Blackhead Treatment for Skin Over 50

Linda Robison, Facial Fitness Specialist.

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If you're over 50 and still search for a blackhead treatment, choose wisely because some can damage mature skin prone to wrinkling. Here you'll find causes of blackheads and how to treat and prevent them.

From home remedies to the best online products — we'll give you tips for cleaner looking skin.

Many people are surprised to discover that blackheads don’t just affect teenagers. They can still appear on mature or aging skin, especially when dead skin cells build up and clog the pores.

As we get older, skin doesn’t shed those dead cells as easily as it once did. That buildup can trap oil inside the pore and create the small dark plug we call a blackhead.

Why blackheads appear on aging skin

Blackheads can still appear on mature skin — but not always for the reasons people think. In aging skin, the real culprit is often slower cell turnover that allows oil and dead skin to stay trapped in the pore.

The good news is that gentle exfoliation and the right treatments can keep pores clearer without irritating mature skin. Below are the gentle treatments and exfoliation methods I’ve found work best for mature skin over 50.

What is the truth about blackheads?

Before you look for an effective blackhead treatment, here are a few misunderstood facts about blackheads:

• Blackheads are not the result of dirty skin. Excess oil production and dead skin cells are the culprit in most cases.

• Excessive washing or over drying the skin won't get rid of or prevent future blackheads from forming. In fact, overwashing or over-drying the skin can cause an over-production of oil, which will only cause more blackheads to form.

• Pores cannot and do not "open" or "close". They just look "open" or wider when they're filled with excess oil or dead skin cells and look "closed" or smaller when they're clean.

• Cold or hot water won't open or close pores. 

Clogged pores: Treatments to avoid

While there are 101 products on the market that claim to be the miracle cure, some actually aggravate mature or aging skin and disrupt normal oil production.

How?

• Some products contain alcohol, citrus and mint which can irritate and further increase oil production as a result!

• Products like pore strips often leave part of the blackhead in place, so it comes back quickly.

• Harsh scrubs and cleansers may increase oil production, making for more blackheads as well.

What are blackheads made of?

It helps to get to know a little bit about the causes of blackheads before you try to treat them.

Blackheads form when oil and dirt back up in a pore. Mix that with dead skin cells that lay on top of your skin and you have a stubborn combination that can clog pores on the nose, chin, and even on aging skin.

While many people associate blackheads with teenagers, they can still appear on mature skin when cell turnover slows down with age.

Once exposed to the air, the skin cells and oil oxidize inside the pore, creating the prominent black color dot you notice — mostly on the nose.

And while the oil in your skin is necessary for keeping it healthy, in this case hormones may be the culprit that’s giving you too much oil.

How to prevent and treat blackheads over 50

A good blackhead treatment is one that focuses on getting oil production back to normal and help exfoliate (eliminate) excess dead cells to clear the pores.

One of the biggest issue for those over 50 is the skin's ability to shed dead skin cells. A process that was much easier when we were younger now needs a little help.

If you're not sure how often mature skin should exfoliate, II'll show you how to gently exfoliate skin over 40.

A weekly or bi-month manual and chemical exfoliation is a must! You can start with simple daily routines like using soft cloth (to help lightly exfoliate the skin daily) and very gentle soap.

Then incorporate weekly scrubs and monthly mild chemical peels using hydroxy acids. I explain how these work in more detail on my page about using AHA peels for smoother skin.

Why blackheads can still appear on aging skin

Even though oil production usually slows with age, pores can still become clogged when dead skin cells are not removed regularly.

This is one of the biggest reasons people notice blackheads later in life, even if they never struggled with them when they were younger.

Two things are usually happening:

• Slower cell turnover allows dead skin to build up
• Pores stay clogged longer because mature skin sheds more slowly

The good news is that gentle exfoliation and proper skin care can keep pores clearer and prevent new blackheads from forming.

Home remedies and products to remove blackheads

Homemade Scrubs

One of the simplest and cheapest ways to keep skin clear of blackheads is to make a scrub using baking soda. How?

• Just mix a little baking soda with water to make a paste. If you want something gentler, I use a very fine sugar face scrub to loosen dead skin that clogs pores.
• Then massage the paste all over your face, concentrating on the affected areas. 
• Rinse well and follow up with a good hydrating, non-pore clogging moisturizer. I adore this moisturizer as it's organic, kosher and loaded with skin loving nut oils.

This scrub will bring an instant shine and glow to your entire face. So even if blackheads are not your problem, use this scrub at least once a week if you're over 50. You'll love it - I promise!

Mild Chemical Peels

Not only do mild at-home chemical peels make aging skin look more lustrous and glowing, they can help keep blackheads at bay too.

After a certain age, manual scrubs are not enough to keep dead skin cells from clogging pores and making your skin look just plain dull! 

Mild chemical peels help to "unglue" those sticky dead skin cells and exfoliate them away, leaving your pores cleaner and your skin glowing.

Most of us over 50 experience dry skin, so a good chemical peel to try is lactic acid. I LOVE lactic and glycolic acids. 

If you're curious how these two exfoliating acids work together safely, see how I use glycolic and lactic acid together.

These acids support the skin’s barrier, keeping irritants out and locking moisture in. They help keep skin hydrated and smoother looking—something aging, wrinkled skin really benefits from. That’s a win-win for both mature skin and skin troubled with blackheads.

From time to time, I also like to use a product called the Skin Eraser.

My readers also tell me they love it too. Most people see a difference after the first treatment.

What type of exfoliator is best for mature skin?

If you're ready for something a bit stronger, then consider Zenmed AHA/BHA Refining Scrub, which is a lactic acid serum combined with glycolic acid scrub.

This gentle buffing scrub contains natural fruit acids instead of strong cleansers. It used about twice a week. Most people notice a visible improvement in skin texture and pore size.

BHA is oily soluble - which means it actually cuts through the oil and dirt in your pores, treating the lining so they become healthier.

It also provides antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, which is especially great if you have excess oils or irritated skin.

Zenmed AHA/BHA Refining Scrub

Other options - products for blackheads

If your blackheads are mostly only on your nose, consider trying nose pore strips besides the suggestions above.

They can help remove or loosen blackheads from the nose and cheeks. Products like Biore are a good choice.

Final tip about blackhead treatment

Be gentle with your skin. Don't over dry or over wash and definitely do not pick or squeeze blackheads.

Skin over 50 is fragile and squeezing blackheads can leave permanent red marks or worse scarring.

Aside from the nose strips, the suggestions listed above (homemade scrubs and mild chemical peels) serve a double duty.

They will definitely improve your skin tone and texture and help boost collagen production. And they'll make your skin look GREAT!

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About the Author:

Linda Robison is an anti-aging advisor for women over 40, sharing natural methods, facial exercises, and beauty routines she's personally tested over the years for smoother, firmer-looking skin. She spent nearly 15 years as an Anti-Aging Health Advisor at the Life Extension Foundation and has been testing facial anti-aging techniques for over 30 years, including training in Carolyn’s Facial Fitness. Her tips have been featured in GB News and Beauty Box Magazine. You can also view her background on LinkedIn. For more everyday tips and ideas, follow along on Pinterest.

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