What are blackheads?
When a pore is clogged with skin debris (dead skin cells), sebum (oil produced by sebaceous glands) and Propionibacterium acnes (also known as P. acne), a comedo is formed. A comedo can be closed (whitehead) or open at the skin’s surface (blackhead). Oxidation (i.e. exposure to air), not dirt, is what causes blackheads to be black.
How to get rid of blackheads…
Shedding agents are your best bet for clearing your face of unwanted facial foes like blackheads. Shedding agents help increase skin-cell turnover, thus, unclogging your pores of the gunk that caused the blackheads.
Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are both shedding agents that are commonly used for chemical peels, a form of chemical exfoliation. They are among the safest exfoliation and increasing skin turnover methods. A shedding agent such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid are important in treating acne because they shed the skin, ridding the clogged pores of oil and dead skin cells, as well as reducing or killing bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes, leaving you with smoother and vibrant skin. Visit https://mdbeautysecrets.com/skin-concerns/acne/ for a selection of glycolic and salicylic acid skin care products.
Retinol is another effective method of getting rid of blackheads. Retinol speeds up and increases the skin turnover process. When you apply Retinol to your skin the shedding process will accelerate, generating quicker results. Retinol, although often associated with preventative care, can also safely help treat acne by stimulating the regeneration of new skin cells, consequently clearing the skin’s pores of oil and skin debris.
Additional effective measures
Instead of using pore strips, try exfoliating and using clay masks 1-2 times a week. Pore strips will merely get the gunk out of the pores, not prevent future blackheads from forming.
Also, having a Microdermabrasion once a month will do wonders for your skin as well as clear and prevent blackheads. Bay Area locals can schedule an appointment with our clinic for this noninvasive cosmetic procedure.