The Best Blackhead Treatments You Will Ever Need

I’m in my 40’s and I’ve STILL got blackheads! I want Blackhead Treatments that work!

You would think now that I’m in my 40s, blackheads, blemishes and pimples would no longer be a problem, but no. Blackheads are simply hair follicles that have become clogged with dirt and oil and reflect the light to show a ‘black head’. Even if you wash your face properly, blackheads appear due to stuff happening under the skin’s surface such as hormones or loads of greasy foods.

I have loads of them and they drive me crazy!  Especially around the nose area. So I’m always looking at trying new blackhead treatments that can at least reduce their look of them.

Persistent blackheads are unsightly so here are some of our best blackhead treatments you can do in the privacy of your own home, that don’t cost a fortune.

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What Actually Are Blackheads?

Before we get to the part on the best treatments for blackheads, let’s talk about exactly what blackheads actually are.  The technical name for blackheads is ‘Open Comedone ‘.  There are two different types of comedones – open (which are blackheads), and closed (which are whiteheads).

Blackheads are a gross mixture of oil (sebum), hair and dead skin cells with a good dose of bacteria that get trapped in your pores.  When that horrible mixture gets exposed to the air, they oxidise and turn black. Blackheads are most common on the nose, the oily t-section of your face and chin.

Whiteheads are the same as blackheads but they haven’t been exposed to the air – but they give your skin that unsightly ‘bumpy’ look. Here is an example of whiteheads:

Most people suffer from blackheads around the nasal area, this is because the oil on the forehead ‘slide down’ the face and onto the nose. Ewwww.

These are Whiteheads – Like Blackheads but Without a ‘Head’  Image via WellnessZing

Severe Cases of Blackheads Might Need Medical Intervention

We are going to show you all the DIY blackhead treatments, but there does come a time when literally nothing you do at home will help, and you will need to step it up and seek out a dermatologist.  As someone who has suffered bad acne my whole life, a good dermatologist can be life-changing.  They can look at prescribing oral medication or look at your current medications (especially birth control medications) that can really exacerbate your skin.

Make an appointment with your GP to discuss your skin problems and blackhead issues and to get a referral to a good dermatologist in your area.

A Dermatologist may prescribe you a retinoid cream to treat your blackheads which increases the turnover of cells in your skin.  Retinoids do take a long time to work but they also make you look younger – so it’s kinda a win-win situation.

There are some mild retinoids available over the counter.

Our pick for widely available retinoids include:

Nip + Fab Retinol Fix Overnight Cream 50ml

Tips to Avoid Blackheads and Pimples

1. Clean your face well before bed!

One of the leading causes of pimples and blackheads is going to sleep with a dirty face. Never ever sleep in your makeup, no matter how drunk, how tired, or how lazy you feel.  If you are the lazy type (and there is nothing wrong with that!) – invest in some of those pre-moistened wipes, you can pick them up at your local supermarket in the beauty aisle.  They are great for removing makeup on the go!  In fact, keep a set in your bag – if you go anywhere you can clean your face in the car on the way home!

Feeling lazy?  Use Micellar Water!

Micellar water is terrific and fantastic for gently wiping off eye makeup.  In fact, I keep Micellar Water in my handbag so I can wash off my makeup anywhere!  It is cheap, gentle and effective for removing makeup and oil – fast!

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water 125ml

2. Try not to squeeze pimples or blackheads.

But if you do anyway (and we all do), make sure you clean your hands well beforehand and wipe with toner or cleanse well afterwards to avoid spreading bacteria.  You can always use one of those blackhead vacuums that are now on the market that ‘suck’ out your blackheads – ensuring you don’t put your greasy oily fingers on your face!

3. Only wear makeup when you absolutely have to.

If you’re home on the weekend, go makeup-free and let your skin breathe naturally. Makeup can clog your pores which can increase the number of blackheads you have!  If you absolutely must wear makeup – go for mineral makeup such as ASAP Mineral Makeup.

We love the ASAP Mineral Makeup as it contains UVA and UVB broad-spectrum protection.  It contains hyaluronic acid which plumps your skin and contains only high-quality pigments. It comes in four different shades.

4. Get Sweaty!

Regular exercise is not just good for your heart and your waistline – it is fantastic for your skin as well!  Sweating can clear out some of those facial pores, and it also increases blood flow to the skin – both giving your skin a beautiful glow! So get sweaty often!

Sex works the same – so get a good workout in the bedroom for beautiful clear skin!

5. Use Salicylic Acid to Treat Blackheads

Salicylic acid is what most dermatologists will recommend as the first ‘port of call’ when it comes to acne.  Yes, it is an acid, but a gentle one exfoliates your skin, penetrating the top layers to dissolve the old dead skin and reveal fresh new skin underneath.  Use salicylic acid a few times per week – and only leave it on for about 10 minutes before removing it thoroughly for best results.

We love The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid – simple and affordable!

