From The Straits Times    |

(PHOTO: 123rf.com)

 

Someone once said to me that removing blackheads is like removing water from the ocean. And that means manual extractions won’t keep blackheads at bay completely.

Blackheads, known as open comedones, are pores clogged with keratin (dead skin cells), sebum and acne-causing bacteria.

Exposed to air turns these irksome plugs black, and they will keep coming back unless a regular skincare regimen with the right products kicks in routinely as a preventative measure.

Getting rid of blackheads would also require the professionals’ help.

 

ŸChoose Acids
Look for products with salicylic acid, glycolic acid or mandelic acid. Found in over-the-counter topical skincare products, these acids gently breaks down oil in clogged pores, clears the pores and boosts cell turnover rate. 
TRY: Dr. Wu Intensive Renewal Serum With Mandelic Acid 18%, $49.90 (15ml) 

 

Exfoliate 
Keep blackheads in check by exfoliating regularly as it helps to loosen up the blackheads, making them much easier to remove. Use gentle face scrubs once to twice weekly but take heed not to over-scrub your skin. You can also use home peels.
TRY: Bioderma Sebium Exfoliating Cream, $31.50 (100ml), and Philosophy The Microdelivery In-home Vitamin C Peptide Peel. 

 

Invest in a Cleansing Brush
Get a mechanical cleansing brush to power up your cleansing step. These brushes can thoroughly clean your skin without being abrasive, and allow skincare nutrients to better penetrate into your skin.
TRY: Clarisonic Mia 2, $220 (“My favourite!” – Simone)

 

See also: The 6 helpful tools to boost your beauty regime.

 

Reduce the Buildup of Oil
Yes. Switch to oil-free cosmetics and makeup to reduce the build-up of oil. You can consider using e a clay-based facial mask once a week to help draw out dirt and excess oil.
TRY: Belif First Aid Deep Pore Care Mask.

See also: BEAUTY REVIEW: This new pre-serum will give you smoother and brighter skin

 

Use Retinol Creams
While topical retinol products and prescription retinoids are typically known to plump up wrinkles and make your skin firmer, they can help stimulate skin cell renewal, allowing the skin to slough off excess keratin.
TRY: Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair, $190.

To Extract, or Not 
While blackheads can be manually removed with a comedone extractor, your skin gets inflamed and there is always a risk of scarring. So it’s best to book yourself a facial and have a certified therapist get rid of them for you. If blackhead extraction is not done properly, it could leave marks on your skin or even enlarge your pores.