The Right Way To Get Rid of Blackheads, According to a Dermatologist

Blackheads, whiteheads, breakouts; we’ve all dealt with clogged pores at one point or another. While clogged pores are totally normal, the right skincare routine can help clear stubborn blackheads—and no, pore strips aren’t a part of it.

To find out what causes clogged pores and how to treat them, E! consulted board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Foad.

What Causes Blackheads?

“Clogged pores happen when oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes environmental debris get trapped inside the follicle,” according to Dr. Foad. Often, it can be the result of excess oil production or the consistent use of heavy, pore-clogging skincare and makeup.

“Over time, this buildup can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, or breakouts,” in addition to making pores appear larger, says Dr. Foad.

How Do I Get Rid of Blackheads?

As tempting as it may be, leave extractions to the professionals. After washing your face with a gentle cleanser, Dr. Foad recommends opting for products formulated with the following powerhouse ingredients:

• Beta Hydroxy Acids: BHAs like salicylic acid “work inside the pore to dissolve oil and debris” and sebum, which is why they are a common treatment for oily, acne-prone skin.
• Alpha-Hydroxy Acids: Dr. Foad suggests these chemical exfoliants because of their ability to remove potentially pore-clogging dead skin cells. Examples include glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid.
• Niacinamide: This ingredient “helps balance oil production” and regulates sebum production, in addition to soothing irritated skin.
• Retinoids: An anti-aging ingredient, retinoids help promote cell turnover which aids in preventing clogged pores in the future, according to Dr. Foad.

An affordable favorite of social media, a few daily swipes of this affordable glycolic acid will reduce congestion by removing dead skin cells, leaving your skin radiant and texture-free.

A trusted product, this exfoliating toner contains salicylic acid to increase cell turnover, unclog pores and prevent future congestion, in addition to smoothing texture.

With a mix of glycolic and lactic acid, this exfoliating treatment accelerates cell turnover to clear pores and brighten dark spots. It also contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to prevent the AHAs from drying out your skin.

These bestselling pore pads are soaked in powerful AHAs and BHAs responsible for clearing pores by reducing oil and sebum production. Over 17,800 satisfied Amazon shoppers have awarded these TikTok-loved pore pads 5 stars.

This milky solution contains several types of AHAs to exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal smoother skin free of texture and blackheads. It also contains squalane for an added boost of hydration.

Ideal for irritated, acne-prone skin, this salicylic acid toner minimize the appearance of pores by gently lifting oil, sebum, and other impurities from the skin’s surface.

This powerful serum contains several derm-approved ingredients for clearing clogged pores, including lactic acid, glycolic acid and niacinamide. The result is brighter, clearer skin.

In addition to encouraging cell turnover, this retinoid also delivers anti-aging benefits like evening skin tone, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and targets texture.

This clarifying clay mask contains salicylic acid unclogs pores by removing dirt and other debris. The best part? It won’t dry out your skin because it’s made with a hyaluronic acid complex.

Gentle enough for daily use, this niacinamide serum with moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid is ideal for those with sensitive skin looking to balance oil production.

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