6. Use a Clay Mask at Least Once Per Week

Clay masks ‘pull’ the crap out of your skin.  And when you start using clay masks, you will find your skin will get worse at first.  That’s because all the dirt, grime and oil that you can’t see is being bought to the surface.  Regular use of a good clay mask will significantly improve how many blackheads and other impurities you will get!

We love Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Clay Masque 100ml

How to Make your own blackhead removing pore strips

You can make your own pore strips at home that work just as well (if not even better) than the store-bought variety!  They will literally ‘pull’ your blackheads out!  Here’s how:

• In a microwave-proof bowl, place one teaspoon of gelatin and one teaspoon of milk and mix together (if too dry, add a few more drops of milk).
• Microwave on high for 10 seconds.
• When the mixture is cool enough, apply it to the blackhead trouble area (the nose is a great place to start).
• Wait 10 minutes for it to set, and pull away gently from the skin.

Make Some Natural Blackhead Scrubs

Scrubs will gently exfoliate your skin without being too harsh. Exfoliation is an important part of treating blackheads, but you must be gentle or you will exacerbate the problem.  Here are some easy-to-make scrubs using simple ingredients you will already have on hand at home.

Lemon Scrub

This lemon scrub is gentle and also tones your skin.

• Add two tablespoons of lemon juice to a tablespoon of white sugar.
• Apply the mixture to the area and very gently (using circular motions), exfoliate the area.
• Rinse and moisturise as normal.
• Just note that if you use lemon on your skin, it can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays and you may get sunburnt.

Natural Oat and Water Scrub

In a cup mix together some rolled oats (not cooked) and water.  Smoosh it together to make a paste.  Apply it to your skin (perhaps to this outside or over a sink as it will be messy!).  Allow the mixture to dry (about 10 – 15 minutes), then remove with a damp cloth.  This is a great way to keep your skin lovely and clear.

Avocado and Honey Moisturising Scrub

Mash together a slightly overripe avocado (a good way to use it up if it is just a little too overripe to eat) and a tablespoon of honey.  Apply it to your face.  Leave for 30 minutes and remove with a moist washer.  This will make your skin feel wonderfully soft.

Blackhead Treatment Masks

There are lots of simple home remedies for a ‘blackhead mask’ available with everyday ingredients.

For normal to dry skin types:

Natural Yoghurt Mask

• Make a paste of one tablespoon of plain yoghurt with two tablespoons of rolled oats.
• Apply to cleansed and damp skin and wait ten minutes or until totally dried.
• Remove with a damp cloth.
• Doing this inexpensive mask at least once a week is a lovely treat and really helps get rid of that excess oil!

Cucumber Mask

• Grate some cucumber and apply it to your face (you might need to be lying down for this one).
• This mask is very refreshing and a great ‘pick me up for skin. Suitable for all skin types.

For Oily Skin:

Egg white

Beat an egg white until foaming and mix enough rolled oats to make a paste and apply.

Green Tea

Brew some green tea and let it cool in the fridge, and use it as an ‘after mask’ toner. Nice and gentle!

Rice water

Cooking some rice? Save the rice water – it makes a terrific face mask and is great for both blackheads, whiteheads and pimples! To use it – allow it cool and place it in the fridge – the mix will ever so slightly congeal.  Apply liberally to your face, wait 10 minutes, then wash off!  Easy!

Bicarb and Water

A mask made from a paste of bicarb and water is great for pimples on the chest and upper arms. Be very gentle if you use this on your face as it can be quite abrasive!

Glycolic Acid Skincare will Get Rid of Your Blackheads

Skincare has come a really long way in the last few years!  Generally, if there is a skin problem, there will be skincare to suit it!  Luckily, there are wonderful ranges of skincare options for treating blackheads that are gentle, affordable and most importantly – work.

And when it comes to getting rid of blackheads – the very best thing you can use is Glycolic Acid. BUT – it takes time. And start on a very low dose of glycolic acid, and work your way up as you can tolerate it. Because if you use glycolic acid that is too strong for your skin, you will burn the crap out of it!

These are the best skincare ranges as recommended by the Stay at Home Mum followers:

Skinstitut

Skinstitut contains glycolic acid, which is the holy grail of skincare.  Not only is it fantastic for ageing skin, but it also constantly exfoliates the skin – gently.  So long-term use of glycolic acid products will significantly improve the texture and colour of your skin, and will banish blackheads and pimples!

Stockists:

• Ry – Recreate Yourself

ASAP

Is your skin sensitive? Dry? Prone to blackheads and breakouts? Asap Daily Exfoliating facial Scrub is the exfoliator for you. Gentle yet effective, use every day for a deep clean that will leave your skin brighter and glowing.I know what you’re worried about. It won’t cause redness or irritation but rather will create a dewy, clear complexion that feels smooth. Asap Daily Exfoliating scrub helps shed dead skin cells for great results.

Try it for yourself now!

Stockist:

• RY – Recreate Yourself

All in all, some people are just more likely to suffer from blackheads than others, especially in the nose area. The key is to have a good regular skin care regimen to minimise outbreaks.

What’s your secret to getting rid of the dreaded blackhead?