When we think of men’s acne, we usually think of those red, disgusting bumps that pop up at the worst times. We don’t usually think of blackheads, which are those pesky black bumps that show up on your face, nose, back and other body parts. Blackheads are a common type of men’s acne that usually affects guys with oily skin. Luckily, they respond just as well to traditional men’s acne remedies. Before we talk about how to get rid of blackheads and manage oily skin, it helps to have a better understanding of what blackheads are.
What Are Blackheads?
Like we mentioned earlier, blackheads are a form of men’s acne. They get their name from their color; when your pores get clogged from debris such as dead skin cells and oil, a plug forms. If this plug leaves a large enough opening for air to get in, melanin (the pigment that gives skin and hair its color) within the pore oxidizes and turns the plug black. The most common spot for blackheads to form is the nose, which tends to be the oiliest spot of the face. Although nose blackheads are a nuisance, they aren’t as unflattering as other types of men’s acne like whiteheads.
How to Get Rid of Blackheads
To get rid of blackheads, you need an effective men’s acne skincare routine to remove dead skin cells and other debris that can clear your pores. Try the following tips to get rid of blackheads and manage oily skin better.
1. Wash your face with a men’s face wash with salicylic acid. A lot of us guys don’t know the first thing about men’s skin care. We think we can get away with using just some soap and water to control oily skin and get rid of blackheads. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. You’re better off using a men’s daily face wash with dermatologist-recommended ingredients to control oily skin and remove nose blackheads. Unlike soap and water, a men’s face wash won’t dry out your skin, which can cause irritation and even contribute to nose blackheads. Following this up with a men’s face lotion offers some of the best protection and treatment against nose blackheads and other forms of men’s acne. Read “The Science of Acne Breakouts” for more information on the causes of nose blackheads and other types of men’s acne.
2. Always have your men’s acne products handy. Nose blackheads can form anywhere anytime — when you’re at home, at work or on vacation. Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you should go easy on your men’s acne regimen. Keep some men’s acne pads in the car or at your office desk so you have them handy whenever a nose blackhead forms. Having a men’s acne cream or men’s acne lotion in your usual travel bag doesn’t hurt either. Read “On-The-Go Men’s Acne Treatment” for more tips on taking care of your skin when traveling.
3. Use non-comedogenic men’s skincare products. Non-comedogenic skincare products for men are scientifically developed to not clog pores. Comedogenic skincare products for men, on the other hand, have been shown to contribute to clogged pores and men’s acne breakouts. Always read the labels of men skincare products like men’s face lotions and men’s body lotions to make sure they won’t affect your skin negatively. Read “Comedogenic Products vs. Non-Comedogenic Products” for more information on this key difference.
4. Exfoliate. Exfoliating stops nose blackheads before they start by digging deep into pores to remove dirt and other debris. Using a men’s face scrub and men’s body scrub every other day can help prevent and get rid of blackheads — but don’t overdo it. A men’s face scrub and men’s body scrub are not meant to be used every day — daily use can actually make your skin worse. For more information on exfoliation and how it can help you get rid of blackheads, check out “Exfoliation 101.”
5. Give yourself a men’s facial. You don’t need to go to the spa to treat yourself to a facial. You can do this in the comfort of your home. A men’s facial not only helps prevent and get rid of blackheads, but also leaves your face feeling refreshed. The feel of a men’s face mask is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. For help on getting started, read “How to Give Yourself a Men’s Facial At Home.”
6. Don’t neglect blackheads on other parts of your body. Your face isn’t the only spot where blackheads can pop up. Make sure you’re using a men’s body wash and men’s exfoliating body scrub as well to provide the rest of your body blackhead protection. For tips on getting rid of back acne, check out “How to Reduce Back Acne.”
