Blackheads are the small black bumps that appear on the surface of the skin. They can pop up on any part of your body, but are commonly found on the nose, cheeks and the face in general.

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Blackheads may be extremely tiny and unnoticeable from a distance, however, they do still cause a nuisance. Once blackheads are removed, they can likely appear again. This is why its good to know how to get rid of existing blackheads, and preventing them from appearing.

In this article, we’ll go through skincare tips that can help you prevent, remove, and manage blackheads better.

1. Moisturiser

Skincare Tips to Prevent Blackheads

Using a moisturizer is essential to have on during your day. Especially in the hot and dry weather of the middle east, your face can be relatively dry. This will make your face secrete excess sebum and cause more blackheads and acne to pop out.

Using a moisturizer will help to prevent excess sebum production and decrease the number of blackheads and breakouts on your face.

2. Remove Makeup Before Bed

No matter how tired you are when you reach home, always take the time to remove your makeup and keep your face clean before bed. If left on overnight, your makeup can block up pores and create blackheads. Leaving makeup on during the night can also lead to skin infections and irritable eyes.

3. Use a Skin Brush

A skin brush is one of the best ways to exfoliate your skin. Not only does it help to buff away blackheads, but its also very effective in removing dead skin cells and helping your topical product to thoroughly work into your skin and deep into your pores for best effect.

The best types of skin brushes are electric-based types. Basic handheld skin brushes are also quite effective if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative. 

4. Topical Retinoids

This is a type of topical gel or cream that can be applied to the skin to unclog pores. Also effective in minimizing the visibility of wrinkles. Topical retinoids help break down the stickiness and dirt substance that clog up pores.

5. Clay Mask

Skincare Tips to Prevent Blackheads

Clay masks are one of the most commonly used products for people with oily skin. They help to suck up dirt, oil and other elements that are deep inside your pores, making it perfect for the removal of blackheads.

There are many different types of clay masks and all are made for particular skin types. You can speak with your dermatologist or skin specialist on what will work best for your skin. 

6. Charcoal Mask

Charcoal masks are also effective for blackheads as much as clay masks are. Like clay masks, charcoal masks help to suck up oil, dirt and dead skin cells that build up in pores. Activated charcoal can also be bought in cleanser form or peel masks. It can also be used in conjunction with clay masks in a healthy skincare routine. 

7. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid has commonly been used for blackheads and blemishes as an alternative to benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid will help to remove dirt, oil, and other elements that build up in your pores and is commonly used for people looking to remove blackheads and whiteheads. It is also effective in removing dead skin cells and promote the regeneration of new skin cells.

As salicylic acid is quite strong, it is recommended to only use once a day instead of every time you wash your face. If you have sensitive skin or are not sure whether it is suitable for you, speak with a skincare specialist or your doctor. 

8. Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are mostly used for its anti-ageing benefits but can also be quite effective for blemishes and blackheads. Chemical peels that contain AHA’s are effective in slowly removing the surface layer of your skin and promote the regeneration of new and fresh skin.

Although it can be effective for blackheads, it shouldn’t be used as a primary treatment for it and should be used in conjunction with a healthy skincare routine for best results. 

9. Don’t Pop Your Blackheads!

Skincare Tips to Prevent Blackheads

Just like pimples would, blackheads can become inflamed and risk skin infection when popped. Especially when your hands are dirty, popping your blackheads are not only useless but can enlargen pores and transfer bacteria and cause other problems. No matter how tempting, never pop your blackheads or blemishes with your own hands. 

If the above remedies or skincare tips aren’t effective on you or you’d like to discover other options, speak with your doctor. They may also be able to refer you to a skin specialist or dermatologist. They will be able to identify any skin conditions you may have as well as give you other skincare tips or treatments that can also be effective for your skin. 

Head over to the Okadoc app to immediately book an appointment with your health practitioner.