"Say Goodbye to Blackheads: 5 Essential Tips for Pimple Prevention"

Dr Divya Shukla
Apr 29, 2024
3 min read

"Teens driven by hormones should not have pimples!" Though we desire otherwise, clogged pores affect people of all ages and phases.

By the end of 2026, the number of people affected by acne in India is estimated to reach 23 million at a compound annual growth rate (compound average growth rate) of 0.5 percent. Females are more prone to acne as compared to males in India .

There are various types of pimples, and blackheads are a non-inflammatory kind that many of us have. The good news? It’s the least-severe form of acne. The bad news? Blackheads can be painful and persistent.

Take a look at our five tips to stop these clogged pores and start your journey to cleaner skin.

1.Know the Enemy

To battle blackheads, it’s important first to understand what they are and how they form.

Dead skin cells mix with bacteria and an oily substance called sebum to block pores.
These openings in the skin are hair follicles, which become plugged with a black, tan, brown, yellow or gray matter when exposed to air.
The pore or hair follicle then becomes slightly raised. (If the blocked pore remains closed, it’s called a whitehead.)

Blackheads are most often found on areas with many hair follicles like the face, neck, back, chest and arms. While some of these areas are easily hidden by clothing, putting your best face forward means having a game plan in place for prevention.

2. Wash wisely

The main thing to remember, says Dr. Divya Shukla , Senior Consultant at Skin Aura, is that blackheads aren’t the product of a “dirty face.”

“Over-washing is not going to help treat or prevent blackheads. In fact, if you over-wash your face, it will become excessively dry, causing your body to product more oil,” he says, recommending no more than one or two washes each day.

Dr. DIvya Shukla recommends gently lathering with a salicylic acid-based face wash, while avoiding the tendency to scrub the skin. Salicylic acid-based cleansers and pads will help get rid of oil and open the pores so you can say goodbye to those blackheads.

3. Choose proper products

So, you’ve picked out a cleanser, but what else are you putting on your face? Are you trying to hide imperfections with concealers and thick foundations? What about moisturizers and sunscreens? If you’re not careful about the specific types of products you use, they could cause new blackheads to form and excess oil to build up.

Since blackheads are also called comedones, “look for products that say ‘non-comedogenic,’ which means they don’t block your pores,” Dr. Divya Shukla suggests. Some of these skin care products also may be labeled “oil-free.”

By using cosmetics, sunscreens and moisturizers that are formulated to keep pores clear, you’ll be able to keep blackhead buildup at bay.

4. Limit oil exposure

Choosing non-comedogenic products for your face is key for keeping oils away, but what about other slick sources that often slip the mind?

Hair products, for example, can clog pores and cause breakouts around the hairline or neck. Again, look for non-comedogenic hair products. When showering, wash your hair first to remove as much product as possible before you wash your face and body.
Frequently worn hats or unwashed pillowcases can harbor oil, sweat and germs, irritating the skin. Wash these materials regularly.

If you commonly wear tight clothing or live in a humid environment, the excess sweat and irritation can signal to the skin that it needs to produce more oil. Try looser clothing and breathable fabrics, like cotton and linen.

If you do notice blackheads or other types of acne appearing on the skin, avoid picking or popping the pimples. This bad habit can irritate the skin and make your pores look worse. Plus, oils and bacteria on the fingers can add to pimple problems.