9 Genius Tips to Help You Get Rid of Blackheads for Good

If you suffer from blackheads, there’s a good chance that you’ve tried everything in your power to get rid of them—from pore strips to facial masks to squeezing and picking at your face—but they always seem to come back and make you feel even more self-conscious than before. But no longer! Today, we’re sharing nine genius tips on how to beat blackheads once and for all so that you can feel comfortable in your own skin again!

1) Switch up your routine

If your skin tends to be dry, don't use products that have alcohol in them as this will cause it to dry out even more. Rather, use a rich, moisturizing lotion and make sure you're cleaning your skin before bed so you can let the cream soak in overnight. If the heat is starting to get to you, try spritzing a little bit of cold water on your face for a few minutes in the bathroom when it's time for your morning routine.

Now that I have all these new tips figured out I think my skin has never looked better! These simple changes seem like no big deal but they make all the difference.

2) Use the right tools

The key is to keep your pores clean, exfoliate once a week, and maintain a healthy diet that includes plenty of water and whole grains. The foods you eat can really impact your skin so this should be considered as well. For starters, stay away from sugar, alcohol, and fried foods - all three have the tendency to break out the skin in a major way.

A good rule of thumb is if it seems like you're consuming too much oil with fried or greasy food or if you can't seem to stay hydrated with water enough in one day, maybe it's time you eased up on those fatty and oily meals or put down the potato chips bag!

3) Skip moisturizer before bed

It sounds counterintuitive, but one easy way to get rid of blackheads is by skipping moisturizer before bed. Moisturizers can clog pores and lead to the formation of blackheads on your skin. A more effective solution is using a gentle exfoliator at night that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. The salicylic acid reduces clogged pores while the benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria which causes breakouts.

4) Treat from the inside out

The first thing you need to do is identify what you're eating. Eating too much protein, sugar, or fat can cause your skin cells to multiply faster than they should and lead to clogged pores that form blackheads. This can also make them worse if you're predisposed to acne because the extra oil and sweat in your body will have nowhere else to go but on your face. Certain types of food - chocolate, cheese, nuts, and citrus fruits - are all thought to cause blacklines on a more frequent basis. Avoiding these will decrease their chances of showing up again. 

Second, avoid alcohol consumption and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water every day.

5) Don’t scratch those pimples

Blackheads are sometimes leftover oil, dead skin cells, or both. Scratching can irritate your skin and cause the blackhead issue to worsen. The best way to get rid of blackheads is by using a benzoyl peroxide acne treatment. Benzoyl peroxide will remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells and give you clearer-looking skin within one week. This treatment will also unclog your pores and reduce inflammation on your face by removing the redness and swelling caused by the blackhead blockage. If you are unsure which acne treatment would be best for you, consult a dermatologist who can help pinpoint what type you need based on your needs.

6) Try sea salt scrubs

Sea salt scrubs are an easy, affordable way to draw out blackheads and prevent them from developing. Just mix up sea salt, water, and carrier oil like olive or coconut oil in a small bowl until it becomes a thick paste. Put on the mixture like you would put on any other mask and leave it on for at least 15 minutes. Once time is up, rinse the scrub off with warm water and pat your skin dry with a towel.

7) Prepping is key to a clear face

When you're trying to get rid of blackheads, start by cleaning your skin with a gentle face wash. Next, use a tissue or cotton pad dampened with water to apply salicylic acid and clean out the blackhead. Repeat the process until the entire pore is cleared out. Clean off any residue and finish by patting your skin dry before applying a spot treatment such as benzoyl peroxide or erythromycin ointment if needed.

8) Rest your skin at night

The first tip that can help you get rid of blackheads is proper rest. Giving your skin time to breathe at night will help it heal, reducing the risk that dead skin cells will clog pores and cause blackheads. Make sure you're always wearing sunscreen during the day and use it at night before bed, especially if you work outside in the sun or are fair-skinned. 

During your sleep, collagen levels naturally fall which reduces firmness and elasticity. This can make clogged pores more likely, which again means more chances for blackbacks.

9) Stop squeezing and pop them!

The first thing you should never do is try to squeeze or pop your blackheads. This could result in more inflammation and infection, which will lead to scarring, especially if the blackhead is deep within the skin.

If the worst does happen and you decide that it's time for a squeeze (or worse!), use a clean finger. Then simply push down on the white bump until it pops up onto your skin, where you can easily grab it with another piece of cotton and remove it. Now be very careful not to press too hard and cause further inflammation--you're probably noticing that there are layers below your skin that contain oil glands and hair follicles.