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If that sounds likea lot, don’t worry.
Courtesy of brands / Brie Schwartz / Gabrielle Langdon
Below are the best of the bunch.
First up is lipohydroxy acid (LHA), which is particularly good at dissolving oils, she explains.
Its an acne-fighting workhorse thats gentle enough to use every day and extremely wallet-friendly.
Its a solid go-to in my postworkout routine.
The salicylic acid penetrates deep into pores to prevent sweat from lingering and causing acne.
I even bring it with me in the shower to preventbreakouts on my backand chest.
Differin Gel was my introduction toretinoids, says MacKenzie.
The exfoliating, pore-unclogging hype is real.
While it packs a punch, the formula is still pretty gentle, she says.
Im always surprised at how much makeup comes off evenafterIve used a cleanser, says MacKenzie.
Basically it exfoliates skin at every level, encouraging cell turnover, clearing out clogged pores, and resurfacing.
Besides blackheads, these peel pads target fine lines and wrinkles and help smooth skin texture.
For those dealing withrednesson top of blackheads, bisabolol helps to tone it down.
Niacinamide helps calm skin and treats acne at every stage, from inflammation to post-acne scarring.
Alastin HA Immerse Serum
Alastin
Remember the importance of moisturizing in the battle against persistent blackheads.
The Niacinamide 15 is a favorite for controlling oil production to prevent further blackheads, according to Dr. Mian.
(It also contains acetylglucosamine to help fade hyperpigmentation via gentle exfoliation.)
As a bonus, aloe vera works to calm skin.
This has never been my experience with this sulfur mask.
I wouldnt exactly say its moisturizing, but it doesnt leave my skin feeling stripped or patchy.
And even the most stubbornly clogged pores on my nose come out looking much cleaner.
Skinceuticals Clarifying Clay Masque
If youre sensitive to smells, Dr. Arora recommends Skinceuticals Clarifying Clay Masque.
Notably, this face mask is fragrance-free.
For a blackhead-friendly option that wont clog pores, Dr. Mraz recommends EltaMD UV Clear Broadspectrum Sunscreen SPF 46.
Its noncomedogenic and oil-freekey for preventing breakouts and blockages of all kinds, especially for those dealing with acne.
MacKenzie says, Im adamant about applying sunscreen every single day.
For me, that makes the texture of the sunscreen just as important as the SPF.
Not only is this formula remarkably lightweight and silky for amineral sunscreen; it doesnt pill under makeup.
I immediately bought it.
I didnt feel a thingnot even a pinch.
My skin looked so much better after, and my pores even appeared smaller."
However, like any tool, it’s essential to use it correctly.
What are blackheads?
Blackheads are a common punch in of acne known as open comedones, says Dr. Arora.
Contrary to popular belief, these dark spots arent dirt but sebum (a.k.a.
oil) and skin cells trapped in your pores.
Blackheads start out the same way as other types of acne.
Within each follicle is a hair and oil, or sebaceous, gland.
If dead skin cells and oil are allowed to collect here, it forms a bump called a comedo.
If there is no skin covering the comedo, you get a blackhead.
What causes blackheads?
Several factors can cause blackheads, from genetics to your skin care routine.
Genetics can also influence how your body reacts to the acne-causing bacteria.
Meet the experts
