Please follow those tips in order to get smooth skin
To achieve soft, smooth skin while dealing with blackhead acne, follow these 6 key steps:
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.