And surprise, surprise: Blackheads aren’t limited to your nose or forehead. Just like other types of acne, you can get blackheads on other parts of your body—which is why acne body wash is a thing. But before you start picking at your skin (and please don’t because that can make an annoying situation worse), let’s have a chat about what blackheads are and how you can make them go buh-bye. Similar to other types of acne, blackheads are caused by dirt, oils, and even dead skin that get clogged in your pores. Unlike whiteheads though, that combo gets through the skin and is exposed to the air, leading to that telltale black discoloration. This means an ingredient may not cause acne for an individual if it’s used in smaller quantities. It also means that a product labeled as noncomedogenic didn’t have to get certification to make that claim. However, if you have oil-prone skin, you might want to avoid heavier moisturizers that might encourage oil production. And people with dry or sensitive skin should skip products loaded with alcohol or harsh ingredients, which can strip the skin’s natural barrier. When in doubt, check the ingredients list. The higher on the list an ingredient is mentioned, the more of it that’s in a product. Sleep and stress can be particularly annoying triggers of acne, as a lack of sleep and increased stress levels trigger cortisol production in the body. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone and does a number on the skin. It’s notorious for its role in breaking down collagen, but it also increases sebum production3. This increase of oil in the pores can lead to blackheads. Popular options include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and even lactic acid. Nassif recommends the NassifMD Dermaceuticals Micro-Spa Radiance Resurfacing Peel, which contains AHAs and salicylic acid that help to remove dead skin and reveal a glowing complexion. Or consider incorporating a good mask routine—either store-bought or DIY—to help not only moisturize and balance your skin but to lift any gunk clogging your pores. Follow up with a good moisturizer as dry skin can cause your body to produce more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture. These can be textured cleansers (think a gentle facial scrub) or skin-safe tools (not professional-grade aesthetician tools!) like konjac sponges or the Repêchage Ultrasonic Skin Spatula, which can aid in exfoliation and relies on ultrasonic waves. Note that you shouldn’t use any cleansing tools on dry skin as this can make your skin woes worse. It’s also a good idea not to use textured cleansers in addition to a textured tool, as this can be too abrasive. (Just stick to one means of exfoliation, thank you!) Keep in mind that if you’ve just manually exfoliated your skin, you may want to avoid using a chemical exfoliator during the same skin care session as this may be too aggressive for your skin. And of course, don’t use exfoliants every day.
