take your blackhead removal journey to the next level? Indulge in this vacuum, specifically for your pores. It cleans out your pores and takes out the excess oil and impurities with the help of varying suction levels and intensity! A mean machine for the skin.