Q: How to get rid of my blackheads fast?
A: Blackheads are one of the most common forms of acne. Everyone can’t stand seeing them and want a “fast” removal. But the fact is, you can’t do it fast. You need to take steps to exfoliate, soften, and eventually remove them one day.
Feeling tempted to squeeze them out using your fingers? No way. As this can cause unnecessary scarring and other damage to your skin.
Thinking of buying that super-strong pore strips to zap them off? Although pore strips can remove dirt from your pores, but they usually only remove the upper most part of them. The deep ones are still stuck inside. Furthermore, by removing the superficial dirt, it will take away natural oils and hair follicles. Removing all of these elements can cause your skin to dry out and become irritated. When irritation occurs, your sebaceous glands may go into survival mode and produce even more oil — resulting in more blackheads.
It all come back to the basic steps of taking care of your skin. Starts with a good cleanser. If you have no sensitive skin issue, you can choose a cleanser with salicylic acid to exfoliate while cleansing.
Then apply serum or moisturizer containing gentle exfoliant like AHA or BHA. AHA includes glycolic acid and mandelic acid. Whereas salicylic acid is BHA. The process may also gently remove existing blackheads.
Retinoids are strong exfoliant that may be useful for stubborn cases of blackheads by helping to unplug pores. But if you have dry and sensitive skin, it is best to avoid retinoid altogether.
Masks that you may consider to use 2 – 3x a week are clay mask and charcoal mask. Clay masks help to draw oils and toxins out of the skin, which helps to unclog pores. They are often considered must-haves for oily skin. Like clay masks, charcoal masks work deep in the skin to draw out oil and other impurities.
If all the home remedies above do not clear away your stubborn blackheads, do come over for an in-clinic superficial chemical peel
It will surely speed up the process of blackheads removal 
It will surely speed up the process of blackheads removal Lastly, please remember that the right cleanser, mask, and exfoliator may do little good if you don’t use noncomedogenic skincare, sunscreen and make-up.
Dr. Tan
