1. Use a Gentle Exfoliator (2–3 Times a Week)

Blackheads form when pores get clogged with dead skin and oil, so exfoliation helps:

• Chemical Exfoliants:

  • The Ordinary AHA BHA Peeling Solution (Use once a week)

  • Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (Daily or every other day)

  • Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (Deeply unclogs pores)

• Physical Exfoliants (Mild Scrubs):

  • Rice-based scrubs (Tatcha Rice Polish, Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant)

  • Avoid harsh scrubs like apricot scrubs—they can damage skin!

2. Cleanse with the Right Face Wash (Twice Daily)

Choose a salicylic acid-based cleanser to dissolve blackheads:

• CeraVe SA Cleanser (Has salicylic acid + ceramides to keep skin soft)

• Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (Great for oily skin)

• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Cleanser (Deep cleans without stripping)

3. Steam & Use a Clay Mask (1–2 Times a Week)

Steaming helps loosen blackheads, and clay masks absorb excess oil:

• Bentonite Clay Mask (Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay)

• Innisfree Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

• The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque

Tip: Steam your face for 5–10 minutes before applying a clay mask for better results.

4. Moisturize with Lightweight Hydration

Keeping skin hydrated prevents overproduction of oil:

• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (Best for oily/combo skin)

• CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (Non-comedogenic, won’t clog pores)

5. Treat Blackheads with Retinol & Niacinamide

• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (Controls oil, shrinks pores)

• Differin Gel (Adapalene 0.1%) (Retinol helps unclog pores & smooth skin)

6. Avoid Squeezing & Use Pore Strips Sparingly

• Never squeeze blackheads—it can lead to scars!

• Use pore strips (like Biore Pore Strips) only occasionally to remove stubborn ones.

Bonus Tip: Sun Protection is a MUST!

• Use an oil-free SPF 30+ sunscreen (EltaMD UV Clear, Biore UV Aqua Rich) to prevent damage and maintain soft skin.

Here’s a step-by-step routine to help you get soft, blackhead-free skin, customized for different skin types! 😊

🌟 Morning Routine

1. Cleanser (Face Wash) – Removes Oil & Dirt

• Oily/Combination Skin: CeraVe SA Cleanser (Salicylic acid to unclog pores)

• Dry/Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser (Gentle & soothing)

2. Toner (Optional, for Extra Blackhead Control)

• Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (Removes dead skin & prevents blackheads)

• Thayers Witch Hazel (Alcohol-Free) (Soothes and tightens pores)

3. Serum (Helps Reduce Oil & Tighten Pores)

• Oily Skin: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (Controls oil & brightens skin)

• Dry Skin: Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Boosts hydration & softens skin)

4. Moisturizer – Hydrates Without Clogging Pores

• Oily Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (Light & non-greasy)

• Dry Skin: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion (Locks in moisture)

5. Sunscreen (Essential to Prevent Dark Spots & Skin Damage!)

• EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (For acne-prone skin)

• Biore UV Aqua Rich SPF 50+ (Lightweight & hydrating)

🌙 Night Routine

1. Cleanser (Double Cleanse If You Wear Makeup)

• Micellar Water (Bioderma or Garnier) for makeup removal

• Follow with your morning cleanser

2. Exfoliate (2–3x a Week, Not Daily!)

• Chemical Exfoliation: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA or The Ordinary AHA BHA Peel

• Clay Mask (1x a week): Aztec Indian Clay Mask (Removes deep blackheads)

3. Treatment (For Blackhead Removal & Smooth Skin)

• Retinol (Differin Gel or The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid) – Unclogs pores & boosts smoothness

• Tea Tree Oil (Spot Treatment) – Natural antibacterial for stubborn blackheads

4. Moisturizer (Same as Morning Routine)

• Use a richer cream if your skin is dry (CeraVe PM or La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm)

💡 Extra Blackhead Tips!

✅ Steam your face for 5 minutes before applying a clay mask (helps open pores).
✅ Use blackhead-removing strips sparingly (Biore Pore Strips only once in a while).
✅ Change pillowcases often to prevent buildup of dirt & oil.
✅ Drink water & eat clean (less sugar & dairy = fewer breakouts!).