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Blackheads Unplugged: How to Clear and Prevent Them
We’ve all done it... leaned too close to the mirror, noticed tiny dark dots across the nose or chin, and wondered if our skin is dirty. Spoiler: it’s not. Those little spots aren’t dirt, and scrubbing harder won’t make them go away.
Blackheads are one of the most common skin concerns, and one of the most misunderstood. Let’s clear things up (literally).
What Blackheads Actually Are
Your pores have an important job: they release oil to keep your skin balanced and flexible. But when excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and gets trapped inside the pore, it forms a plug. When that plug is exposed to air, it oxidizes and turns dark, creating the black dot you see.
Unlike pimples, blackheads aren’t inflamed or infected. They don’t hurt, they don’t swell, and squeezing them often does more harm than good. What they really need is consistency, not extraction.
Why They Happen
A few common triggers can make blackheads more frequent:
Overactive oil glands (often hormone-related)
Using heavy or pore clogging ingredients (often in your makeup)
Skipping exfoliation or over-exfoliating (yes, both can make things worse)
Not removing makeup or sunscreen thoroughly
Environmental buildup (think sweat, pollution, or even dirty pillowcases)
Understanding the cause helps you target the solution without over-treating.
How to Help (Without Stripping Your Skin)
1. Exfoliate with Salicylic and Mandelic Acids
Salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pores to break down oil and debris, while mandelic acid gently exfoliates the surface to loosen dead skin and buildup. Together, they clear out existing blackheads and help prevent new ones from forming by keeping pores clean at every level.
Try: Tonic — a gentle, refining treatment that pairs salicylic and mandelic acids to dissolve build-up and unclog pores and restore balance without stripping your skin.
3. Double Cleanse
Double cleansing is a two-step method that starts with an oil-based cleanser (like this one) to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum, followed by a water-based cleanser (like this one) to wash away sweat, dirt, and leftover debris. This thorough cleanse helps keep pores clear and prevents the buildup that leads to blackheads, especially in oily or breakout-prone skin.
4. Keep Skin Hydrated
Dehydrated skin often overproduces oil, which fuels blackheads. Hydrating properly helps balance oil production and keep pores clear.
Try: HA Hydraserum+ — it replenishes water content deep within the skin so your barrier stays hydrated and less prone to congestion.
5. Don't Skip SPF
UV damage can thicken the skin and increase dead cell buildup, which contributes to clogged pores. Daily sunscreen helps prevent that cycle.
A Few Everyday Habits That Help
Wash pillowcases and makeup brushes regularly.
Avoid sleeping in makeup (even tinted SPF).
Look for non-comedogenic makeup.
Keep hands away from your face to prevent transferring oil and bacteria.
These small habits make a big difference over time.
Blackheads aren’t a sign your skin is dirty—they’re a sign it needs balance. Skip the pore strips, avoid the harsh scrubs, and focus on gentle consistency instead.
When you treat your skin with care and give it what it actually needs—steady exfoliation, renewal, hydration, and protection—it responds with clarity that lasts.
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