Blackheads, the pesky build-up of oil and dead skin that cease to go away, no matter what you do. Well, we are here to tell you that there are a few tricks to minimize these unwanted clogged pores. There are products and routines you can try out to get that smooth, clear complexion you crave.

What Causes Enlarged Pores and Blackheads?

To understand how to fight blackheads off, you must understand what causes them. It all starts with your oil glands producing too much oil. All of the excess oil mixes with other substances (dirt, dead skin, makeup, etc.) in your pores and causes it to clog up. This clog then gets bigger because the oils aren’t able to flow freely. Then, after all that, your enlarged pores begin to oxidize and form blackheads. Woo, science!

What Can You Do About It?

Well, first things first. Know what to avoid that could potentially make the problem worse.

Don’t use bar soaps or other products that clog pores. The ingredient that keeps soaps solid can clog pores. Other products to avoid are those that are overly emollient.

Avoid stiff bristles. Too harsh of scrubbing can have the opposite effect of what you want. Rough bristles will cause your skin to be dry and flaky, creating more dead skin that can block pores.

Never go to bed with makeup. Neglecting to wash your face thoroughly before bed risks the clogging of your pores with old makeup.

Now that you know what not to do, let’s focus on some remedies. Here are some products that are going to deliver the best results of diminishing your blackheads.

Use gentle cleansers to clean your face and avoid the products with harsh, drying ingredients. Astoundingly, these products can make oiliness worse. Flush and Purification are both gentle, water-soluble cleansers that deep clean your skin without drying it out.

Exfoliate with a gentle exfoliator that removes dead skin without stretching out the skin.  Refresh and Scrub are both strong enough to remove dead skin from the outer layer of skin, yet gentle enough to leave your face feeling soft and supple.

 Absorb excess oil with mud masks. Renew, Volcanic Mud Mask can minimize the appearance of enlarged pores and blackheads due to oil absorbing properties.

If your most stubborn blackheads are still not diminishing, consider professional extractions. Well trained aestheticians know the best ways to extract those pimples without causing permanent damage.