These 15 expert-approved techniques will help you get rid of them for good.
These 15 expert-approved techniques will help you get rid of them for good.
THE MAKEUP GURU
Who: Larry Yeo, makeup artist.
Don’t Overhydrate.
“The high heat and moisture in humid air will cause your pores to clog. I prefer to hydrate with toners and lightweight emulsions instead of creams or lotions.”
Avoid Heavily Perfumed Skincare.
“This can cause irritation, prompt skin to increase sebum production, and contribute to blackheads, which are a combination of sebum as well as dead skin cells that hardens and forms a plug. Because this plug is in contact with the outside air, it oxidizes and turns a blackish colour.”
Ditch Heavy Makeup.
“Thick makeup only amplifies the appearance of pimples, blackheads and uneven skin texture, so avoid wearing too many layers, and full coverage products. Try Marc Jacobs Beauty Under(cover) Perfecting.
Coconut Face Primer, $69, to smooth and prep your skin for a lightweight foundation to even out the tone.”
Try AHA & BHA.
“Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) penetrate your skin to help unclog pores, and improve the appearance of your skin. I apply Paula’s Choice Clear Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution with 2% BHA, $41 (Regular Strength, 118ml), nightly. The BHA calms troubled skin, unclogs pores and banishes blackheads. I also use For Beloved One Mandelic Acid Advanced Renewal Serum, $55 (15ml), weekly. This is AHA-based. It sloughs off dead skin cells and encourages cell renewal.”
Remove Makeup Thoroughly.
“Makeup and sunscreen residue can clog pores. I purify my skin nightly with a high-performance cleanser, like Shu Uemura Porefinist Anti-shine Fresh Cleansing Oil, $115 (450ml).”
THE FACIAL THERAPIST
Who: Alice Ho, aesthetician and Estetica outlet manager
Slough Off Dead Skin Cells.
“I exfoliate my skin once a week, focusing on blackhead-prone areas such as the nose and chin. However, I am careful not to over-scrub. This will remove the skin’s natural protective layer and cause it to produce more sebum.”
Apply Anti-Acne Serum.
“I apply Est.lab Purclear Anti-acne Serum, $152 (30ml), daily. It is formulated with salicylic acid to deeply penetrate pores, reduce excess sebum and clarify skin.”
Eliminate Bacteria.
“Est.lab Purclear Nano Silver Essence AG+, $89 (30ml), works wonders to prevent the formation of blackheads and acne, thanks to its antibacterial properties. Enriched with botanical extracts, it also heals, hydrates and softens skin.”
Do Your Own Extraction.
“To extract blackheads at home, first cleanse your hands with an antibacterial hand wash to prevent infection. Next, use a facial steamer to open the pores and soften surface skin. Alternatively, placing a hot towel on your face has a similar effect. Squeeze blackheads gently with a clean cotton pad to avoid damaging your skin. After extraction, don’t forget to slather on an astringent lotion to close the pores, and an antibacterial soothing gel to calm redness and accelerate healing.”
Make Time For Regular Facials.
“I schedule an Estetica Acne-biotic Facial ($250 for 90 minutes), at least once a month to get rid of blackheads and decongest pores. I love the thorough extraction, pore-minimising serum, and rejuvenating mask. Together, they leave my skin crystal clear and silky smooth.”
THE SKIN DOCTOR
Who: Dr Lynn Chiam, dermatologist at Children & Adult Skin, Hair, Laser Clinic.
Rev Up Skin Renewal.
“It is a misconception that blackheads occur because the skin is dirty. In fact, they appear when cell renewal does not happen fast enough, and causes a build-up of excess oil, dead skin cells and impurities that plugs pores. So, instead of scrubbing your skin with a vengeance, try products with retinoids to prompt skin cell turnover, and tretinoin to regulate sebum production.”
Switch To Powder Makeup.
“I prefer powder-based mineral makeup to liquid or cream-bases as they are less likely to clog pores and exacerbate blackheads. Powder formulas also have the added benefit of absorbing excess sebum.”
Apply A Warm Towel.
“For a more thorough cleanse at home, I’d recommend laying a warm towel on your face for 10 to 15 minutes. The heat will dilate the pores and allow superficial blackheads to be easily removed during regular cleansing.”
Peel & Renew.
“Chemical peels ($150-$250 per session at a dermatologist) are my go-tos for blackheads. They exfoliate the superficial layer of skin, accelerate cellular turnover and control oil production.”
Try Light Therapy.
“Another treatment I recommend is Blue Light Therapy that is $150-$250 per session. It uses light energy to target bacteria and reduce inflammation around blackheads.” SH
