Blackheads can be annoying. We feel self-conscious about them as they diminish confidence. Have you ever felt that your blackheads are especially obvious right before a big event? We know how that feels!
We also know that if you neglect immediate action, the pores can grow and, if ignored for too long, can lead to pimples and permanently enlarged pores. That is why we have written this blog for you. Is it possible to remove blackheads in 5 minutes? Yes. And there are 2 answers to this question. Yes, you can remove blackheads quickly and temporarily, and yes, you can clear them and keep them away long term too! Read on to find out about these solutions.
Firstly, what are Blackheads and Why Do They Even Exist?
Blackheads are dark spots on the skin. They are also called open comedones, where a comedo is a small plug made up of sebum and dead skin cells, in a pore or follicle. Closed comedones are known as whiteheads, and open comedones are blackheads. The difference is that blackhead plugs are exposed to the air, oxidise, and blacken.
They are a feature of mild acne, but can occur without any other signs of visible acne. A common misconception is that blackheads are purely the result of lack of good hygiene. This is not completely true, as regularly washing your face may not be enough to tackle blackheads. As with acne, they occur due to 3 main things; genetics, active sebum glands (which is the main cause of most oily skin) and hormonal activity.
How can I Remove Blackheads in 5 minutes? (Temporary quick-fixes)
These tools can help to remove blackheads quickly so that you look good for that event that is coming up. Though they are not a permanent solution since blackheads tend to return, you may find them useful to keep in mind.
Pore Strips
The logic is simple. Since blackheads are open comedones, removing the blackheads should be easy: apply sticky material and strip it off, together with the blackheads! These stickers are easily available online and inexpensive, with labels such as ‘blackhead removers’ or ‘pore cleansing strips’ to get those pesky blackheads removed in 5 minutes. These stickers are usually made for the nose, which is where blackheads tend to form. After cleaning your skin, apply the blackhead removing stickers. Press the sticker down to ensure it is evenly pasted. Wait 5 minutes or the instructed duration, then remove the sticker.
Do keep in mind that while these are simple to do, their results can vary, and depend on the size of the blackheads. Larger, deeper blackheads, that may even look like small ones, can be a challenge for these pore strips.
Vacuum/suction devices
You may have done these at your skin doctor or beauty salon. Nowadays, these devices can be bought online for home use as a portable, handheld device. They are a good idea for removing blackheads. The way they work is to suck out the sebum and dead skin cells built up in the follicles by suction. For best effect, make sure to clean your skin well from grease before starting. Things to look out for: they may work better for some people than others for removing blackheads. If you manage to suck out the blackheads out, there may be some redness and bruising left behind, especially in sensitive skin. Other than that, this is definitely a possible quick fix to consider for removing blackheads in 5 minutes.
Summary about Quick Fixes Blackhead removing pore stickers and suction/vacuum devices are inexpensive and can remove blackheads without a trip to your skin doctor or salon. They are useful to keep in mind and may work well for some. However, they are not recommended skincare tools, as there are other measures to permanently prevent blackheads.
How to Remove Blackheads in 5 minutes daily with a Skincare Routine (Long term prevention)
Is this possible? A smart skincare regime is all it takes to get (and stay!) blackhead-free. It just takes 5 minutes or less daily, and can be done before you go to bed, and first thing in the morning.
How to Remove Blackheads with a 5-minute Daily Skincare Routine
If you are blackhead-prone, you can adopt this skincare regime to not only avoid blackhead formation, you also get brighter, smoother skin as a result.
Correct Cleansing
Why:
Cleansing right is key to reducing blackhead formation. This is because it clears make-up, dead skin and sebum to prevent clogged pores. Equally important, cleansing the right way allows the active ingredients in the next steps to be absorbed into the skin for optimal results in blackhead prevention. It should take less than 5 minutes each time.
Ingredients: Look for ingredients that help to effectively cleanse oily skin eg, zinc PCA in your cleanser. In your toner, a small percentage of alcohol as can be found in this one is not just refreshing, it is also wonderfully effective in removing the layer of oil on your skin
Directions: After removing make-up with a suitable non-comedogenic make-up remover like this one, use a suitable facial wash and toner. Wash your face well. Pat dry. Soak a cotton pad in a toner, and wipe over your face.
