Blackheads, also called comedones, are the result of follicles becoming clogged with skin oil. This oil, called sebum, combines with dead skin cells, dirt and the oils from cosmetics and moisturizers. When the plugs in the follicles oxidize, the blackhead takes on its characteristic dark color. According to cosmetic dermatologist David Herschthal, a dermatologist can give you an acid peel or a prescription for Retin-A, which can help clear your skin of blackheads. If you prefer to treat them yourself at home, you can give yourself a mini-facial.
Step 1
Wash your face with a mild facial soap or cleanser. You can use your fingertips or a washcloth to gently exfoliate.
Step 2
Boil a pot of water on the stove, then remove from heat. You can add a few drops of tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic, for extra acne-fighting power.
Step 3
Lay a towel across your neck and shoulders horizontally and pull it up over the top of your head. Lean one foot over the pot of water, making a tent around it with towel. Steam your face for 10 minutes.
Step 4
Place the cone end of the blackhead removal tool so that you can see the blackhead in the middle. Press gently to force out the blackhead. Wash the tool with antibacterial soap before and after use.
Step 5
Moisten a cotton ball with salicylic acid toner and wipe it over your face to dry up excess oil and close the pores.
Things You'll Need
- Mild facial soap
- Cooking pot
- Water
- Large towel
- Blackhead removal tool
- Cotton ball
- Salicylic acid toner
- Antibacterial soap
- Tea tree oil (optional)
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