How to Get Rid of Blackheads Correctly, According To Dermatologists
Oil productionAs previously mentioned, “your skin naturally produces oil, known as sebum, which keeps it moisturised. However, overactive sebaceous glands can produce too much oil, increasing the likelihood of clogged pores,” says Fabusiwa.Dead skin cellsSimilarly, “your skin is constantly renewing itself, shedding old skin cells to make way for new ones. If these dead cells don't slough off properly, they can accumulate and contribute to clogged pores,” Fabusiwa explains.Hormonal changesThere's a reason blackheads can take off in puberty or during certain times of the month. “Fluctuations in hormones, particularly androgens [sex hormones], can increase oil production," says Fabusiwa. "This is why teenagers and women are often more prone to blackheads, especially during menstruation, pregnancy, or when using certain types of birth control,” she adds.Lifestyle and environmentPhysical and mental factors can play into the state of our skin. For instance, “diet, stress, humidity, and pollution can all play a role. Sweat can also mix with the oils and skin cells, making the situation stickier, quite literally,” says Fabusiwa.Improper skincareThen there's our own active role in the situation – particularly if we're experimenting with our skincare routine. “Using the wrong skincare products can exacerbate the problem. Heavy, comedogenic (pore-clogging) creams or not properly cleansing the skin can lead to more blackheads,” confirms Fabusiwa.How to get rid of blackheads on your nose?If you really want to beat the blackheads, have your dermatologist or medical professional use a comedone extractor (if you've ever spent hours transfixed by Dr Pimple Popper's videos, you'll know what we're talking about here). These extractors use small metal loops on the end of a stick to add pressure around the blackhead and push the debris out.The difference between them and you, is they know the best techniques to lift the blackhead away without causing scarring or damage to the surrounding skin. Often they'll steam your skin first to loosen things up. And, if using their fingers, they use a rolling method with the pad of their fingers to ease the blackhead out gently. Nails should never be used for squeezing.The pros are in consensus – they don't advocate you squeezing blackheads yourself, as you can actually risk pushing the blackhead deeper into the skin. “When trying to remove blackheads, it's crucial not to squeeze or pick at them aggressively as this can lead to scarring or infection,” warns Fabusiwa. “Instead, opt for a gentle approach and contact your GP or dermatologist for prescription strength treatments,” she says. Aesthetic medical practitioner, Bhavjit Kaur, notes: "a consistent skincare routine [more on that below] and pore strips in moderation can remove them.”How to prevent blackheadsThe best way to prevent blackheads is to prevent the follicles from becoming blocked in the first place. For this, exfoliating is key as it removes dirt, grime, excess sebum and dead skin cells before they have a chance to settle in follicles. "Exfoliation removes that upper layer of dead skin cells. So effectively, you're preventing everything including old skin cells, dirt and makeup, from getting blocked inside that top layer of pores," says Mahto.