Now you are ready for the next steps.
Effective Exfoliation
Why: For skincare to prevent blackheads, we are interested in keratolytic activity which means to loosen and assist exfoliation of the skin cells. Exfoliants work by increasing the amount of moisture in the skin and dissolving the substance that causes the skin cells to stick together. This makes it easier to shed the skin cells to prevent and remove potential blackheads and whiteheads.
Ingredients: The ingredients for exfoliation usually include topical (application) retinoids eg, tretinoin and adapalene, or alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), such as glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid.
Besides exfoliating, topical retinoids are also known to improve skin texture and radiance. AHAs are derived from fruit acids; they are known to be anti-aging by gently sloughing off dead skin and promote the generation of young skin. AHAs come in different strengths. For patients with oily or combination skin, I normally give them an 8% AHA solution to start off for daily home use. If you have sensitive skin, this PHA Lotion would suit you better. Directions: Begin with caution. Topical retinoids and AHAs have the potential to irritate, sting and even burn. Generally with skincare, begin just one new product at a time. With these exfoliants, the objective is to achieve a subtle exfoliation imperceptible to those around you. Start with a thin layer on alternate days. Over time, when your skin gets used to the product, you may use it daily. For some people a thin layer is all they need to get beautiful results.
For your comfort and best outcomes, it is best to get customised instructions from your doctor.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Why:
Benzoyl peroxide is antibacterial and comedolytic; this simply means that it reduces and prevents blackheads and pimples. It is well-established to be effective against acne and blackheads. Being antibacterial, it prevents inflammation and pimple formation.
Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide comes in a variety of concentrations and formulations, from 2.5%, 5% and 10%. Since blackheads and pimples can be found on your body as well, these are suitable for body use too. Just be careful, as benzoyl peroxide can bleach clothes. We suggest consulting a skin specialist for the best percent amount for you to use.
Directions: Remember the general rule is to begin just one new product at a time.
A doctor’s guidance for how to use benzoyl peroxide is key to successfully using it; irritation when starting is common. Allergy to benzoyl peroxide happens too, though rarely. Used correctly, the vast majority of people get excellent outcomes to achieve skin that is free of blackheads even throughout the adolescent years.
For general directions, begin with a thin layer. Focus particularly on the areas that are prone to, or have existing blackheads, whiteheads and acne. Start by using just alternate days; eventually use once a day. Do be wary that directions may vary based on your skin type.
Protective Items in your Anti-Blackhead Skincare Regime
Why: It is a good idea to include a moisturiser as the skin can get dry after using some of these anti-acne products. Sun protection should also be part of your regime so that the marks and scars left behind after the pimples subside do not darken and take a long time to clear. Look for a product that gives protection against blue light from devices and indoor light which have been found to cause even more pigmentation and darkening than UV rays.
Ingredients Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide reflect the sun’s rays and are the main active ingredients in physical blocks. They are generally great for patients with sensitive skin and are moisturising. Look for ‘non-comedogenic’ (meaning not blackhead-causing). In my practice, I have a lime coloured one where the greenish colour helps to camouflage redness from inflamed pimples or from sensitivity, and gives a brightening finish.
A suitable light oil-free moisturiser to give just the right amount of hydration without clogging the pores. Select something that is fragrance-free if you have sensitive skin.
Directions
End your regime with the moisturiser, followed by sunscreen. Reapply the sunscreen every 2-3 hours if you are exposed to the sun.
In summary, a smart skincare regime takes just 5 minutes or so each time, and gives good results for long-term blackhead removal and prevention.
Conclusion
To be able to remove blackheads in 5 minutes is quick and simple enough. To stop blackhead formation and prevent them appearing in the first place is even better, so that we can eliminate the possibility of enlarged pores. With just 5 minutes a day, twice a day, it is easy to achieve skin that is free of blackheads. A smart skincare regime with the right ingredients does this effectively and promotes hydrated, radiant and healthy skin.