Are you curious if you can get rid of blackheads overnight?
One quick way is to squeeze out your pores. Unfortunately, that’s a bad idea.
We’ve all tried it, and it seems to work, sort of.
But it leaves the skin irritated and damages it on a microscopic level.
It could even lead to more blemishes.
A safer method is to use pore strips.
But even that might be too aggressive for sensitive skin.
So, what can you do to get rid of blackheads as quickly as possible?
Short of visiting a dermatologist, there are a few things you can do at home.
Let’s start with how you wash your face.
Eliminate blackheads gradually with the right face wash
Blackheads are open pores stuffed with oil, dead skin, and bacteria (1).
It’s oxidized pigment that makes them look dark. They aren’t necessarily dirty.
All you need are the right ingredients to unclog the openings.
Many of the best face washes for blackheads contain salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid exfoliates the dead skin and dissolves the oil.
It can also lessen inflammation and thereby tighten up pores.
Because it reduces oiliness, it can dry out your face.
If you’ve never used it before, start by washing once a day, every other day until you see how your skin handles it.
The highest concentration you can buy over-the-counter is 2%.
Instead of starting with full strength like that, try 1% or 0.5% instead.
If salicylic acid is too harsh, try alternatives like lactic acid or glycolic acid.
Both of these exfoliate without causing dryness. They don’t dissolve the oil, but they will improve your complexion.
Moreover, benzoyl peroxide is also a good choice for clearing up blackheads.
It kills the bacteria that cause pimples of any type.
But again, it can irritate and dry out sensitive skin. Plus, it bleaches towels and clothing.
Stick to a low concentration and alternate days with a milder cleanser at first.
Whichever face wash you use, the key to getting rid of blackheads is consistency.
Cleanse your skin morning and night and always remove your makeup before bed.
Don’t give your face any excuses to behave badly.
Blast away blackheads with a face mask
Washing your face steadily diminishes blackheads over time.
When you’re in a hurry, you need something more powerful.
Again, you can try those pore strips. It’s rather satisfying to see the gunk they pull out of the pores.
Or you can turn to the best face masks for blackheads.
There are a few different kinds.
One is a peel-off mask. You’ll spread it on your face, let it dry, then pull it off.
This type often comes with charcoal to detoxify the skin.
It’s fun to use, and you can cover all of your face, not just your nose or chin. It’s also not as forceful as a pore strip.
Next, there are clay masks that soak up excess oil.
You’ll spread on the mud-like texture, let it work for ten minutes, then wash it off.
Finally, there are masks with alpha hydroxy acids and other exfoliating ingredients.
Some are sheet masks, while others are creams or gels.
No matter which type of mask you use, you’ll likely see instant results.
All of your blackheads may not disappear, but some will. Furthermore, your pores will be tighter and your skin soft and refreshed.
How to decide which blackhead removal product is best for you
There are so many skincare products to choose from that it’s overwhelming.
You can narrow down the choices with a few questions.
First, what skin type do you have? Oily? Combination? Dry? Sensitive?
Second, are you treating only blackheads or hoping to clear up other kinds of acne, too?
Third, are you ready to commit to a regular skincare routine, or do you want something for occasional use?
And fourth, what’s your budget?
The blackheads will keep trying to come back. But if you stay on top of things, you’ll enjoy a clear complexion in spite of them.