How to Tackle Blackheads

What is a Blackhead?

When you talk about blackheads, you’re really talking about pores, which are those little holes visible on the surface of your skin. We have around 300,000 of these all over our bodies and they allow sebum to be transported from the inside to the outside to help maintain skin hydration.

Blackheads occur when these ducts become blocked. When excess sebum comes into contact with the air, it oxidises and darkens, which produces a small black spot.

Sebum production can go into overdrive for several reasons, including an overly rich diet, oily or dry skin, exposure to pollution or even after the use of some cosmetics products.

Blackheads aren’t always visible at first glance, unlike whiteheads, but they can still be very stubborn. They are most often located on the nose, chin or cheeks.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads

Here are some top tips for getting rid of blackheads:

1. How to Remove a Blackhead

It may be tempting to squeeze blackheads with your fingers; although this can feel incredibly satisfying, you could be left with scarring much worse than the original blackhead or even an infection caused by dirt on your fingers.

Some beauty salons offer a blackhead removal service, but another method for tackling them is to take a steam bath for at least ten minutes to loosen the impurities, then squeeze the spot using two tissues, disposing of them immediately afterwards.

Ultimately, prevention is the most important factor of all.

2. Deep Cleansing is Key

The dirt and pollution that your skin is exposed to throughout the day can lead to an accumulation of sebum and subsequently blackheads.

It’s therefore essential to cleanse your skin with a dedicated product every morning and evening - look for a product recommended for acne-prone skin that’s designed to purify, smooth and moisturise skin.

3. Moisturise

Hydration is key to avoiding blackheads. Moisturising your face in the morning and again before you go to bed can help to prevent excess sebum production, helping to stop skin from becoming too dry.

4. Exfoliate & Use a Face Mask Weekly

Using an exfoliating scrub or a face mask once a week can be a good solution to help unclog pores.

Regular exfoliating helps to eliminate dead skin cells, while many face masks are designed to cleanse your T-zone of oxidised sebum, without the risk of infection.

Are Bearded Men at Greater Risk of Blackheads?

The only reason why bearded men would be at greater risk of blackheads is if they aren’t keeping their facial hair and skin clean.

Prevent impurities from settling and creating clogged pores by cleansing your beard regularly with the King C. Gillette Beard & Face Wash, no matter how short your beard is.

And when you’re preparing to shave or tidy up your beard, use the King C. Gillette Transparent Shave Gel to help prepare your skin your skin when shaving all skin types.

Learn more about the importance of beard care: