To get rid of blackheads, first you need a primer on what causes them. The No. 1 culprit: your DNA. Blackheads are a genetically inherited trait, so they are genetically programmed to occur or not occur, says Lancer. If you have the genes for them --lucky you -- then your lifestyle choices can make blackheads either better or worse.
In short, all the things that we know aren't good for us (think: caffeine, alcohol, dairy products and a high-carb, high-fat diet) can cause blackheads. Oh, and surprise, surprise: Stress also makes blackheads worse because it influences hormone production, which causes little spikes of testosterone that predispose skin to blackhead formation. The longer blackheads go untreated, the more they expand your pores, and the longer they stay expanded, the bigger your pores become.
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Try These Cleansers to Prevent Blackheads
Like getting rid of plain old pimples, your first line of defense against blackheads is properly cleansing your skin. In the mornings, wash your face with a physical or chemical exfoliating face wash, such as a salicylic acid-based cleanser, recommends Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.
Blackheads: The word alone is ugly. And the reality of having blackheads on your face is even more unpleasant — so much so that we understand why women are willing to go to great lengths to find out how to get rid of blackheads.
But before you bust out that magnifying mirror and start popping blackheads like it's a game (seriously, don't do that), you'll want to check out our helpful guide to getting rid of blackheads fast. In other words, we picked the brains of experts so you don't have to pick at the blackheads on your nose.
So, what is a blackhead? Blackheads are basically the same as whiteheads, except blackheads have an oxidized fatty deposit, which makes them look dark, giving them their name, explains Dr. Harold Lancer, MD, dermatologist and Medical Director of Epicuren. "Blackheads differ from other pimples because they are open, and not enclosed by a layer of skin like most spots or pimples," he says.
And what is the best way to remove blackheads? We rounded up trusted, expert-approved techniques for blackhead removal — which should prevent you from ever having the urge to pick again. Here, your ultimate guide on how to get rid of blackheads once and for all.
