How to Get Rid of Blackheads
Large pores and blackheads are common complients for people with oily skin. Following a few simple tips can help reduce blackheads and 
smooth out your complexion!
What are blackheads?
Blackheads are a form of acne and are the result of excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria getting "stuck" in a pore. Since the pore is "open", this mixture oxidizes upon contact with air. This is what gives it a black hue. Blackheads are referred to as "open comedones", and whiteheads are called "closed comedones".
Skin type is something you are born with, so there is nothing you can do to change it. The sun can also be to blame. Sun damage and aging lead to a thickening of the epidermis, which can lead to a larger pore diameter. Lack of proper skin care (ie: cleansing and exfoliating) can also make pores look larger. Without skin care, excess oil and skin cells can get trapped in the pores and cause blackheads.
Blackheads are most commonly found on the t-zone (forehead, nose and chine) since we tend to produce more oil in these areas. The nose can be especially troublesome.
How do I treat blackheads?
Focus on a few key goals:
- Get rid of bacteria
- Reduce excess oiliness
- Unplug the debris trapped in the pore
Focus on keeping skin clean. Cleanse each morning and night...dirty skin can lead to excess oil and debris getting trapped in a pore. This leads to large pores and often, blackheads! Use a cleanser that is designed to help control oil.
Exfoliate 2-3 times weekly to keep pore size to a minimum. Exfoliants with Salicylic Acid help eliminate oil and smooth skin's texture.
Use a treatment product that can be applied to oily areas when you have blackheads. The treatment product should help to kill bacteria and promote skin clarity.
Don't forget to moisturize! Often times, people with oily skin are afraid that moisturizers will lead to more oil, but this is not the case. A moisturizer can help shield your skin from the dirt and debris of the day (which can make skin oily and prone to breakouts). Use a moisturizer designed for oily skin that can help maintain oil while protecting.
Tips for treating blackheads
- Check the lables of your skin care and cosmetics
Avoid ingredients like SD Alcohol (overly drying), Mineral Oil (clogs pores), Lanolin (can irritate or trigger eczema), Isopropyl Myristate (very comedogenic and irritating), Fragrance and Color (both of which are irritating and serve no purpose for skin). - Don't over-scrub
The desire to scrub oily skin with harsh products should be avoided! Large scrubbing particles (like apricot) can actually tear pores and make them larger. You are right to exfoliate, just look for gentle products with Salicylic Acid rather than rough scrubs. - Get a facialYou don't have to do this often, but it's a great way to jump start your skin. They can do a professional-strength exfoliation and proper extractions to give you a clean slate. From there, you should focus on a good home care routine to maintain. A facialist can even help by recommending some products that suite your specific skin.
What ingredients should I look for when treating blackheads?
Bentonite: A clay that helps absorb oil, refine pores and clear congestion
Found in: Dermal Clay Cleanser, Skin Refining Mask
Caffeine: Helps regulate oil production
Found in: Oil Control Lotion, Overnight Clearing Gel, Concealing Spot Treatment, Sebum Clearing Mask
Cinnamomum Zeylamium Bark: A patent-pending blend of Cinnamon Bark that helps eliminate bacteria and redues comedones for a clearer complexion
Found in: Clearing Mattifier, Concealing Spot Treatment, Sebum Clearing Mask
Enantia Chlorantha Bark: An extract that helps reudce oily surface shine
Found in: Oil Control Lotion
Hyssopus (Hyssopus Officinalis): A plant anti-microbial that helps prevent future breakouts
Found in: Oil Control Lotion
Kaolin: A clay that helps absorb oil, refine pores and clear congestion
Found in: Dermal Clay Cleanser, Skin Refining Mask
Salicylic Acid: Helps to stimulate natural exfoliation, which helps clear impacted follicles and minimize acne conditions
Found in: Clearing Skin Wash, Skin Purifying Wipes, Clearing Mattifier, Oil Control Lotion, Overnight Clearing Gel, Concealing Spot Treatment, Sebum Clearing Mask, Gentle Cream Exfoliant
Spiraea Ulmaria: Helps inhibit bacteria
Found in: Overnight Clearing Gel, Sebum Clearing Mask
Sulfur: Helps eliminate bacteria while clearing excess oil and congestion
Found in: Concealing Spot Treatment
Tea Tree Leaf (Melaleuca Alternifolia): A natural antiseptic that help inhibit bacteria and stimulate skin's natural anti-bacterial agents
Found in: Clearing Skin Wash, Overnight Clearing Gel, Special Clearing Booster
Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate): Helps increase skin's elasticity and loosen the plug containing the trapped debris
Found in: Clearing Mattifier, Treatment Foundation, MultiVitamin Power Firm
Witch Hazel: A natural astringent that helps keep skin fresh
Found in: Skin Purifying Wipes
Zinc Gluconate: Helps regulate oil production and to reduce inflammation
Found in: Oil Control Lotion, Concealing Spot Treatment, Sebum Clearing Mask
Zinc Oxide: Helps eliminate bacteria while clearing excess oil and congestion
Found in: Concealing Spot Treatment
What's the press saying about Dermalogica's options for oily skin?
 | In Style Editors find Dermalogica products to be indispensable! They named Dermal Clay Cleanser the "Best Facial Cleanser for Oily or Combo skin". Active Moist won "Best Daily Moisturizer for Oily Skin". |
 | Alloy.com Amanda Bynes says, "I love Dermalogica and use all of their stuff." Active Moist is her moisturizer of choice for keeping skin smooth. |
 | Brides Overnight Clearing Gel "banishes breakouts while you snooze." |
 | In Style Gym buddy: Skin Purifying Wipes help "clear your face of persperation and bacteria to help maintain your post-workout glow and great skin." |
 | In Style Kerry Washington keeps her glowing skin picture-ready with Gentle Cream Exfoliant. |
Dermalogica options for oily skin »