How to get rid of blackheads

Your Complete Guide to Clear, Smooth, Pore-Perfect Skin

What Are Blackheads, Really?

Let’s be honest — blackheads are one of those annoying little things that never seem to leave quietly. You exfoliate, cleanse, even steam your face, and somehow they still make an appearance right before an event.

Blackheads (also called open comedones) form when excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria collect inside a pore. When this mixture meets air, it oxidises — that’s what turns it black. Unlike pimples, they’re not inflamed or painful, but they can give your skin a rough texture and make pores appear larger.

And here’s the truth most people don’t know: blackheads are not a one-time fix. They need consistent care and the right combination of at-home and professional treatments.

Why Are Blackheads So Common in the UK?

Despite the cooler weather, UK skin often experiences a mix of humidity, indoor heating, and hard water — a perfect recipe for congestion. Add makeup, pollution, and sometimes less-than-ideal cleansing routines, and pores become a magnet for buildup.

Certain areas like the nose, chin, and forehead (aka the T-zone) are particularly prone, but blackheads can appear anywhere there’s oil production — even on the chest or back.

What Not to Do (Please Don’t Pick!)

Let’s start with the biggest skincare myth: squeezing blackheads makes things worse. While it might feel satisfying in the moment, squeezing can enlarge pores, push bacteria deeper, and lead to permanent scarring or broken capillaries.

Another common mistake? Over-exfoliating. Using harsh scrubs or multiple acids daily might temporarily smooth the skin, but it actually strips your protective barrier — causing more oil production and yes, more blackheads.

Effective At-Home Ways to Reduce Blackheads

If you’re managing mild congestion, there are a few safe, evidence-based steps you can take:

1. Double Cleansing

Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, followed by a gentle gel or foaming cleanser. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or gluconolactone (a PHA) to lift debris without drying the skin.

Pro tip: Avoid makeup wipes. They tend to smear impurities rather than remove them.

2. Use a Chemical Exfoliant (2–3x a week)

Instead of harsh scrubbing, use exfoliants with BHA (Salicylic Acid) or AHA (Glycolic or Lactic Acid). BHAs penetrate into pores, dissolving the oil buildup responsible for blackheads, while AHAs help shed surface dead cells.

3. Retinoids for Long-Term Control

Prescription or cosmetic retinoids (like Retinol or Adapalene) regulate oil production and improve cell turnover, keeping pores clear. Start low and slow — and always use SPF during the day.

4. Hydration and Moisture Balance

Contrary to popular belief, oily skin still needs moisture. A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser prevents the skin from overproducing oil as a defence mechanism.

When Home Remedies Aren’t Enough

If blackheads are stubborn, widespread, or constantly returning — it’s time to consider professional treatments. They reach deeper layers of skin safely and give longer-lasting clarity.

In-Clinic Treatments at The Aeon Aesthetics

At The Aeon Aesthetics, we often combine gentle exfoliation with deeper pore-purifying treatments. Some of our most loved options include:

1. SQT Bio-Microneedling (Flawless Reset Protocol)Unlike traditional microneedling, this uses natural spongilla micro-needles to increase cell turnover and push impurities up and out, improving skin texture and minimising pore size — all without the downtime of mechanical needling.

2. Radiance Ritual (Nourish & Hydrate Protocol)Perfect for those with both congestion and dryness, this treatment deeply hydrates while supporting barrier repair, ensuring your skin looks smooth and feels comfortable.

3. Professional ExtractionsCarried out by trained skin therapists, these remove blackheads and clogged sebum safely — no damage, no scarring, just refined, clear pores.

Midway Check-In: Are Blackheads Ever “Cured”?

Here’s the honest truth — no treatment permanently eliminates blackheads because your skin will always produce oil. However, with the right routine and maintenance, you can keep pores clear and skin glowing long-term.

Think of it as managing, not fighting your skin. Your goal is balance — removing excess buildup while protecting your barrier.

The Perfect Routine to Prevent Blackheads

Here’s a simple, everyday skincare routine inspired by what we recommend to our clients at The Aeon Aesthetics:

When?	What?	Why?
Morning	Gentle Cleanser	Removes oil and sweat without stripping skin
	Hydrating Toner or Essence	Keeps skin balanced and preps for SPF
	Lightweight Moisturiser	Maintains barrier health
Every 3-4 hours	SPF 50+	Prevents oxidation and dark pores
Between 5 PM to 7PM	Double Cleanse	Removes sunscreen and impurities
	Exfoliant (2–3x/week)	Clears dead skin & reduces buildup
	Retinol (2–3x/week)	Normalises oil & pore function
Before bed	Hydrating Serum / Moisturiser	Soothes and repairs overnight

Consistency is key — no miracle overnight fix, but clear progress week by week. Common FAQs About Blackhead Removal

Q: Are pore strips safe?They can offer temporary results but often irritate or enlarge pores over time. If you use them, do so sparingly and follow with hydration.

Q: Can diet affect blackheads?Indirectly, yes. High-glycaemic diets and dairy may increase oil production. Staying hydrated and eating antioxidant-rich foods helps.

Q: How often should I get professional blackhead extractions?Every 4–6 weeks works best for most clients — depending on oil production and lifestyle. Ready to Reveal Smoother, Clearer Skin?

At The Aeon Aesthetics, we help clients achieve lasting clarity with customised plans using proven treatments like SQT Bio-Microneedling, Radiance Ritual, and Flawless Reset.

Whether you’re struggling with blackheads, enlarged pores, or rough texture — we’ll design a routine that fits your skin type and schedule.

📞 Call or WhatsApp 07442 727878📍 Book your consultation today and start your journey to smooth, radiant, blackhead-free skin.

Follow us on Instagram @theaeonaesthetics for real results, skincare education, and treatment highlights.