For Men's Blackheads

It’s tempting to squeeze blackheads, but it’s a bad idea. Squeezing blackheads—those annoying little black dots that pop up on your nose and chin areas—is just a bad idea.

Blackheads form when oils and skin cells get trapped in open hair follicles, according to Heidi Waldorf, M.D., a professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai. Since they’re open, the air oxidizes the oil, turning them black. (If the follicle was closed, it would become a whitehead.)

But trying to get rid of blackheads with your fingers will only irritate your skin and cause redness and permanent scarring, says Dr. Waldorf. Instead, use the following ways to get rid of them without destroying your skin in the process.

Over the Counter

For mild cases of blackheads, an over-the-counter cleanser is key.

Choose a formula with salicylic acid over benzoyl peroxide, says Dr. Waldorf. Benzoyl peroxide works better on red pimples because it stops the formation of blemishes. Salicylic acid, on the other hand, can get deeper into pores and fight blackheads.

Wash your face morning and night with the medicated cleanser. Use your hands and warm water for a gentle cleanse because a washcloth will be too rough on your skin.

For a deeper daily wash, consider getting a cleansing brush, which uses a rotating brush. The bristles loosen trapped dirt and oils in your pores that your hands can’t reach—but the soft brush won’t irritate your skin. 

If you’re strapped for time after a workout, use a face wipe to keep your pores clear.

Fair warning: The acids in these cleansers will dry out your skin, so it’s essential to use a moisturizer day and night. Look for something light and for oil-prone skin—a heavy cream that isn’t made for your face will worsen blackheads.

Dr. Waldorf recommends using moisturizers in the morning and at night to prevent irritation.

Prescription

If OTC isn’t enough, it might be time to call in backup.

A dermatologist can determine the best solution for your breakout and skin type. This means fewer trips to the drugstore and a long-term solution.

Patience is key here: it takes about two months for your skin to improve.

Blackheads can be stubborn.

Using a cleanser or prescription regularly will loosen the buildup of oil and skin cells—but they may not be able to fully remove a blackhead from the root. That’s when you want to head to a dermatologist for a professional chemical peel or extraction for easy elimination.

Dr. Waldorf says to stick to the experts for this one. Although at-home peels exist, you’re more likely to irritate your skin.

These processes only get rid of pre-existing blackheads, however. You’ll need to keep up your skincare routine to prevent future breakouts.

You’ll also want to follow Dr. Waldorf three big no’s: no sun, no cigarettes, no picking. These all damage your skin and exacerbate blackheads.

Written By: Men's Health