Cover image by @Claredaly
By: Lauren White
Blackheads—not new here. I don’t recall letting blackheads mess with our headspace in 2022, so we’ve gathered ingredients that are total blackhead bullies, to help protect us from their negative energy this year, and blacklist blackheads for good. And what is new here, though, is a coming-soon holy grail product to literally suck them out of your pores. ANYWAY, more on that later.
So, what are blackheads anyway?
Blackheads are small bumps that appear on your skin due to clogged hair follicles. These bumps are called blackheads because the surface looks dark or black. You might see blackheads most common on your nose, but they can pop up really anywhere.
What causes them?
Blackheads form when a clog or plug develops in the opening of hair follicles in your skin. Each follicle contains one hair and a sebaceous gland that produces oil. There are a bunch of reasons blackheads can appear, some include:
- Increased sebum (oily material produced by the sebaceous gland) production.
- Abnormal formation of keratin (the protein that helps make your hair, skin and nails).
- Increased hormones (androgen specifically).
- An increased presence of bacteria on skin that causes acne.
Congested skin doesn’t stand a chance against ingredients that clean out pores, refine texture and balance oil levels. Luckily, we’ve gathered the best of the best that specialize in the blackhead area. Let’s break these ingredients down:
Mineral Rich Clays: Clay is a staple ingredient in the pore department—it draws out impurities and minimizes the look of pores. Specifically, these two types of clay are real A+ baddies.
- Kaolin: Absorbs excess oil from your skin without drying. Eliminates impurities that build up in + around the hair follicle. Antibacterial properties means it treats active acne, too.
- Bentonite: With stronger absorptive power than Kaolin, this volcanic clay excels in pulling out deeply rooted impurities/oil within the pores. A mix of both means it can be used for normal + oily skin types.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: An antimicrobial that eases irritation. As a mild acid, ACV works to enhance the pulling power of clays and can help restore natural PH balance of skin.
- Acids: Gentle, of course. Acids are a great tool in the toolbox against blackheads, gently giving the pores and skin a deep clean.
- Salicylic Acid: An OG. This powerful BHA that burrows deep inside pore to dislodge impurities. Bye, bye grime!
- Lactic Acid: An AHA that increases cell turnover and helps eliminate accumulated dead skin cells
- Tartaric Acid: AHA that moisturizes the skin, stimulates the metabolism, and promotes healing, a total TLC key.
- Malic Acid: AHA to exfoliate and polish surface skin, and give your skin a clear glow.
- Sulfur: Hiiiiii antimicrobial qualities! Sulfur helps promote the loosening and shedding of old skin for fresher, newer skin to take its place. It’s a powerful ingredient to fight current and future breakouts.
- Niacinamide: Queen niacinamide has entered the chat. She soothes active breakouts, and helps to dial down redness and soothe irritation.
- Jojoba Esters: Jojoba esters are an emollient that prevents over-drying, retains hydration in the skin during and after rinse off, and helps reduce redness. A total key paired with clays and acids to keep the skin hydrated AF.
- Orange Peel Extract: An orange a day, is that the line? Orange extract contains antioxidants and vitamin C to help brighten skin and fade dark spots. It also adds a subtle, fresh scent to your new blackhead-free aura.
