The Best Ways Men Can Deal With Blackheads

Blackheads are a common skin condition that many men can deal with on a daily basis. While it can be frustrating, there are ways to remove blackheads and keep them at bay without having to explore certain procedures. Let us explain why, and specifically what we recommend if you're trying to reduce blackheads and build up on your face.

The Science

Blackheads are among the most common forms of acne. They're caused by hair follicles getting clogged with oil and dead skin cells, and then oxidising when exposed to air—hence the blackness on top. Some people are just more prone to getting them than others, so if you're a guy with oily skin or you sweat a lot, you'll probably see more blackheads than other people do. But there are ways to minimise their appearance and keep them from becoming a problem.

We could suggest a super-blackhead-remover-face-scraping-tool, but this would only be a temporary fix and won’t prevent them from returning. It may sound simple, but by adopting a regular skincare routine, consisting of a cleanser, exfoliant, and moisturiser, you'll be seeing a lot fewer blackheads. This is because you're removing excess oil and dirt from the skin, and assisting the trouble-areas with skin cell turnover, resulting in a lower chance of blackheads setting in place.

Don't be daunted by the word 'routine' - we're talking 2 minutes a day at most. Think of the long-term benefits you are gaining by adopting this! The trick is to get on top of blackheads as soon as possible, and with a consistent skincare routine, you can see a drastic improvement in the appearance of your skin.

Which Products To Use To Prevent Blackheads

The first thing to do is wash your face regularly—at least twice a day or after sweating heavily—using lukewarm water and a cleanser. For example, you could use a cleanser with salicylic acid, such as Downpore; this helps reduce the build up of dead skin cells that can lead to clogging pores and causing blackheads.

Secondly, if you want to prevent getting blackheads and reduce them when they do pop up, then exfoliating regularly is key. Exfoliating means removing dead skin cells from your face so that fresh new cells from underneath can appear. Refinery utilises two forms of exfoliation; physical and enzymatic, which ensures your dead skin is gently but thoroughly removed to avoid clogged pores. As always, we suggest only exfoliating 2-3 times per week, as you will want to avoid over-exfoliation and unwanted irritation.

Lastly, moisturising balances your oil production. If you aren't moisturising, your skin is going to think it is very dry, in turn producing more oil to compensate. This excess oil production can eventually lead to the pores getting blocked, creating blackheads and other types of breakouts. We recommend using a moisturiser that utilises Vitamin E, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid, ensuring your skin receives the most nourishment as possible. Gatekeeper utilises all three ingredients to ensure your skin is receiving the hydration it requires.

Depending on your current condition and if you think a simple routine can't solve your issues, it might be time for an extraction session with a professional aesthetician. There are many stages of acne that require different types of treatment, so rather than DIY-ing your procedures after watching Dr Pimple Popper, we recommend scheduling an appointment accordingly.

Long story short, if you take the time to develop a skincare routine and stick with it, the extra stress and effort you're saving yourself in the long-run will be well worth it. We aren't saying that you won't have to deal with blackheads at all, but many men make the mistake of feeling discouraged about particularly bad days, only to ignore the easy steps and getting caught up in a nasty cycle. By taking the time to take care of your skin regularly and keeping a positive outlook when dealing with blackheads, you can enjoy clearer skin for longer periods of time.