Find out how to clear blackheads and to prevent them coming back, without damaging your skin. This how to will share why blackheads form and how you can effectively treat them at home and with professional treatments.
What causes blackheads?
Blackheads form when the hair follicles, or pores are filled with excess oil, dead skin cells and breakout-causing bacteria know as cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as P. acnes).
The oil (sebum) and skins natural pigment (melanin) react to the air by oxidising and this causes the black colour at the surface. When it comes to clearing blackheads, prevention is key. Untreated blackheads can become breakouts, so it’s important to keep pores clear.
16 Tips to Manage & Prevent Blackheads
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat a balanced diet
- Utilise a professional skin treatment
- Change your pillowcases often
- Sanitise your mobile phone regularly
- Wash out hair products thoroughly
- Shield your face when spraying hair products
- Do not use Comedogenic ingredients on your skin
- Do not pick and squeeze blackheads
- Do not use harsh skin products
- Do not over wash
- Do not regularly touch your face
- Do not usemake-up with artificial pigments
- Do not use dirty make-up brushes
Follow our 3 simple stepsto prevent blackheads:Prep, Treat and Glow
Prep: Deep Clean and Exfoliate
Get the basics right! At Dermalogica we recommenddouble cleansing.This means cleansing your skin twice.Why? This simple step removes excess oil, dead skin cells, make up and pollution that can build up on the skin and cause blackheads and breakouts to form or become worse.
Our Professional Cleanser Recommendations are:
Precleanse:Thisdeep-cleansingoilmeltsoffmake-up and impurities,removes dead skin cells, oils,sunscreen,make-up(including waterproof)andpollutionparticlestoachieve an ultra-cleanand healthy-looking skin.Ideal forall skin conditions includingoily skins.PreCleansecontainsconditioning essential fatty acids ofBorageSeed andKukuiNut to nourish.The first cleanse enablesyour prescribed Dermalogicacleanser to work more efficiently.
Follow withSpecial CleansingGel, a gentle foaming cleanserthatwashes away impurities without stripping or dryingthe skin’s natural moisturebalance.It containsnaturally foamingQuillajaSaponaria for a refreshing lather,Balm Mint and Lavendertocalmsand purify theskinleavingitfeeling balanced and refreshed.
After Double Cleansing, clear away excess dead skin cells with a powderexfoliantcontainingsalicylicacid.
Our Professional Exfoliant Recommendations is:
Daily Microfoliant:
This iconic rice-basedenzymepowder smooths and brightens, whilstSalicylicAcid deep dives into pores to clearand prevent blackheads,breakouts,and congestion.
Treat: Control Bacteria and Rehydrate
Once or twice a week, apply a masque designed to help soften and clear blackheads.Why?This will help blackheads to soften and dislodge without skin damage.
Rehydrate the skintopicallybeforeapplyingtargetedserums, boosters and moisturisers. Why?Skin can become easily dehydrated,which in turn means tight poresthattrap debrisand more oil production to compensate for moisture loss. This willexacerbateblackhead formationand congestion.
Treat the skin daily by using atargetedantibacterial boosteror serum, Why?To help kill breakout-causing bacteria (cutibacterium)which can exacerbate blackheads, breakouts and congestion.Look for ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Azelaic Acid, and Thymol with Terpineol.
Our Professional Blackhead Treatment Recommendations are:
Sebum ClearingMasque:
This masquesoothes and clears breakouts whilst minimising premature skin ageing. Kaolin and Bentonite clays combined with Salicylic Acid,Menthol andSafflower Oil.Work to absorb excess oils, leaving the skin’s texture more refined, refreshed, and balanced.
Multi ActiveToner:
This spritz action toner hydrates and refreshes.It conditionsand prepsskin for proper moisture absorption with soothingArnica,Balm Mint and Lavenderleaving skinrefreshed.
Age Bright ClearingSerum:
This active two-in-one serum clears and helps prevent breakouts while reducing visible skin ageing.AGE Bright™ Complex works with the skin’s natural microbiome for clearer, brighter skin.This formulahydrates and smooths with Resurrection Plant,NiacinamideandWhite Shiitake Mushroomtobrighten and promote an even skin tone.
Glow: Hydrate and Defend
Wear a moisturiser every day, even if you have oily skin.Why?When your skin’s moisture levels are imbalanced, your skin produces excess oil to compensate. A moisturiser helps regulate sebum production to prevent excess oil from clogging yourpores.
WearaSun Protection Factor daily.This will protect the skin against environmental assault, premature skin ageing and hyperpigmentation.
Our Professional Glow Recommendationis:
ActiveMoist:
This effective, oil-free moisturiser provides hydration without a greasy feeling.It smoothsskinand helps improve texture.Thissheer formula absorbs into the skin quickly. Featuring Dermalogica’s Prebiotic Moisture Complex to work with the skin’snatural microbiome and balance breakout causing bacteria.Lemon, Cucumber and Burdock help to refine to leave the skin feeling comfortable and balanced.
How to treat and prevent your blackheads professionally
Existing blackheadsmaybehard to clear at home. Squeezing them with your fingernails not only damages your skin but spreads breakout-causing bacteria, which can lead to moreinflamedbreakouts.
To quickly clear existing blackheads, see aQualifiedDermalogica SkinTherapist fora Professional SkinTreatmentincludingblackheadextractions.
For best results please find your nearest Dermalogica professional skin therapist.Or to get Personalised advice on your skinlive chat with one of ourExpertsorbook a virtual 1 to 1 consultation with face mapping.
