How to Remove Blackheads with Vaseline – Is It Really Work?

Anyone who has blackheads knows how frustratingly challenging it can be to get rid of them. Can you try using Vaseline to remove blackheads then?

Blackheads cannot be treated with Vaseline. Vaseline may in fact make breakouts worse when applied to the face.

Let’s first examine the causes of blackheads and who is most prone to getting them.

What Are Blackheads?

Blackheads are a form of acne that appear when pores become blocked with too much oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA). A blackhead will appear if the pore collects debris but remains open. Those black spots you see are not dirt, the AADA states. As rubbing them will only make your acne worse, you should refrain from doing so.

How You Should Treat Blackheads?

The good news is that while having acne may be unavoidable, you don’t have to put up with it, according to the AADA. Numerous acne treatments are available now thanks to decades of research. The best acne treatment not only addresses the root of your breakouts but also addresses each type of blemish.

If you have blackheads, for instance, you want a treatment that can open up your pores. The AADA recommends using retinoids to clear clogged pores that lead to blackheads. One can be provided to you by a dermatologist. Nevertheless, one retinoid, adapalene, is sold over the counter.

In addition, says the AADA, a benzoyl peroxide wash can help get rid of the excess P. acnes bacteria (the bacteria that causes acne) on your skin.

The AADA advises giving treatment six to eight weeks to take effect if your blackheads (or other types of acne) are particularly difficult to treat. A dermatologist may occasionally be able to remove blackheads. Another choice is using prescription-strength acne medication.

Is Vaseline Good for Your Skin?

That doesn’t mean you should disregard Vaseline or any other petroleum jelly brands in terms of their skin-benefitting properties. The AADA actually recommends using petroleum jelly for several purposes when it comes to your skin including:

• Relieving dry skin, including your lips and eyelids
• Helping injured skin heal
• Preventing chafing
• Treating diaper rash
• Rehydrating nails

Although petroleum jelly has many skin-friendly properties, the AADA advises against using it on your face if you have acne because it can sometimes lead to breakouts in some individuals.

When you have acne, the AADA suggests that you only use oil-free skin care products, sunscreen, and makeup. Keep in mind that acne is a sign of clogged pores. Unclog those pores to get rid of acne. Your pores will most likely clog once more if you apply anything oil-containing. An increase in breakouts may result from clogged pores.

Keep in mind that it takes time to get rid of blemishes and prevent new ones. To see improvement, you might need to try a few different treatments or stick with the same one for 6 to 8 weeks.

Of course, you should consult a dermatologist or member of your healthcare team if you have any questions or concerns.

Cleanse With Salicylic Acid to Remove Blackheads

Look for over-the-counter (OTC) items that contain salicylic acid rather than benzoyl peroxide.

Salicylic acid is the preferred ingredient for treating blackheads and whiteheads because it breaks down the materials that clog pores:

• Excess oil
• Dead skin cells

By choosing a daily cleanser with salicylic acid, you can remove these elements in addition to:

• Daily dirt
• Oil
• Makeup

You should use a salicylic acid-containing cleanser just once daily to begin, even though you still need to wash your face twice daily. Salicylic acid, according to Britt Kimmins, benefits people with dry skin in particular.

Consider using it only at night and switching to your usual cleanser in the morning. You might decide to use it both morning and night after your skin gets used to the product.

Salicylic acid irritates a lot of people. Using it more than once every few days might not be possible. Stop using it if you keep having reactions to it.

Conclusion

Vaseline has benefits for treating dry skin, but it is not advised to use it to remove blackheads. After this time, you might need to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if you still notice both new and old blackheads. To remove blackheads, they can use specialized tools.

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