What Are Blackheads? (And Blackhead Removal Tips for Men)

You care about how you look. That’s why you use the best skincare products for men. It’s why you keep your skin clean and hydrated everyday. And it’s why you’re reading The Grooming Manual in the first place to find out how to get rid of blackheads.

But your skin can be finicky. Just washing and hydrating isn’t always enough to prevent breakouts and frustrating acne. Like blackheads. What are they anyway? And how can you eliminate them for good?

Here are the best ways to get rid of blackheads for men to get clear, healthy skin with no annoying blemishes.

What Are Blackheads?

Blackheads on face are a mild form of acne that commonly appear on the face, mostly often on the nose. They start to form when hair follicles get clogged. Dead skin cells and skin oils collect and mix in the clogged pore, eventually causing a bump to form. When the skin over that bump is exposed to air, it turns black - and that's the blackhead men hate.

Why do they tend to form on your nose? The pores on your nose are some of the largest anywhere on your face. That means they’re easier to clog, having plenty of space for skin oil and dead skin cells to hang out.

 

What Causes Blackheads

Blackheads develop when a hair follicle dilates and becomes clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Factors like hormonal changes, lifestyle habits, diet, and skin care routine, can all contribute to the problem through increased sebum production. The presence of blackheads is often most pronounced in areas with high concentrations of sebaceous glands, as this is where excess build up is the likeliest to occur. Blackheads on cheeks and blackheads on chin areas - all connected by what's known as the 'T-zone' - are incredibly common among teens and adults alike.

Now for the question we all ask ourselves upon looking in the mirror: Do blackheads go away? Yes and no. Blackheads often go away in early adulthood, although they can persist if enabled to do so. Some people take it upon themselves to start manually removing blackheads, but this is not recommended. Attempts at extracting blackheads can often cause scarring and further inflammation of the skin, making it worse in the long run.

 

How to Remove Blackheads and Prevent New Ones

The first step of blackhead treatment is resisting the primal urge to squeeze out all the junk hiding in those blackheads. Clearing blackheads by squeezing and pinching just causes skin irritation. It can even lead to scarring that will look far worse than your blackheads ever did.

The good news is that blackheads cause only mild skin irritation and are easier to get rid of than whiteheads. You don’t have to break the skin when removing blackheads from your face either.

The best way to remove blackheads is really just preventative measures. With a good skincare routine for blackheads, you can remove ones that have already formed and prevent new ones from appearing. Here’s the complete routine:

 

Cleanse

Each morning and night, use a natural face wash for men to gently cleanse your skin of oil, dirt, and bacteria. Here are a few natural cleansers that won't strip away your skin's natural barrier:

Clarifying Gel Face Wash for Men

Clarifying Gel Face Wash for Men removes oils and impurities from the pores without drying them out. The best part about this gel is that it doesn't only know how to clean - it knows how to remove blackheads, too. Use it regularly and expect to see blackheads on cheeks and other areas gone in no time.

 

Purifying Charcoal Face Wash for Men

Many of the best blackhead products on the market today share something in common - and that's an ability to wash while enriching. Take Brickell's Purifying Face Wash for Men as an example. Countless guys have trusted its ability to reduce blemishes and promote skin vitality first-hand. So why not become one of them by taking a closer look?

 

Balancing Toner for Men

We created this Balancing Toner for Men with several goals in mind. Working together, its abilities to reduce oil levels, minimize pores, and balance skin pH levels prove extremely effective for blackhead removal. We recommend using this toner after washing with a gel face wash or scrub.

 

Acne Controlling Face Wash for Men

On the hunt for the best blackhead remover for men you can find? This one may fit the bill. Our Acne Controlling Face Wash for Men leverages the potent power of salicylic acid to cleanse skin, clear up blemishes, and reduce breakouts. It's highly recommended for those with oily and acne prone skin.

 

Exfoliate

1-3x each week (more if you have oily skin, less if you have dry or sensitive skin) use a face scrub for men. This exfoliates your skin, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. Here are a few exfoliators for men's blackheads that aren't too tough on the skin:

Smooth Finish Glycolic Acid Serum for Men

Brickell is known for making some of the best blackhead products available today for a reason - and that's because we put real ingredients in our formulas. Smooth Finish Glycolic Acid Serum for Men, for instance, contains glycolic acid and other skin-safe alpha hydroxy acids proven to deliver exfoliating and rejuvenating effects to the skin.

 

Renewing Face Scrub for Men

Renewing Face Scrub for Men is one of the best blackhead removing products we offer. Its natural scrubbing particles to unclog pores and remove blackheads, as well as other dirt and debris. Best of all, this blackhead treatment is suitable for a range of skin types. Incorporate it into your regular routine or use it as a standalone product.

 

Treat

If you're struggling to clear blackheads on face, this addition to your weekly skincare regimen is critical. Use a face mask or spot treatment once or twice weekly to deep clean your skin and remove pore clogging material. Choose a face mask for men that contains kaolin clay, activated charcoal, and other natural ingredients. Beware of harsh chemical detergents in many face masks. Those will irritate your skin and exacerbate your acne problems. Are favorites are the:

 

Purifying Charcoal Face Mask for Men

Purifying Charcoal Face Mask for Men unclogs pores, reduces acne, and rids your skin of toxins with natural ingredients. This face mask is perfect for men looking to get a refreshed look without harsh chemicals or abrasive exfoliating beads. It's also an effective way to reduce oil and shine, if that's something you deal with regularly.

