admin To target existing blackheads and prevent them from forming, it’s important to know which ingredients will benefit your skin and which ones to avoid. “Generally an over the counter retinol can really help, a prescription vitamin A for those at the upper end of the spectrum, and exfoliants like salicylic acid, or glycolic acid can be helpful to reduce dead skin cells and congestion,” advises Perry.
You’ll typically find these ingredients in products such as serums, cleansers, and face masks. Retinoid-based products help to improve natural cell turnover, which helps to prevent the build-up that leads to clogged pores, while salicylic acid deeply penetrates the pores to dissolve congestion at the source, which will help to prevent blackheads as well as other types of acne breakouts.
“Physical exfoliators manually remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to help clear the pores and I’ll sometimes recommend these if skin permits,” Perry adds. “Chemical exfoliants offer a lot more range for various skin types, by dissolving connections between dead cells on the surface of the skin and helping to remove excess oil.” Chemical exfoliants (such as salicylic acid) are also much more gentle on the skin than physical ones, so can be a good option for those with sensitive skin or active breakouts.
If you’re prone to blackheads then Perry recommends avoiding products that contain large amounts of oils or that are especially thick and rich in texture. Instead, opt for hyaluroniac acid-based serums and light gel-textured moisturisers to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores.
