By Davan 
Dealing with blackheads, especially stubborn ones often referred to as “monster blackheads,” can be frustrating. These pesky blemishes form when excess oil, dead skin cells, and dirt clog pores. Fortunately, there are effective ways to remove blackheads and achieve clear, smooth skin. Here are some top tips to help you tackle them:
- Cleanse Regularly
The first step to clear skin is maintaining a proper skincare routine. Use a gentle cleanser that removes excess oil without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. Cleansing twice a day—morning and night—helps prevent the buildup of oils and dirt, which are common causes of blackheads. - Exfoliate Gently
Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells that can clog pores. Use a mild exfoliator with small, smooth granules or opt for chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid, which penetrates deep into pores to break down oil and debris. However, be cautious not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate the skin. - Use Pore Strips Sparingly
Pore strips can provide quick results by removing blackheads from the surface of your skin. However, they should be used in moderation, as they can irritate sensitive skin. After using a pore strip, apply a soothing toner to close the pores and calm any redness. - Try Retinoids
Retinoids, like tretinoin, are powerful ingredients that promote cell turnover and keep pores clear of buildup. Incorporating a retinoid into your nighttime routine can prevent the formation of blackheads over time. - Avoid Picking or Squeezing
It might be tempting to pick at blackheads, but doing so can cause inflammation, scarring, and even more blackheads. Instead, focus on prevention and gentle removal methods.
Blackhead Treatment
If you get blackheads — a type of acne that happens when dead skin cells and oil clog your pores — you have plenty of methods to treat them. There are also ways to prevent new ones from forming.
But remember: Picking, squeezing, and popping blackheads aren’t among your options. That approach could make your situation a lot worse. Try some of these treatments instead.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a popular over-the-counter ingredient in many skin cleansers. It breaks down dead skin cells and extra oil before they can clog your pores.
When you go to the pharmacy, check the ingredient labels carefully. You’ll find products with salicylic acid that range in strength from 0.5% to 5%. The acid can be harsh on some people’s skin. You might want to put it on every other day, rather than daily, to see how your skin reacts.
As for other acne-fighting ingredients, blackheads don’t contain bacteria, so benzoyl peroxide — a powerful antibacterial against most other forms of acne — may or may not help.
You get a chemical peel in your doctor’s office. It removes cells from the top layer of your skin.
You should be able to find cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup that are non-comedogenic.
Blackhead Prevention
To prevent blackheads, try tips such as:
- Wash your face when you get up, before bed, and after you sweat.
- Put non-abrasive cleaners on your skin gently, using your fingertips. Scrubbing with washcloths or sponges can irritate the skin.
- Use alcohol-free skin products.
- Avoid the sun since some acne medicines can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
- Shampoo oily hair regularly.
- Limit how many times you touch your face.
- Change pillowcases often.
Also, some studies suggest certain foods can worsen acne. A few of the suspects are skim milk, chocolate, and carbohydrate-rich foods like bread and chips.
Blackhead Treatments to Avoid
Certain treatments won’t work for blackheads. You should avoid oil-based and alcohol-based cleaners.
If you have oily skin, products that have these ingredients can irritate your skin.
If you have normal skin, moisturizers that contain some light oil should be fine. If you have dry skin, oil-based moisturizers may help.
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