Dos and Don’ts of Blackhead Removal

By Smriti Prabhat

Ah, it’s that time of the year when I want to walk with my hand over my nose to hide the blackheads on the tip. First of all, let me start off by introducing myself. I am Smriti (but please call me Meow) and this is my first post on IMBB. YAY! But not-so-yay because I am facing a blackhead problem and have only just sorted it out. Over the years, I have amassed a few essential things to do for my blackheads and when I follow the routine without being too lazy, it tends to work.

Don’t Use Blackhead Removal Strips

Firstly, never ever use those blackhead removal strips because if you have paper thin skin like me, you will end up breaking the capillaries around your nose. Believe me, they look horrible! So, ditch those removal strips. I would use these strips back in school and maybe I overdid it that time, I don’t know! But now, I can actually see the broken capillaries around my nose. Yuck! Can’t go out of the house without a decent amount of makeup covering the area (I would have shown you all a picture of the mess, but it’s too embarrassing. Sorry!)

Don’t Scrub Too Much

I know the feeling! You see a blackhead or two and assume that it is filled with dirt. And so, you scrub and scrub until the skin is pink and the blackhead is shining more clearly than ever before. I’ve been there and would advise you strongly against scrubbing your nose, chin or any other area of your face to remove blackheads.

Get a mild exfoliator that would gently remove dead skin and all the dirt from your face, but never ever rub the skin or treat it harshly to deal with blackheads. This advice is as essential as not picking on your pimples, believe me.

Point to note:

A blackhead remover might seem easy to remove those pesky blackheads, but never invest in one. It can severely damage your skin and can cause more blackheads to form. Also, make sure not to pick them often with your fingers. The dirt on your fingers can clog up the pores even more thereby, leading to more damage.

Do Invest In a Cleanser With Salicylic Acid

Now, I have researched on this subject for a couple of years and tried a lot of stupid things. The only thing that works is Salicylic acid. You need something that would not just unclog your pores and make blackheads disappear for a while, but would be a long term solution. Enter Salicylic acid, a miracle chemical! Buy a cleanser that has Salicylic acid in it and wash your face twice a day (morning and evening). I have two recommendations for you –

Neutrogena’s Oil Free Acne Wash – This has 2% Salicylic acid that not only helps you with acne and whiteheads, but would completely clean up your face. I sometimes use this for makeup removal as well and it is super gentle. It has a normal consistency like your usual face washes and the 177ml bottle lasts for a long time.

Cipla SASLIC Face Wash – There are two versions of this, one is the simple Saslic One with 1% Salicylic acid and the other is Saslic DS with 2% Salicylic acid. You might require a prescription for this one. One 180ml bottle would only last you for 1.5 months if you use it two times a day. However, it is totally worth it!

Do Use a Toner With BHA (And Meant For Blackheads)

BHA is another thing that helps with blackheads. If you have younger skin, Salicylic is usually enough, but if you are dealing with wrinkles, et al, BHA is a better blackhead removing ingredient. Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating Cooling Toner is a great one to try out.

So, try these tips for at least a couple of weeks and let me know how they turn out. Enjoy the rains!!

Image Source: 1

Do’s and Don’ts for Youthful Skin
My Fight with Acne – Acne Routine, Dos and Don’ts
Dos and Donts for People with High Blood Pressure
Dos and Don’t for Safe Pedicures
St. Ives Blemish and Blackhead Control Apricot Scrub
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub
Facial Hair Home Removal Tips
How To Make Hair Removal Wax At Home
Veet Suprem’ Essence Hair Removal Cream
Best Option For Facial Hair Removal