I think we can all agree on how unattractive acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and any kind of ‘heads’ look on our faces, right?

I know that no matter how small a blemish might actually be, the fact of the matter is, it feels like a huge and ugly intruder on your face. Ewwwk!

And you just want it gone- fast!

Your face is the first thing people see, and keep seeing, so you want to keep it looking clean, clear and healthy looking, right?

Obviously if you’re on this site, you feel the same, and you want to learn how to get rid of blackheads fast, so keep on reading for the best ways to get beautiful, unblemished skin.

What are blackheads?

I bet you didn’t know that acne is the number one skin condition treated by physicians. Over 85% of teens and young adults get acne, and it doesn’t always stop there, because alas, even old adults get acne!

Let’s begin our investigation by making a distinction between ‘regular’ acne and blackheads; because in the world of acne, not all acne is the same.

Acne is usually recognized as the ‘red bump’ type.

Our particular concern is with the blackheads type, also known as comedones, and which can be not only disturbingly numerous, but also reach as far down as shoulders, back, and upper chest area.

Now, how’s that for a far-reaching zit-relative?

So if you’re still interested in knowing more about blackheads, here’s the scoop;

• Blackheads are follicles that have a wider than normal opening.
• They are filled with plugs of sebum and sloughed-off cells and have undergone a chemical reaction that resulted in the oxidation of melanin.
• This oxidation is what gives the material in the follicle the typical black color.

Now that you know exactly what a blackhead is…next you’ll probably want to know how to get rid of blackheads, fast!

How to get rid of blackheads fast

The key to skin care for acne is consistency.

Unfortunately, an overnight cure for either acne or blackheads hasn’t been found yet, although I’m sure they’re working on it real hard!

In the meantime, having a good skin care routine will absolutely aid in the daily, steady improvement of follicle health.

Since blackheads are not caused by eating certain foods, restricting the diet is not helpful. And since they are also not caused by “dirty” skin, excessively scrubbing will not help and can even make the skin more irritated.

The best skin care for comedones consists of once-a-day cleansing with a mild soap or facial scrub to aid in the removal of excess sebum and dead skin cells.

Oil-based makeup should not be used since these can contribute to the buildup of oil in the follicles. Water-based makeup labeled as non-comedogenic can be used safely.

Getting rid of blackheads requires good skin care and a daily routine of good skin habits.

The following steps can help.

• Always keep your face clean. Wash your face whenever you feel it is getting oily.
• Wash your face with a gentle water-soluble cleanser.
• Apply a clay mask that doesn’t contain ingredients such as mint or peppermint. The mask will absorb excess oil from the skin surface.
• Take daily vitamin supplements for healthy skin. Vitamin A in particular will keep the oil flowing uniformly and won’t clog your pores.
• Use an exfoliant or a scrub that will help remove dead skin from your face.
• Try an at-home hot steam facial in order to soften the blackheads for easy removal.
• Use appropriate make-up. Consult your dermatologist, who will recommend suitable creams for your skin type.

Treatments against blackheads:

• Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide has an antibacterial effect and may also decrease the chemical reaction that changes the lining of the hair follicle. This may help reduce the plugging that causes the comedones. Benzoyl peroxide may be used for a mild case of comedones or to help prevent formation of others.

• Tretinoin (Retin-A)

Retin A is the mainstay of treatment for whiteheads and blackheads. Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and works by increasing the cell turnover and reducing the “stickiness” of sloughed cells. It also helps to expel the plugged material returning the pores to normal. Tretinoin can be irritating, so make sure you follow the specific instructions on how to use it.

• A doctor’s prescription might be needed if some of the blackheads and whiteheads are infected, but antibiotics do not help with comedones that are not infected.

• Isotretinoin (Accutane)

Isotretinoin (Accutane) is used for severe cystic acne and has many side effects. It’s very effective for comedones when you use it properly, but it’s not usually prescribed for mild acne of either type.

• Extraction

Extractions may be done by a health care provider on open comedones. This process is performed using a device called a comedone extractor, which is a small, metal, circular instrument that is centered on the comedone and pushes down the surrounding skin, causing the plug to extrude.

No Need to Suffer!

Whiteheads and blackheads are types of acne that affect many people. These are all good treatment options that inform you on how to get rid of blackheads, so there’s no need to suffer in silence with your blackheads, try them!

Try out all the different options above and on this site, take your skin vitamins, use good natural creams and products, drink plenty of water, and follow a good skin cleansing routine.

You’ll see how great your skin will look in no time!

And remember that if your case is severe, or you don’t see a change in your acne condition, then a trip to the dermatologist might be the next step.