Popping blackheads might be extremely satisfying to watch, but let’s be real: you’d rather go through life without those things on your face, right? But the more blackheads you get rid of, the more seem to find your face a fun place to hang out on. Luckily there are a few simple tips on how to eliminate these annoying little black things,
The first tip to tackle blackheads (and other skin problems) is using retinoids. They have been around for years and are said to be one of the best ways to take care of your skin. They are full of vitamin A and will give you an accelerated exfoliation. Dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto from London’s Cadogan Clinic, advises people with blackhead acne to use retinoids, but to also be patient.
It takes about twelve weeks before the first result appear. “It’s important to use them with care though, retinoids can be quite strong, and should only be used at nighttime because sunlight will inactivate them. If you’ve never used them before, gradually build up the strength – start off slowly, using it once or twice a week, if you’re not too red or itchy build it up to every night. Then once you’re ok with that percentage, you can move up to a stronger dose,” Dr Mahto explains.
Dr. Mahto also recommends the use of a clay mask once a week. It’s a great way to reduce the oil production of your skin and get rid of impurities in a very gentle way. It’s best to exfoliate before applying the mask so it really works its magic and penetrates deep within the skin.
Lastly, the biggest tip Dr. Mahto gives (and probably the most important one) is not to use too much makeup, as it will clog your pores even more. If you simply cannot go without makeup, then make sure you choose the right formula. “I’d recommend opting a lighter base, I’m a big fan of La Roche Posay’s Effaclar BB Blur, it’s very light and minimizes the appearance of pores. I also like Vichy’s Dermablend 3D, as it has salicylic acid in it, which as I mentioned earlier,“ says Dr. Mahto.