How to Get Rid of Blackheads

Discover the causes of blackheads, learn effective prevention strategies, and explore targeted treatments to achieve clearer, healthier skin.

What's in the article?

Read Time: 6 minutes

What are Blackheads?
Causes
Removal Tips
Skincare Routine for Blackheads
Prevention
Facts Overview
Summary
FAQs

Blackheads are tiny dark spots that appear when pores are clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. Unlike whiteheads, they remain open at the surface, causing the trapped material to oxidise and turn black.

There are primarily two types of clogged pores or comedones:

Open Comedones: Typical blackheads, where the clogged pore remains open, leading to oxidation and a dark appearance.
Closed Comedones: Often referred to as whiteheads, these occur when the clogged pore remains closed, preventing oxidation.

Common areas for blackheads include:

Face:
Particularly on the nose, forehead, and chin. These areas, known as the T-zone, tend to have higher concentrations of sebaceous glands, likely to present increased oil production and a higher likelihood of blackheads forming.
Back:
Especially the upper back and shoulders. The skin on the upper back and shoulders is thicker and has larger sebaceous glands, making it more prone to blackheads.
Chest:
Due to higher oil production in these areas. The chest has a high density of oil glands, which can produce excess sebum that mixes with dead skin cells to clog pores and form blackheads.

What Causes Blackheads?

Excess Oil Production:
Overactive sebaceous glands produce too much oil, increasing the likelihood of clogged pores. When the skin produces excess sebum, it can accumulate and combine with other debris, creating an environment where pores become blocked and blackheads form.
Dead Skin Cells:
An accumulation of dead skin cells can mix with sebum, leading to clogged pores. Dead skin cells that do not shed properly can block the pilosebaceous follicles and contribute to the development of blackheads.
Hormones:
Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, can increase sebum production. Fluctuations in hormone levels can stimulate the sebaceous glands, resulting in increased oil production and a higher chance of blackheads.
Skincare Habits:
Infrequent cleansing or usage of comedogenic (pore-clogging) products can contribute to blackhead formation.
Diet and Lifestyle:
High-fat diets, smoking, and stress can exacerbate oil production and skin issues. Unhealthy lifestyle choices and dietary habits could boost sebum production and aggravate skin conditions, making blackheads more likely.
Genetics:
Genetics can influence the skin's oil production and pore structure, increasing the likelihood of developing blackheads.

Treatment for Blackheads

Dermatologists advise that there is no immediate way to safely remove blackheads from your skin without risk of infection and inflammation, but there are a few things you can try to help reduce their appearance, these include:

Steam:
Steam your face for 5-10 minutes to open up the pores by softening the debris and sebum inside, making it easier to cleanse deeply and remove blackheads effectively.
Be very careful with hot water and steam; lean over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head or use a facial steamer.
Cleanse the skin daily, but without excess:
Overwashing can strip the skin of its natural oils, prompting increased sebum production to compensate, potentially leading to more blackheads. It is therefore important to use gentle products whenever possible.
Avoid crushing Blackheads:
Avoid crushing at the skin to try and remove the blackheads, as this may aggravate the skin condition further and cause more damage.
Pore Strips:
Try pore strips to get rid of blackheads on the nose or other affected areas. Once activated with water it adheres to pores and removes blackheads and impurities from the skin's surface.

Skincare Routine to Prevent Blackheads

Maintaining a consistent and effective skincare routine can help prevent blackheads and target the underlying causes of their formation.

Implementing the following routine may help prevent blackheads:

1. Cleanser (AM and PM):

For both morning and evening, cleanse and purify the skin thoroughly to remove accumulated excess oil and makeup. Try NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Wash for blemish-prone skin with Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide to deeply cleanse and purify pores and help reduce the appearance of blemishes.

Face Cleansing Products

2. Scrub/Exfoliation (2-3 times a week)

The NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti Blemish Scrub is ideal for use right after your cleanser to achieve a deeper cleanse and get rid of dead skin cells. Also formulated with Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide it helps to unclog pores and refine skin texture. Incorporate it into your evening routine 2-3 times a week for the optimal results.

3. Toner (Optional - AM and PM):

Follow with an alcohol-free toner to balance the skin's pH and prevent blackheads from forming. This could help to remove any residual impurities that cleansing might have missed, tightening the pores to reduce the likelihood of clogging, and decreasing oiliness to prevent excess sebum buildup.
The NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Toner helps to hydrate and to control skin oiliness while refininf and purifyind pores.

