MDacne
Blackheads are just clogged pores. Once the mix of dry cells and oil that clogs the pores get exposed to the air, they look darker (hence the name! Manual extraction of blackheads (i.e., using metal tools or your hands) is not the best, safest, or most effective way to eliminate blackheads. Manually extracting blackheads—except when done by a licensed aesthetician or dermatologist— often results in trauma to the skin, more red pimples, and a higher risk of scarring. So unless you are a fan of long-term scars and more breakouts (I didn't think so...), here are five ways to remove blackheads without hurting your skin.
Blackheads Removal Strips:
Pore cleansing/blackhead removal strips are essential, better versions of scotch tape (ha!)...but they work! Using a non-irritating adhesive, these strips bind to your blackheads and, when removed, pull out the blackheads with them. Voila! The easiest and fastest way to remove blackheads. (Check ouMDacne's's blackhead removal strips)
Regular vs. Charcoal blackhead strips- which one is better?
Charcoal blackhead strips have gained popularity due to their unique properties and potential advantages over regular blackhead strips. Here are some key benefits of charcoal blackhead strips compared to regular ones:
Enhanced Absorption:
Charcoal: Activated charcoal is known for its high absorbency, which can help to draw out impurities, oil, and toxins from the skin more effectively than regular strips.
Regular Strips: While effective at removing blackheads, they may not have the same level of absorbency as charcoal strips.
Deep Cleansing:
Charcoal: Activated charcoal's deep-cleansing properties can help unclog pores more thoroughly, potentially leading to clearer skin and fewer breakouts.
Regular Strips: They remove surface-level blackheads but might not penetrate as deeply into the pores.
Antibacterial Properties:
Charcoal: Activated charcoal has natural antibacterial properties, which can help reduce bacteria on the skin and prevent future breakouts.
Regular Strips: These typically do not have antibacterial properties unless specifically formulated.
Detoxifying Effects:
Charcoal: Charcoal can help detoxify the skin by removing pollutants and other impurities, making it beneficial for those living in urban environments with high pollution levels.
Regular Strips: Focus primarily on blackhead removal without additional detoxifying benefits.
Soothing and Calming:
Charcoal: Some charcoal strips are infused with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or tea tree oil, which can help to calm the skin after blackhead removal.
Regular Strips: They might cause more irritation to sensitive skin compared to charcoal strips with added soothing ingredients.
Visibility of Results:
Charcoal: The strips' black color can make it easier to see the blackheads and impurities removed, providing a more satisfying visual confirmation of effectiveness.
Regular Strips: The results might not be as visibly apparent, especially on lighter-colored strips.
In summary, while both types of strips can be effective for blackhead removal, charcoal blackhead strips offer additional benefits like enhanced absorption, deep cleansing, antibacterial properties, and detoxifying effects, making them a popular choice for many individuals.
Salicylic Acid Cleansers & Treatment Creams
Salicylic acid is an FDA-approved anti-acne ingredient. It dissolves and softens the dead cell keratin plugs clogging the pores. You can check out MDacne's medicated cleansers and acne treatment creams or look for OTC options with 2% Salicylic Acid.
Retinol creams
Dermatologists have been prescribed retinoids for more than 30 years to reduce blackheads and whiteheads. Fortunately, high-quality retinol creams are now available without a prescription to help reduce both blackheads and active, inflamed pimples. Be mindful that some dryness can be expected, and sun sensitivity increases. Thus, applying an oil-free sunscreen in the morning when you use this type of product is essential.
Pink Clay Masks
Using a pink clay mask 1-2x per week is another excellent option for people with blackheads and large pores. By absorbing the dead cells and excess sebum from enlarged skin oil glands, these masks can help with acne breakouts, reduce skin redness, and improve skin texture and brightness. You can check out this link for more info!
Steam Showers
Steam and warm water help open the pores and loosen blackheads, enhancing everything else you are doing. Take a steam shower before using blackhead removal strips or the Salicylic Acid treatment for the best results.
Shop:
MDacne's Retinoid Pink Clay Mask
Retinol Treatment System - Perfect Retinol starter kit
MDacne's Blackheads strips
MDacne's Master pimple patches
More info:
The best way to remove and prevent blackheads
Comedones: what are they, and how do I treat them?
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