How do I get rid of blackheads?

Blackheads form from blocked pores, and tend to appear on the nose, forehead and chin – the T-zone.

There are two types of blackheads. The first type, open comedones, are caused by a build-up of sebum in the sebaceous gland.

This overproduction of sebum blocks the pores. When the sebum can no longer flow freely, a microcyst forms. This mixture of sebum and dead cells forms a small, hard lump on the skin's surface, which oxidises in contact with air and gives the comedone its black colour.

With the second type, dilated pores on the face become clogged thanks to pollution and other environmental factors.

Blackheads, spots and acne can all affect our complexions.

Blackheads are clogged pores, which appear ‘open’ unlike other spots and turn black when in contact with the air.

On the other hand, acne is a condition that affects the sebum-producing glands, which become blocked and cause white-coloured, hard and often painful spots to form under the skin. Acne breakouts may be related to a hormonal imbalance, whilst blackheads form due to clogged pores.

The appearance of blackheads is caused by a build-up of sebum which is often related to adolescence.

It can also be accompanied by acne spots. Teenage blackheads often disappear without needing any treatment.

However, adult blackheads may continue to show up on the face due to a build-up of pollution, toxins and impurities that clog up your pores.

Our faces are exposed to pollution and impurities in the air every day. These air particles land on our face and lay down roots in dilated pores, which often end up forming blackheads. A build-up of sebum causes small balls to form on the surface of the skin. As they oxidise, they turn black and become blackheads.

Once you reach puberty, the build-up of sebum is more likely to cause a breakout in the form of a blackhead.

Tips for tightening pores: after cleansing your skin, give it a splash of cold water or run an ice cube across the skin, then immediately apply your Clarins day cream or a treatment oil suitable for your skin type.

Several factors need to be considered when trying to prevent blackheads, including lifestyle, environmental factors, skincare routine, and more. There are a few ways that you can make small changes to your daily routine to help to prevent blackheads. A balanced lifestyle is often reflected on your skin, therefore, take time to treat your body to movement, nourishing meals and plenty of liquids.

In terms of your skincare ritual, try gently cleansing your face when you wake up and before sleep to reduce sebum build-up on your skin. Remember to follow your cleansing routine with a gentle exfoliator and a soothing moisturiser.

The rule of three is the secret to beautiful skin. Cleanse. Exfoliate. Moisturise.

1. Whatever your age, skin type and make-up, cleansing your skin every day is the first step towards a radiant complexion. Even if you don't wear make-up, remember to treat your skin to a daily skincare ritual. Removing impurities that have built upon the surface of your skin during the day is an essential step in your beauty routine if you hope to prevent blackheads.

2. Our Gentle Foaming Cleanser range with Alpine Herb extracts provides hydrating, soothing or purifying properties in three products suitable for each skin type. Exfoliate your skin once or twice a week with One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser: a multi-functional cleansing and exfoliating product with toning Orange extract. Revitalising all skin types, this scrub leaves the face soft and radiant. Forget about blackheads!

3. To complete your beauty routine, moisturise with a moisturising day cream that's suitable for your skin type and skincare needs. The My Clarins Re-Boost cream is bursting with fruit and plant active ingredients, for anyone who wants to keep their skin looking youthful and fresh. Re-boosted and perfectly hydrated, your skin is in perfect form for getting rid of blackheads.

For those living a fast-paced, active lifestyle, choose a nourishing cream from our Multi-Active day creams range. Whether you prefer your facial moisturiser to be in a gel, balm or cream form, we have formulated a selection of hydrating creams, so you can choose a moisturiser according to your skin type and skincare concerns, leaving your facial skin looking revitalised and radiant. Myrothamnus extract helps to protect the skin from damage caused by stress, pollution and lack of sleep.

Blackheads can put in a temporary appearance on all skin types.

However, they do tend to affect oily skin with large pores more often than other skin types.

If you struggle to get rid of blackheads as well as looking to prevent them from developing in the first place, try using our Purifying Gentle Foaming Cleanser. It gently cleanses the skin without damaging your skin’s barrier. Witch Hazel extract helps to purify and tighten pores for combination to oily skin, by reducing excess sebum.

RE-MOVE Purifying Cleansing Gel helps to purify the skin of those under 30. Containing Moringa extract, it helps to remove pollution particles, leaving your skin clean, soft and free from anything that may block dilated pores, which helps the skin of any age to breathe and prevent excess sebum from forming blackheads.

To purify and tighten pores for combination to oily skin, we recommend following our purifying routine, step by step.

Rebalance your skin once a week by applying our SOS Pure Clay Mask. Organic Alpine Willow Herb extract, as well as green and white clay, work together to absorb excess sebum. The combination of these nature-derived ingredients help to mattify, minimise shine and reduce the appearance of pores, whilst the mask’s slightly powdery cream-paste texture has a non-drying absorbent effect. A 10-minute break is all you need to purify and mattify your skin and close your pores to help prevent blackheads from forming on your skin.

To reduce shine caused by excess sebum, the Clear-Out skincare range offers specific targeted treatment for blemishes.

In addition to environmental damage, such as pollution and impurities, men also have to deal with beard growth and ingrown hairs under their skin.

Here’s a little trick for getting rid of the two types of blackheads, comedones and blemishes: the 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser with the Clarins Men patented complex including Bison Grass, Galanga and Purslane, gently cleanses your pores and exfoliates your skin, helping to get rid of any blackheads and leaving your skin cleansed, toned and soothed. Shaving is made easier with no ingrown hairs and an energised, healthy glow!