WARNING: These 5 Blackhead Removal Mistakes Are Wrecking Your Skin According to a Skincare Expert

Korean skincare is taking over the beauty industry, and with searches for ‘how to remove blackheads nose’ skyrocketing by 51,463%, it’s clear that people are desperate for a solution. But what if we told you that some of the most common blackhead removal methods are actually making things worse?

To shed light on the subject Cult Beauty spoke with skin expert Elizabeth Japal, founder of The Derm Lab, who shares the biggest mistakes in blackhead removal could be sabotaging your skincare routine leading to larger pores, more breakouts, and even permanent damage.

The 5 WORST Mistakes You’re Making with Blackhead Removal

Scrubbing Your Skin Too Hard
Think scrubbing will clear out blackheads? Think again! Harsh physical exfoliants can actually cause more irritation, pushing dirt deeper into your pores. Instead, swap your scrubs for BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), which dissolve oil and dead skin cells without the damage.

Overusing Pore Strips
Pore strips might give you that weirdly satisfying peel-off moment, but they don’t actually remove blackheads completely. Worse, they can stretch out your pores, making them appear larger over time. K-beauty offers a smarter fix pore-cleansing masks that gently extract impurities while nourishing your skin.

Skipping Moisturiser
If you think avoiding moisturiser will reduce blackheads, you’re actually tricking your skin into producing MORE oil. After exfoliating, always use a lightweight, non-comedogenic K-beauty moisturiser to balance hydration and keep pores clear.

Not Wearing Sunscreen
Sun damage increases oil production, leading to more clogged pores. But heavy, greasy SPF formulas can be a dealbreaker for acne-prone skin. The solution? K-beauty’s featherlight, non-clogging sunscreens, designed to protect without suffocating your skin.

Jumping from One Product to the Next
Blackhead removal isn’t instant it’s a process. Constantly switching products prevents your skin from adapting and healing. Instead, commit to a simple, consistent K-beauty routine with gentle cleansers, exfoliating toners, and hydrating serums for long-term results.

K-Beauty’s Secrets for Blackhead-Free Skin

According to Elizabeth Japal, the best way to get rid of blackheads for good is to use science-backed, pore-clearing ingredients:

Salicylic Acid – Dissolves oil and clears deep inside pores
Retinoids – Increase cell turnover to prevent blockages
Niacinamide – Controls excess oil production
Glycolic & Lactic Acid – Gently exfoliate and refine skin texture
Kaolin & Bentonite Clay Masks – Absorb impurities without irritation

By ditching the wrong techniques and switching to K-beauty-approved solutions, you’ll finally achieve smoother, clearer skin without the struggle.