Almost all of us have had blackheads at some point in our lives. But knowing that doesn’t make it any less frustrating when they show up. So how can you get rid of those unsightly little black bumps once and for all? 

The first thing to know is that keeping your skin clear of blackheads is not a one-and-done experience. There are steps you can take to get rid of them, yes, but if you don’t adopt a healthy and consistent skincare routine, chances are they’ll come back.  Getting rid of blackheads is an ongoing process that starts with choosing the right products and consistently working to minimize your skin’s oil production and keep your pores clear. 

Take a look below at our foolproof guide for preventing and removing blackheads from around the nose or anywhere else they show up on your face. 

Cleanse wisely

To keep blackheads at bay, it’s important to wash your face twice a day: once before bed and then again when you wake up in the morning. And if you exercise, it’s a good idea to wash your face right afterward as well. Keeping your pores clear of dirt and bacteria can help prevent blackheads from forming. So which cleansers are best? 

If you’re having trouble with blackheads, it’s best to speak with an esthetician or dermatologist to make sure you’re choosing the right products for your skin. In general, some of the better skin-cleansing options for addressing blackheads include: 

• A gentle daily cleanser to ensure that you don’t completely dry out your skin and cause an overproduction of oil. 

• An exfoliating cleanser to help slough away dead skin and minimize pores. 

• A salicylic acid cleanser to break down the excess oils and dead skin cells that clog pores and cause breakouts. 

Your esthetician may recommend that you alternate using a gentle cleanser in the morning and either an exfoliating cleanser or a salicylic acid cleanser in the evening.  

Use a mask treatment

A good clay mask or charcoal mask will help draw impurities out of your pores and reduce oil production. Once a week is usually enough, and if you exfoliate before you use the mask, it will penetrate the skin even better, getting in there and clearing out the stuff that’s clogging your pores and causing your blackheads.

Choose the right products

It’s important to choose the right products for your skin-type. And this doesn’t just mean cleansers and exfoliants, but sunscreen and makeup as well. Look for oil-free sunscreen and makeup products. Non-comedogenic products are specially formulated not to clog pores. Browse the beauty blogs and websites to keep up with the best non-comedogenic makeup products on the market. 

Also, if you have acne-prone skin, your esthetician or dermatologist may recommend a topical retinoid product for eliminating acne-causing bacteria, reducing acne inflammation, and preventing future breakouts. Retinoids are best when used under the care of a professional who can help ensure that you’re using the right strength for your skin type. 

Try a chemical peel

In case you haven’t noticed by now, getting rid of blackheads is all about clearing out the pores. A chemical peel is a great treatment for unclogging pores and removing the more stubborn blackheads that won’t respond to other methods. And what’s even better is that chemical peels provide a range of anti-aging benefits as well. Although there are some over-the-counter chemical peels you can buy to use at home, you’ll get the best results (and avoid complications) by visiting a medical spa and having your chemical peel treatment done by a licensed skin care professional. 

Have stubborn blackheads? Siti Med Spa in San Diego can help

At Siti Med Spa in San Diego, we’re committed to helping every client look and feel their best. Whether you suffer from severe acne breakouts or you just can’t seem to get rid of those unsightly blackheads, we can help. In addition to our chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and microneedling treatments, we also offer a range of SkinMedica products to help you achieve and maintain your clearest, smoothest, most radiant skin.