 

Acne Controlling Spot Treatment for Men

2% salicylic acid and other natural acne fighting ingredients combine in this all-powerful cream for blackhead removal and blemish reduction. Acne Controlling Spot Treatment for Men is designed to tackle skin issues big and small, whether you've got blackheads on cheeks, whiteheads on the forehead, or cystic acne all over.

 

Hydrate

Follow these steps with a face moisturizer to lock in moisture, prevent dryness and related irritation, and control the production of oil. A moisturizer is an essential component of a skincare routine for blackheads, acne, and just about every skin concern.

 

Daily Essential Face Moisturizer for Men

Want in on a little secret? You don't need to know how to remove blackheads if you already know how to moisturize. Our Daily Essential Face Moisturizer for Men is the perfect way to involve this fundamental practice into your everyday routine. Its oil-free hydration protects skin without clogging pores, drastically reducing the development of blackheads on chin and other sebum-rich areas of the face.

 

Daily Defense Moisturizer with SPF 20 for Men

Does your current cream for blackhead removal also provide your skin with broad spectrum protection from UVA/B rays? We didn't think so. Enter Daily Defense Face Moisturizer With SPF 20 for Men. This miraculous formula gets multiple jobs done at once, so you can spend less time applying creams and more living life outdoors.

 

Acne Controlling Face Moisturizer Treatment for Men

Acne Controlling Face Moisturizer for Treatment for Men is easily one of Brickell's best blackhead removing products. It fights free radicals and diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, while the oil-free formula hydrates without clogging pores.

 

Hyaluronic Acid Booster for Men

Our Hyaluronic Acid Booster for Men delivers maximum hydration to skin tissues to promote a fuller and smoother overall appearance. The formula works excellently on all skin types, absorbing into the pores quickly to reduce visible signs of aging. Plus, it contains natural ingredients that help reduce the buildup known to cause blackheads.

 

Prevention Is Key

A great skincare routine will go a long way towards mens blackhead removal. But you also need to take preventative steps to limit your encounters with blackheads and other acne blemishes. Here are our expert tips for how to prevent blackheads:

1. Drink more water. Being well hydrated prevents acne by keeping your skin healthy and promoting regular removal and replacement of dead skin cells.
2. Consume less sugar. Sugar - wherever it may be found - is bad for your skin. It can lead to inflammation and make your acne worse. Switch out sugary sodas and coffee drinks for water, black coffee, or other sugar-free options.
3. Talk to your doctor. If blackheads become a constant issue for you, your dermatologist will have more ideas to help you clear up your skin. For some people, cutting back on dairy, alcohol, or caffeine may be effective. Doctors can also prescribe a cream for blackhead removal to supplement your home routine and speed up results.
4. Start a skincare routine. Because squeezing out blackheads with your fingers isn't a sustainable or effective solution, the best treatment for blackheads is prevention. This means staying on top of a well-planned skincare routine for blackheads that prevents clogged pores and maintains overall healthy skin. Here are a few we recommend:

Men’s Daily Face Cleanse Routine for Oily Skin

There is no single best skin care routine for blackheads - it all comes down to your individual skin type. For those with shiny, sebum-rich pores, look no further than this Men's Daily Face Cleanse Routine for Oily Skin. The hydrating formula will nourish your tissues while clearing them of the bacteria and debris behind potential blackheads.

 

Acne Controlling System for Men

We've said it once and we'll say it again - Acne Controlling System for Men is one of the very best blackhead products available today. The rich formula works overtime to keep facial oil in check, reducing the chances of developing a breakout and keeping your skin clear for the long-haul.

 

Men’s Daily Essential Face Care Routine

Want to know how to prevent blackheads? It's simple; take care of your skin. Both washing and moisturizing play pivotal roles in maintaining the skin's ability to function as living tissue. Our simple two-step Men's Daily Essential Face Care Routine was created to make this critical part of self-care as easy as possible.

 

Men’s Daily Essential Face Care Routine II

Comprising everything from a hydrating moisturizer to thorough charcoal face wash, Men's Daily Essential Face Care Routine II has everything you need to avoid the development of blackheads.

 

Men’s Daily Advanced Face Care Routine I

Wash, scrub, and moisturize to prevent acne with our Men's Daily Advanced Face Care Routine I. Using its fundamental products regularly is one of the best ways to avoid the reality of Googling 'blackhead removal for men' down the road.

 

Men’s Daily Advanced Face Care Routine II

Looking for something even more advanced? Men's Daily Advanced Face Care Routine II has you covered, literally. This kit is absolutely worth springing for if you're serious about upping your skin care game.

 

Put the Pore Strips Down

If you've been yearning to get rid of blackheads on nose and forehead areas for some time, chances are that you've encountered pore strips. These sticky, deep-reaching patches are designed to hook onto blackheads and literally pull them out of your skin. Such an aggressive approach is the only way a man should remove blackheads, right? Nope. Pore strips may temporarily clear pores, but they do so while stripping the skin of essential elements that are there to help. The inflammation they cause can also promote excess oil production, contributing to more blackheads down the road. The best way to remove blackheads is with a professional treatment and proper skin care routine as outlined above.

 

How to Get Rid of Blackheads: Key Takeaways

So, there you have it - our insights on blackhead removal for men. While trying to clear blackheads can feel overwhelming, the task is completely doable with the right strategy and tools. Products like moisturizer and cleanser are invaluable to removing blackheads the right way. You should never try to pop them, or any kind of acne, yourself. Brickell's products are designed to get rid of pesky blackheads in a safe and natural way. Now that you've got the insights needed about the best way to get rid of blackheads, you can visit our shop with confidence!