What Are Blackheads? (And Blackhead Removal Tips for Men)
You care about how you look. That’s what 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.
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? Use these blackhead removal tips for men to get clear, healthy skin with no annoying blemishes.
What Are Blackheads?
Blackheads 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 you call it a blackhead.
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.
How to Deal with Blackheads
First, resist the primal urge to squeeze out all the junk hiding in those blackheads. 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 to remove the pore clogging material either.
The best blackhead removal tips for men are really just preventative measures. With a good skincare for men routine, you can remove blackheads that have already formed and prevent new ones from appearing. Here’s the complete routine:
Wash and Hydrate Daily - Each morning and night, use a natural face wash for men to gently cleanse your skin of oil, dirt, and bacteria. Follow that with face moisturizer for men. This locks in moisture, prevents dryness and related irritation, and controls the production of oil.
Exfoliate Weekly - About three times each week (more if you have oily skin, less if you have dry or sensitive skin) use face scrub for men. This exfoliates your skin, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. Use it after washing your face, then follow up with face moisturizer.
Use a Face Mask - If you struggle with blackheads, this addition to your weekly skincare regimen is critical. Use a face mask for men 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.
Prevention Is Key
A great skincare routine for men will go a long way towards eliminating blackheads. But you also need to take preventative steps to limit your encounters with blackheads and other acne blemishes. Try these three:
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.
Use these blackhead removal tips for men and the best skincare products for men to clear up your skin and enjoy a healthy complexion. It only takes a few minutes each week to improve you approach to skincare and get excellent results.