4. Serum (AM Only)

You may consider serums containing Niacinamide to address blackheads, to help regulate oil production. This may also help to minimise clogged pores and reduce the formation of blackheads for a clearer complexion.

NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Rebalance & Protect Serum is enriched with Pro-Vitamin B5, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid to help reduce imperfections, soothe the skin, and strengthen its barrier, effectively preventing the buildup of excess oil and debris that contribute to blackheads.

NIVEA SUN UV Specialist Derma Skin Clear SPF 50+ Fluid

5. Chemical Exfoliation (PM only):

Exfoliation is generally recommended 1-2 times a week and involves applying an exfoliating product to the skin, leaving it on for a few minutes, then rinsing thoroughly with water. However, NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Chemical Exfoliator is a gentle skin care product that can be left on and used nightly. It contains Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Niacinamide to gently exfoliate skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, preventing the build-up of debris that causes blackheads. This exfoliating treatment is designed to be used in the evening as the last step in your skincare routine, allowing it to work throughout the night. Read the instructions for use on the packaging carefully.

6. Moisturiser (AM and PM):

If your skin still feels dry, consider using a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser may help to prevent blackheads. This will help prevent the skin from overproducing oil and reduce the risk of blackhead formation. However, avoid using a moisturiser after NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Night Scrub as this may reduce its effectiveness.

Face Moisturising Products

7. Sunscreen:

Apply a broad-spectrum facial sunscreen for immediate protection from UVA/UVB rays. With Anti-Blemish Complex and Niacinamide, try NIVEA SUN UV Specialist Derma Skin Clear SPF 50+ to help prevent clogged pores and blemishes by absorbing excess sebum from the skin's surface, leaving no oily sensation.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Blackheads

Healthy Diet:
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Nutrient-dense foods support overall skin health and reduce the likelihood of excess oil production and clogged pores.
Hydration:
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. Proper hydration helps maintain skin elasticity and and reduces the risk of sebum overproduction.
Avoid Touching Your Face:
Reduce the transfer of oil and dirt from hands to face. Minimising contact with the face helps prevent the introduction of bacteria and oils that can contribute to blackheads and other imperfections on the face.
Manage Stress:
Practise stress-relief techniques like meditation and exercise. Lowering stress levels reduces the production of stress hormones that can stimulate oil glands and contribute to blackhead formation.

How to get rid of blackheads

Facts Overview

Consistency:
Stick to your skincare routine daily for the best results in preventing blackheads.

Clean Makeup Tools:
Regularly clean makeup brushes and sponges to avoid bacteria buildup that can contribute to blackheads.

Avoid Touching Your Face:
Reduce the transfer of oil and dirt from your hands to your face.

NIVEA Derma Skin Clear

The innovative NIVEA Derma Skin Clear range is formulated with clearer, refined skin in mind. Harnessing the clarifying combination of Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide to unclog pores and reduce the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads with regular use. If your skin is prone to blemishes and breakouts, this high-quality range might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

As always, when applying a new product, always follow the instructions on the label and consult a dermatologist in the case of an unexpected reaction or if there is no improvement after 4 to 8 weeks of regular use.

NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Range

Summary

Blackheads are affected by factors such as excess oil production, hormonal changes, poor skincare habits, and genetics. Follow a skincare routine consisting of gentle cleansing and regular exfoliation. Follow through with the use of non-comedogenic products to effectively prevent blackheads. Additionally, adopt a healthy lifestyle to further support skin health. For stubborn blackheads and to avoid skin damage, seek professional advice for effective treatment.

FAQs

Do blackheads go away naturally?

Blackheads that are not removed will sometimes go away on their own over time, but some deeper blackheads will remain to clog your pores if they aren't removed.

How do I remove a blackhead?

Remove blackheads with skincare ingredients like Salicylic Acid, and AHAs that exfoliate dead skin cells and Niacinamide which reduces oil production.

Is it ok to squeeze out blackheads?

Although it's tempting, squeezing blackheads with your fingers is not recommended as it can cause trauma to the skin and lead to hyperpigmentation or scarring.

What happens if you ignore blackheads?

Untreated blackheads may transform into pimples and cause discomfort to the skin.

What are comedones?

Pores or pilosebaceous follicles that have gotten blocked with bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells to appear as a dark or light-colored dot or a bump on your skin.