Blackheads: As tempting as they are, you should never disturb them. Trying to push one out can cause irritation, redness and even scarring, and can also feel very uncomfortable.
Professional extractions are one way forward, but they come at a cost. It’s best to opt for home treatments that will reduce the appearance of blackheads without denting your bank account.
From peels to chemical peels to exfoliants, there’s no shortage of options, but choosing the right formula is a subjective process. People with sensitive skin may benefit from a mild toner, while those with oily skin may prefer
stronger acids.
So, if you still don’t know the difference between BHA and AHA, you’ve come to the right place because we asked the experts to tell you all the important things you need to know about blackheads. You’re welcome.
What are blackheads? “Blackheads (also called open comedones) are small, dark bumps that appear on the skin,” explains Dr. Ben Esdaile, consultant dermatologist at Skin + Me, adds: “They are caused by a build-up of dead skin
cells and oil (sebum) that clog the top opening of the hair follicle (pore), causing it to enlarge.”
Blackheads are open acne lesions, so they usually turn black as the clogged oil and dead skin begin to oxidize (so no, the black you see isn’t actually dirt).
Although blackheads are common, you may notice these small dark spots appearing on certain areas of your face and not others. “Blackheads typically form in areas of the skin that have many hair follicles and sebaceous glands,
which is why they are most common on the face, especially the nose,” says Dr. Esdale.
While we’ve already mentioned that no skin type is immune to blackheads – whether you have acne-prone skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, or combination skin… you get the gist – blackheads are the most Often affects people with oily
skin.
How to remove blackheads? “There are many treatments to remove blackheads, as well as products you can use to prevent them from forming,” says Dr. Esdale. While there are many options, the best blackhead treatment depends on
your skin type.
Using a chemical peel is one of the most common ways to unclog pores—especially for sensitive skin. “BHAs (like salicylic acid) and AHAs (like glycolic acid and lactic acid) are great over-the-counter acids that can dissolve
dead skin cells and clear clogged pores,” says Dr. Esdale.
While you can opt for physical exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, Dr. Esdale advises against it, however. “There’s no need to use physical exfoliants like brushes or scrubs, as these can irritate the skin, especially the
skin barrier,” he says.
Also, check your INCI list for niacinamide. “This form of vitamin B is another helpful ingredient. Research shows it can reduce oil production, which can lead to blackhead formation,” adds Esdale. If you can’t handle acid, you
can try incorporating retinol into your daily routine. “Topical retinoids (vitamin A-based ingredients) are very effective at unclogging hair follicles and preventing the processes that lead to clogged hair follicles,” Dr.
Esdale. Retinoids also speed up cell turnover, ensuring your complexion becomes clearer over time. How about the rest of your skincare routine?
While using chemical peels is the expert-recommended way to get rid of blackheads, overdoing it can damage your barrier—and when that happens, you’re less alert, opening the door to irritation and sensitivity. “If you have a
chemical peel, such as a topical retinoid, the treatment can seriously dry out your skin,” says Dr. Esdale. “To help your skin tolerate the treatment better, incorporate a gentle cleanser and moisturizer into your skin care
routine,” he adds. It’s also recommended to limit yourself to one ingredient at a time, as overuse of multiple active ingredients may cause skin problems. So if your skin is irritated, consider wrapping it in moisture to help
it recover and renew.
As tempting as it is, dr. Esdaile stresses not to squeeze the blackheads, as this can cause their contents to penetrate deeper into the skin. If you’re dealing with a particularly large problem, he recommends seeing a
dermatologist or esthetician to effectively remove it, as over-the-counter treatments may not be enough. The Best Blackhead Treatments You Can Try Right Now…
1. Press Medik8 and delete If you are serious about getting rid of blackheads, invest in this product. Encapsulated, time-released salicylic acid unclogs pores and cleanses skin—but that’s not all. Medik8 Press & Clear is
designed for sensitive people, so it also keeps your barrier calm and nourished. Since we were all kids, using a pump applicator was more appealing.
2. Medik8 Crystal Retina If you are looking for something more powerful, choose Medik8 Crystal Retinal over Press & Clear. Retinoids not only help unclog pores, they also act preventatively by promoting cell turnover. The iconic
Crystal Retinal range also contains retinal, a retinoid derivative, which is slowly released into skin cells to reduce irritation. This is one of the most advanced formulas on the market and offers great value for money.
3. Dermalogica Liquid Exfoliator There are hundreds of chemical peels vying for your attention, but Dermalogica’s new liquid peel is miles ahead of the rest. Its complex formula contains a potent blend of glycolic, salicylic,
lactic, and phytic acids, which, in layman’s terms, work together to remove dead skin and oil from pores. This milky liquid also contains fermented pomegranate enzymes to ensure your skin stays hydrated. With consistent use,
your skin will become brighter.
4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ Anti-Acne Moisturizer Using a topical exfoliant is a smart idea when fighting blackheads, but be aware that an effective moisturizer can also go a long way. Effaclar Duo+ Anti-Blemish Moisturizer
is La Roche-Posay’s latest innovation and the treatment delivers results once again. This lightweight cream activates the “pause” button on stressed pores to help slow sebum production and reduce clogging. Anyone with sensitive
and acne-prone skin should take this treatment seriously.
5.Avene Cleansing A.H.A Exfoliating Essence Picking out blackheads is not a smart idea. It’s best to use an exfoliating serum to remove any buildup. Avène’s new elixir is enriched with lactic and succinic acids that exfoliate
dead skin cells and unclog pores. Unfortunately, this won’t eliminate pores (which is neither possible nor practical), but it will minimize their appearance by sucking out excess oil and dirt. Plus, it’s formulated with Avène’s
patented thermal water, so even the most sensitive skin can benefit.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
