How to Get Rid of Blackheads Properly

Typically, benzoyl peroxide is used to get rid of pimples, but pimples aren’t the only type of acne you can experience. Certain formations, called comedones, can be just as unsightly and unpleasant as pimples. When these comedones are underneath the skin, they are called whiteheads. When they are open and exposed through the skin, where the air oxidizes their surfaces and turns them black, they are called blackheads. Read on to learn how to get rid of blackheads and where benzoyl peroxide fits into the process.

Getting Rid of Blackheads

Once you already have blackheads, there is a very specific procedure you need to go through to remove them. You can continue with your regular skin care routine and wait for them to go away on their own, but if you want to know how to get rid of blackheads right away, and most people do, follow this procedure.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads, Part I

The first part of any acne care routine should be an effective skin cleanser. The right skin cleanser can help remove non-essential oils, dirt, sebum, and any other unwanted products from the skin. This can greatly improve the effectiveness of any acne removal procedure. Once the cleansing is complete, you will need to loosen up the skin so that the blackheads can be removed. You will do this using heat. Either subject the affected area to steam by keeping it over a pot of boiling water or closing yourself in a bathroom with a hot shower running, or put a hot towel or compress over the affected area (not too hot, you don’t want to burn yourself). After about five or ten minutes, the pores should be opened up enough to allow access to the blackheads.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads, Part II

Once the skin is sufficiently loosened, use a sterilized blackhead extractor to remove the blackheads. You must use a tool specifically designed for this purpose, not tweezers, your fingers, or some other implement, as you do not want to risk damaging the surrounding skin. If you prefer, you can try a blackhead removing scrub that you apply and then wipe away, hopefully taking the blackheads with it. If you use a blackhead extractor, you may wish to get assistance from a friend, relative, or a professional. If the blackheads are on the back of your neck, you will almost certainly need assistance removing them.

How Benzoyl Peroxide Plays a Role in How to Get Rid of Blackheads

While you won’t be using the benzoyl peroxide to remove the blackheads, it can be a great help in preventing blackheads from returning. Blackheads result from clogged pores, and benzoyl peroxide serves to open pores up, killing the acne causing bacteria beneath the skin. Once your blackheads are removed, begin or continue a complete acne control regimen using benzoyl peroxide. Use the regimen consistently for best results. If blackheads do return at some point, you can repeat the removal procedure as needed.