This archive report was first published on 12 September 2019.
Removing Blackheads: A Step-by-Step Guide ¶
Published on September 12, 2019, by Kate Somerville, a renowned celebrity esthetician and founder of Kate Somerville Skincare and Skin Health Experts Clinic.
Blackheads are a type of acne that can be frustrating to deal with. However, with the right techniques and products, you can remove them effectively and prevent them from forming in the future.
According to Somerville, blackheads form when extra sebum accumulates in the pore and mixes with debris or dead skin cells, which then oxidizes and hardens. If left untreated, blackheads can stretch out the skin around the pore and lead to further breakouts.
So, how do you remove blackheads? Somerville recommends starting with light exfoliation in the shower using a product containing resurfacing ingredients like papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes. This will help remove the top layer of dead skin and soften the pores, making it easier to extract the blackheads.
After exfoliating, wrap your fingers with tissue paper and gently squeeze the blackhead out of the pore. If you're heavy-handed, you can use Qtips to help extract the blackhead. Be sure to treat the area with a witch-hazel soaked cotton pad to soothe the skin.
It's also essential to note that extraction tools and pore strips can be too abrasive and may not fully remove the blackheads. Instead, Somerville recommends using your fingers to extract the blackheads, as this will be gentler on the skin.
Preventing blackheads from forming is also crucial. Somerville suggests a consistent routine of cleansing and exfoliation, using a cleanser with sulfur for treating acne and drawing out impurities. She also notes that family genes can play a significant role in acne, including blackheads.
By following these tips and using the right products, you can remove blackheads effectively and prevent them from forming in the future.
