Getting rid of blackheads

I am wondering what is the best way to get rid of blackheads?

You may not be able to “get rid” of your blackheads. Not completely anyway. Blackheads form from an over-accumulation of sebum or oil inside the hair follicle. As the oil rises to the surface of the skin, some of it will settle in the pore and create what we call blackheads.

If you are prone to blackheads, without proper and consistent cleaning—and most importantly deep cleaning—of your skin, the blackheads will not only persist but they will expand and grow inside the pore. This more than anything is what can cause enlarged pores.

You can temporarily remove blackheads 

by using a clay mask.

When I mention deep cleaning I am talking about using a clay mask. Clay above all other things you can use will help to get rid of your blackheads. This is only temporary because, as I said, the oil will continue to come up to the surface day after day, but if you keep up with the debris (oil) in your pores through using a clay mask, you can significantly reduce the amount of junk clogging your pores.

For mild blackhead buildup, using a clay mask once a week will probably be sufficient. If you have acne or just really oily and clogged pores, I recommend using clay every other day until you get things under control. Then, perhaps after a month or more, you can go to 2-3 times a week or even less. You can monitor this situation and figure out how often you need the clay mask.    

Hopefully this goes without saying but without doing The Basics twice daily, you are more or less insuring your blackhead buildup. Keeping the surface of your skin clean, with cleansers, and using an appropriate moisturizer meant for your particular skin type (normal, normal to oily, oily, or acne--depending) are paramount when it comes to good skin hygiene. With the addition of exfoliating to get rid of dead cell buildup then using a good clay mask, you should be able to keep your blackhead buildup to a minimum.

Getting older and going through menopause (obviously, for women) does in many cases lessen the oil your skin will produce, therefore simultaneously lessening and in some cases eliminating blackheads. I had fairly oily skin in my 20s and 30s. Then more normal skin (in terms of oil production) in my 40s and now in my 50s and through perimenopause, I hardly ever have a blackhead and certainly never any more breakout. So for now you’ll need to be diligent and know that you can have healthy, clear, blackhead-free skin if you keep up with your Basics and Extras routines.

For more information, see:

• Blackheads & Whiteheads explained
• The Extras—Do more to have healthy skin
• Do NOT do this to your blackheads!!!