Well hello there! I sent this guide out exclusively to my email list about a year ago, and today I decided that your quick guide to blackhead elimination deserved a permanent spot on the interwebz, so here it is! Raise your hand if you’ve ever struggled with those pesky little pin pricks or bumps that make your skin feel unclean, rough, or the opposite of glowy? If that’s you, read on - we’ve got you covered!

What are blackheads?

Blackheads are clogged pores that often appear in your T-zone or oily areas of the face like nose, forehead, cheeks. Unlike whiteheads which are closed, blackheads are open. They are considered a mild form of acne and can turn into pimples or blemishes.

Why do we get them?

Sebum (or oil) as well as dead skin and other dirt and impurities can become trapped pores - these impurities become exposed to air and cause them to turn dark in color.

How do we prevent blackheads?

Supporting healthy skin through lifestyle choices is foundational.

• cleanse 2x a day

• decrease stress

• increase sleep

• hydrate

• remove makeup every night

• mitigate excess oil production

How do we treat blackheads?

Make sure you're including all four steps both AM/PM when you're performing your regimen. Each step is vital to balancing oil production and removing impurities. You'll want to make sure you have all of the following steps:

• Cleanse

• Prep

• Treat

• Protect

Know your Skincare Line

Know your skin type and needs! True oily skin that is prone to blemishes that are not cyclical may need a line that has salicyclic acid as a major active ingredient. Salicylic acid is safe at low levels like the ones found in our Countercontrol line. You may need this line in it's entirety or just parts of it. This line is not appropriate for dry skin with blemishes.

What to include in your routine to attack blackheads?

Exfoliation

You will need regular consistent exfoliation! Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can trap dirt and oil. There are two types of exfoliation you can use - mechanical and chemical. I use both! Be careful not to use too harsh of an exfoliant as this can damage the skin and cause inflammation, dryness, and irritation.

• Mechanical

I use a silicone clarisonic brush 2-3 times a week with my normal cleanser as a way to physically exfoliate.

You can also find a cleanser with light exfoliants in it. I recommend the Countercontrol Clear Pore Cleanser. It not only uses jojoba beads for light exfoliation, but it also has salicylic acid to help attack blackheads.

• Chemical

I recommend all skin types use the Overnight Resurfacing Peel, which is applied at night and chemically helps to dissolve dead skin and unblocks pores.

You can also use the Countercontrol All Over Acne Treatment on just the areas that you have blackheads during the day, and alternating with the peel at night. It has salicylic acid in it which also works as a chemical exfoliant.

Charcoal Mask

Using a charcoal mask 1-2 times a week on the blackhead prone area, especially if it has salicylic acid in it, can serve to draw out dirt and impurities, and balance oil production. Our Balancing Charcoal Mask does just this and uses the salicylic acid to loosen and remove dead skin cells as well!

Check Your Products

Look at your current products for things like:

• expiration dates

• comedogenic (pore clogging) ingredients (thinks like pure coconut oil for cleansing or moisturizing

• makeup brushes are clean

• makeup is appropriate for your skin

When all else fails, visit a professional!

Most professionals will advise you to avoid at-home pore cleansing strips or extractions. Because you can seriously damage and scar the skin if you're not careful, if all else fails a quarterly professional facial with hydro or mechanical extractions performed by a professional can also keep blackheads at bay in addition to your daily routine!

And guess what?! I’ve made you a handy checklist to see what areas of improvement you and your skin might have to get optimal blackhead elimination status!