Impure skin can be really annoying! If you want to remove pimples and blackheads, we have the best tips for you here. This is how you get a beautiful complexion!
Almost everyone has them, nobody likes them: Blackheads (also: comedones) often stand in the way of our dream of beautiful, even skin. They occur when skin pores are clogged – for example due to excessive production of sebum and dead skin cells.
The so-called T-zone is particularly affected. This refers to the area of the forehead, nose and chin where the skin is particularly oily. Since we have sebaceous glands all over our face, blackheads can appear anywhere. Anyone who generally has greasy, oily or very dry skin is also more likely to develop blemishes, blackheads and pimples. If you want to remove blackheads, it helps to know your skin type!
Forms of blackheads
There are two forms of blackheads: whiteheads are known as whiteheads, blackheads are known as blackheads. How to differentiate:
- Whiteheads: The white comedones are closed and are more noticeable as light nodules under the skin. Sometimes the whiteheads open on their own.
- Blackheads: Blackheads are open. They get their name from their coloring: the skin pigment melatonin from the dead skin cells in the pores reacts with oxygen and then turns the blackheads black. This makes them particularly noticeable on the nose.
Remove blackheads: How to get rid of skin blemishes
If you want to remove blackheads, you should try our tips!
1. Proper cleaning
Proper cleansing is of course essential for beautiful and clear-pore skin. Basically wash yourself morning and evening the faceto reduce sebum production in the pores. Also remember to always remove makeup properly. The regular use of Facial toner with salicylic acid can shrink pores and refine the complexion.
Also helpful: Micellar water. Micelles are molecules that attract dirt and makeup residue, helping to clear clogged pores. Important: Always use products that are tailored to your skin type! After cleansing, your skin will also be happy about it moisturizing cream.
2. Face masks
Face masks have many advantages: Depending on the mask, they help against impurities, can remove blackheads or provide moisture if used regularly. For example, it helps against excess sebum and clogged pores Masks with active ingredients such as salicylic acid or activated charcoal. Healing clay is also suitable as a face mask because it can have a positive effect on the complexion thanks to the minerals and trace elements it contains. Would you like to know exactly what is contained in your product? Then you can find out here how you can make a face mask yourself!
3. Comedone squeezer
The professionals in the cosmetic studio like to work with a so-called comedone squeezer. This small metal tool has an eyelet that is placed around the blackhead. With a little pressure, the annoying problem should give way and be lifted out. Dealing with one Comedone squeezer However, it is not that easy – To avoid injury to the skin, you should only use this method to remove blackheads if you already have experience with it. Otherwise, it’s better to leave it to the professionals!
4. Scrubs
Since dead skin cells clog pores, it makes sense to remove them regularly. The best way to do this is with a peeling. A general distinction is made between chemical and mechanical peelings:
- Chemical peelscontain acids such as salicylic acid (BHA), which dissolve the bond between dead skin layers and the first layer of skin.
- Mechanical peelings On the other hand, they work with natural abrasive particles such as salt grains. They essentially rub excess sebum and dead skin cells off the skin. Due to their nature, you should not use mechanical peels if you have particularly sensitive skin or suffer from a skin condition such as acne or rosacea.
In general, one is enough Peeling once or twice a week, to remove dead skin cells so that the facial skin is not excessively irritated.
5. Stripes
If you want to remove blackheads as quickly as possible, you can do so-called Clear up Stripes be helpful. They basically look like band-aids and are stuck onto blackheads, whether on the chin, nose, or forehead, for just a few minutes. The strips loosen dirt from clogged pores and also help against blackheads – but usually only for a short time. To get rid of blackheads permanently, you can’t ignore good facial care and regular peelings.
6. Home remedies
You can also try treating blackheads with various home remedies. Although the effect has not been scientifically proven, But unless your skin is particularly sensitive or demanding, it won’t do any harm, at least in most cases. The following home remedies should be able to remove blackheads:
1. Tea tree oil
There Tea tree oil many anti-inflammatory ingredients attributed to it, it is a popular home remedy with many areas of application. For example, it is said to reduce skin blemishes and therefore be effective against blackheads. But be careful: tea tree oil can also be irritating to the skin, so only apply it diluted directly to the blackheads with a cotton swab!
2. Facial steam bath
With help of a steam bath clogged pores should be dilated, so that sebum and dead skin cells can flow away more easily. To do this, add a few drops of essential oil (e.g. eucalyptus) to a bowl of hot water. Then place a towel over your head and let the steam work on your skin for about ten minutes. Then wash your face with a soap-free cleansing lotion.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is also popular because of its antibacterial properties many areas of application among home remedies. However, similar to tea tree oil, it could be irritating on sensitive skin – so only try apple cider vinegar to combat blackheads if you are sure that your skin is not particularly sensitive! Dilute some apple cider vinegar generously with water and apply it selectively to the blemishes or blackheads.
When should I see a professional about skin imperfections?
If you are increasingly dealing with pimples, blackheads, etc. due to your skin type, for example because of particularly dry, oily or greasy skin, it still makes sense to visit the cosmetic studio regularly. Professionals recognize exactly what your skin needs! For example, cleansing is often recommended, as it can be particularly effective in removing sebaceous gland secretions and other dirt from clogged pores.
4 mistakes when dealing with blackheads
We all know the dangers and still do it: squeezing blackheads and dark pores. But it’s also too tempting not to answer. You should still avoid these 4 mistakes when dealing with unpleasant skin problems!
1. Not pre-treating the skin properly
You should have a little patience, because the correct pre-treatment of the skin is important when removing blackheads. Take off your make-up in peace, use one mild cleansing foam and go take a shower. This means the pores are softer and blackheads can be removed more easily and, above all, more painlessly. Tip: It’s even easier if you apply moisturizer after showering. This way the skin is nourished and seals the area with plenty of moisture.
2. Express with your fingers
Quickly hold your index fingers to your nose and start squeezing. But stop! Because Bacteria collect on the fingers, they can also injure the skin due to the pressure exerted. Place facial tissues over your fingertips or, if you’re experienced, use a comedone squeezer to remove blackheads.
3. Stick with the stubborn blackheads
Are you pressing and squeezing, but the blackhead just doesn’t want to come to the surface of your skin? Then leave it alone! If you don’t get any results after the third attempt and the pimple stays in place, then it is not ready for it yet and needs a few days to develop. Too much pressure leads to inflammation. Avoid at all costs!
4. Looking in the wrong mirror
They exist, those nasty magnifying mirrors that like to hang in the bathrooms of hotels. If we take a look at them, we immediately look years older and suddenly have the largest blackheads in the world. But don’t catch yourself wanting to lend a hand straight away. Firstly, everyone has black pores on their face and secondly, these are shown much more voluminously by the magnified mirror, than they actually are. Therefore rule number one: If blackheads cannot be seen in a normal mirror under normal lighting conditions, then it’s better to stay away from them!
Sources
- Plewig, G. et al.: Braun-Falco’s Dermatology and Venereology, Springer Verlag, 7th edition, 2018
- S2k guidelines “Treatment of acne“, German Dermatological Society, as of September 2011
- Working Group for Aesthetic Dermatology and Cosmetology eV (ADK) et al.: “Facial care: skin types“; haut.de, last accessed on October 10, 2023