How to get rid of blackheads?

Everything you need to know about blackheads, blackhead prevention, and blackhead removal

How to get rid of blackheads?

Almost all of us experience small white or black spots, called blackheads, on our nose, foreheads or chins at some point in our lives. Fortunately, there are a few things we can do to get rid of blackheads!

Do you suffer from blackheads? Have you noticed that they turn into spots too? Read on to find out all you need to know about whiteheads, blackheads, blackheads morphing into spots and – ultimately – how to get rid of blackheads.

What you should know about blackheads

Blackheads and all the blackhead removal creams on the market appear bewildering, but NIVEA is here to help with your concerns.

HOW AND WHERE BLACKHEADS OCCUR: BLACKHEADS ON YOUR FACE, NOSE, AND CHIN

Skin impurities always occur at the sebaceous follicles. These follicles, which are made up of a small hair and sebaceous glands, are found mainly on the face, chest and back. If the follicle channel becomes blocked or if bacteria gets into the pore, a blackhead will appear.

WHAT CAUSES BLACKHEADS AND ACNE?

Many things contribute to overall skin health, but here are a few specific to the prevention of blackheads and acne:

• Hormonal fluctuations
• Stress and worry
• An unhealthy lifestyle
• Heredity

CLOSED BLACKHEADS

Blackheads are also referred to as comedones or closed blackheads. They occur when the sebaceous glands get blocked, and the excess oil can’t flow out. In the first stage, this causes a whitehead to form. If the skin breaks open at the end of the gland, the sebum takes on a darker colour upon contact with the air. We then refer to this as a "blackhead". When this occurs, it is time to investigate blackhead spot creams and blackhead removal to avoid blackheads turning into full-blown pimples.

FROM BLACKHEAD TO SPOT

If blackheads do not open by themselves, they become a more serious, frustrating issue. Blackhead spots. The built-up sebum serves as a breeding ground for bacteria, and this can lead to a pus-filled, inflamed spot. Remember, never squeeze a spot! When it bursts, it can inflame the surrounding tissue – so one spot will quickly be joined by another – and creates an overall red and irritated patch. So, if you want to prevent future spots, it’s important to use a blackhead spot removal cream when you first see it starting to form.

With blackheads, it's all about your skin type

Does your skin tend to suffer from impurities like blackheads and spots? If so, we’re sure you’re wondering how to get rid of blackheads and spots. With skincare tailored to your skin type, you can hopefully prevent them from appearing – and if they do appear, you can get rid of them fast.

COMBINATION SKIN

If you have combination skin, your cheeks tend to be dry, while the skin on the forehead, nose and chin is blemished and oily. This skin type is a particular challenge in terms of skincare. Make sure you tailor your facial cleansing routine to the specific needs of combination skin. Choose a moisturising and oil-free care product to prevent blemishes in the T-zone.

OILY SKIN

Blemished, oily skin produces too much sebum and makes the skin appear shiny. The pores become blocked, and blackheads or spots occur. Intensive cleansing is especially important here. Remove excess sebum with a mild wash gel which is kind to your skin and provides plenty of moisture. A mild wash gel is an excellent alternative to a blackhead removal cream, that will work not only as a cream for blackheads, but also to keep skin clean and clear.

What to do about blackheads

How to get rid of blackheads

Face cleansing: A great cleanser will remove impurities and help keep blackhead spots at bay. Try the NIVEA MagicBAR Refreshing Face Cleansing Bar for a rejuvenated and clear complexion. The vegan formula, with almond oil and blueberry, helps to soothe the skin whilst offering a deep cleanse - with a bonus – it’s plastic-free). We offer a range of MagicBARs to suit each and every need – even including handy soap dishes to store them in.
Face masks: Regular face treatments will remove oil and dead skin cells and blackheads on face! Pamper your skin with a face mask once a week, for glowing and clear skin.
Blackhead scrub: For blemished skin with lots of blackheads on face, you’ll need a blackhead removal cream. However, if you're looking for something that'll remove blackheads while caring for the rest of the skin, the ideal product is NIVEA MagicBAR Exfoliating Face Scrub. It clears the skin of excess oil to prevent blackheads and spots.
Clear-up strips: Use refining clear-up strips in the T-zone area. After leaving it to work for a while, rip off the adhesive strip in one go. This will remove the excess sebum from the pores - blackheads on face won't stand a chance!

Discover NIVEA Magic Bar

Tips and tricks to fight blocked pores and prevent blackheads

We know you need to find out how to get rid of blackheads – especially blackheads on face – but it can take a while, so make sure you are patient. In the meantime, it’s great to know how to fight blocked pores and tackle them before they start!

- Antibacterial cover-up sticks: If you want to cover up blackheads on face, don't just use conventional makeup. Cover-up sticks or face powders with an antiseptic effect are better for this.

- Professional cosmetic treatments: In a cosmetic studio, blackhead removal is done by an experienced expert: a steam bath for your face will open the pores, so that blackheads can be removed. Afterwards, the skin is disinfected, toned and given an extra dose of care. You'll be amazed at how much you can improve your skin’s appearance! However, this can often be expensive, so it might be best to start with a blackhead removal cream if you don't want to invest a lot of money just get.

- Lifestyle: Would you like to see fewer blackheads on face? Changes to your diet and your lifestyle habits can make that happen. Ditch the fatty foods with fewer vitamins and trace elements as they can damage your skin. Instead, eat healthily and drink plenty of fluids. We also recommend you avoid smoking. Smoking is like poison for your skin and can have a long-term negative effect on your skin’s appearance. Combine a great lifestyle with a good blackhead removal cream and you’re sure to see an improvement in your skin's appearance.

CAN YOU REMOVE BLACKHEADS PERMANENTLY?

Unfortunately, there’s no magic cure-all for permanent blackhead removal. That’s why it’s important to find a skincare routine that’s tailored towards your skin goals and your skin type.