How to Choose the Best Blackhead Removal Products
Blackheads are one of the most common skin issues we hear about at Paula’s Choice Skincare — probably because so many blackhead removal products on the market promise results but don’t actually work. Here, we’ll share our top science-backed solutions for choosing the right products for blackheads and what to avoid, so you can keep your pores clear and skin smooth.
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Blackhead Products That Really Work
The essentials you need for effective blackhead removal:
- Each morning and evening, use a gentle cleanser for breakout-prone skin. At night, use a wet washcloth to gently massage the cleanser into your skin to ensure all makeup and debris are removed.
- Apply a leave-on salicylic acid like our CLEAR Extra Strength Exfoliating Solution 2% BHA, a beta hydroxy acid or BHA exfoliant. Salicylic acid is an effective blackhead remover, because it can penetrate deep into pores to dissolve buildup and restore a normal flow of oil to the skin's surface.
- Absorbing excess oil helps prevent blackheads on the nose and other oil-prone areas. During the day, our Shine Stopper Instant Matte Finish mattifies oil-prone areas, while a few nights a week, an oil-absorbing charcoal mask can help maintain clear, refined pores.
Blackhead Removal: What Not To Do
Steer clear of harsh blackhead treatments (including jagged, abrasive scrubs, and masks that contain skin-aggravating fragrance), and make sure to care for your skin gently. Avoid irritating ingredients such as SD alcohol, menthol and peppermint. Anything that irritates the skin can cause a sensitising effect that triggers more oil production—which means more blackheads.
Also, avoid heavy, thick moisturizers in blackhead-prone areas, as they’re more likely to clog pores. Instead, opt for gel, lightweight lotion, or liquid skin care products as your hydrator of choice.
Avoid pore strips as well. They temporarily remove only the visible part of the blackhead but do nothing to address the root cause, so blackheads will return.
Lastly, ditch bar soaps, which can leave residue that builds up on the skin and contribute to clogged pores and blackheads.
How To Get Rid Of Blackheads On Your Nose
If your blackheads don’t respond to the tips above, you can try removing them manually with a blackhead extractor tool. Make sure to follow the product’s instructions carefully — any aggressive squeezing, poking, or prodding can irritate skin and make the problem worse.
Alternatively, you may want to consider blackhead removal by a well-trained aesthetician, who can carefully and precisely extract them without hurting your skin. It’s essential to maintain the results of professional blackhead extractions by following the steps above.
