How to Remove Blackheads

Blackheads are a real problem for most people who suffer from acne. They can occur all over the face, showing up as little (or sometimes not so little) black spots. What causes them? Clogged pores. Knowing how to remove blackheads safely and effectively can be a huge help when it comes to taking care of your face and cutting down on your acne problems.

Learn how to remove blackheads

The best approach of how to remove blackheads is to treat the ones you have and practice good skin care to prevent your skin from getting more of them in the future. Let’s start with the immediate things you can do to get rid of existing blackheads:

• Pore cleaning strips – Some of the newest products on the market are special strips that are made specifically to help remove the materials that clog up pores and create blackheads. These strips are applied to your skin while the skin is still damp and then left there for about five to ten minutes or so. After that time has gone by, you pull the strips firmly away from your skin, taking the gunk from your pores with them.
• Steam your pores open – Steam is a great way to open up your pores and help loosen the dirt and gunk that threatens to clog them up with blackheads. The right way to go about doing this is to boil water and then remove it from the stove. Using a towel to cover your head and create a little tent, lean over the steaming water and let the steam soak into your skin for about five minutes or so. Once you are done with this, use a gentle cleanser to wash the dirt and gunk off of your face so your skin is nice and clean.
• Use an anti-acne medication – Apply an anti-acne medication to your clean skin; the best ones contain either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in varying concentrations. Dab the medication onto your skin gently, avoiding any rubbing or other irritating types of contact.

Now let’s move on to the prevention part of how to remove blackheads. Setting up a healthy regimen of caring for and cleansing your skin is the key to good prevention. Your regimen should include, at minimum, the following:

• Cleanse – Apply a gentle cleanser to clean your face, once in the morning and once in the evening. Use gentle motions in a circular pattern, going over all of your face in a systematic way. Avoid rough scrubbing or rubbing, as this can cause irritation that may actually increase blackheads in the future.
• Medicate – Apply an anti-acne medication, such as a topical gel, cream, liquid, or the like. The most effective over the counter medications contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in varying levels of concentration.
• Moisturize – Apply an oil-free moisturizer to help keep your skin smooth and healthy. Choose one that is very lightweight, as this is the best way to avoid ending up with clogged pores all over again.

If you follow these directions of combining immediate treatment and preventive treatment, you will finally know how to remove blackheads and your skin will glow with improved health.