12 Ways to Get Rid of Blackheads
Blackheads are one of the most common forms of acne. Although people who have oily skin are more vulnerable to blackheads, anyone can get them.
They form when pores become clogged with a combination of dead skin cells and excess oil (sebum) from your sebaceous glands.
Unlike whiteheads, which create closed pores, blackheads have open surfaces, which creates an oxidation that’s dark in color.
It may be tempting to try to pinch or push the black plug out, but this can cause unnecessary scarring and other damage to your skin.
“The good news is that there is a cornucopia of over-the-counter products that contain effective ingredients to exfoliate, soften, and even remove blackheads,” says Allison Britt Kimmins, MD, MPH.
Keep reading to learn how to:
- get rid of your blackheads
- prevent future ones from forming
- take better overall care of your skin
Instead of benzoyl peroxide, look for over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain salicylic acid.
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
Although you still need to wash your face twice a day, try using a cleanser that has salicylic acid in it just once a day to start. Britt Kimmins notes that salicylic acid is especially good for those with dry skin.
You may consider using it at night only and then using your regular cleanser in the morning. As your skin gets used to the product, you may choose to use it both morning and night.
Many people are sensitive to salicylic acid. You may not be able to use it more than once every few days. If you continue to react to it, discontinue use.
Find cleansers online:
Murad Time Release Active Cleanser
- Details: Murad helps clear blemishes and purify skin without overdrying. It provides a sustained release of salicylic acid for continuous acne treatment, even after it’s been rinsed off.
- Cost: $$
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
- Details: This medicated gel cleanser contains 2 percent salicylic acid. The formula helps target excess oil and helps clear up acne breakouts.
- Cost: $
Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash
- Details: Dermalogica helps clear skin and reduce visible signs of skin aging. The formula contains extracts of balm mint, eucalyptus, and tea tree, while menthol and camphor help cool the skin.
- Cost: $$
In the past, you may have heard that exfoliating produces a negative effect on acne. This can be true for inflammatory acne, as the process can cause further redness and irritation.
For blackheads, though, regular exfoliation can help remove excessive amounts of dead skin cells that can lead to clogged pores. The process may also gently remove existing blackheads.
Rather than looking for harsh scrubs, you’ll want to focus on alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs). Glycolic acid is the most common type of AHA, and salicylic acid is a prominent BHA.
Both work by removing the top layer of your skin. In theory, this can improve the appearance of wrinkles and age spots, all while cleansing pores and making your skin softer.
You’ll find that BHAs are more widely available on the market, and in some cases, they’re more affordable too!
“Both AHAs and BHAs are excellent as superficial peels, says Britt Kimmins. “AHAs and BHAs …treat the superficial layer of skin and therefore are safe for OTC use in all skin types.”
Find exfoliating products online:
First Aid Beauty’s FAB Skin Lab Resurfacing Liquid AHA 10%
- Details: FAB Skin Lab was designed with sensitive skin in mind. Powered by a 10 percent concentration of 4 alpha-hydroxy acids, it helps smooth, brighten, and even out the appearance of rough, dull-looking skin.
- Cost: $$
Clean and Clear Triple Cleanse Exfoliating Scrub
- Details: This daily acne face scrub fights breakouts by removing oil from the skin and gently exfoliating, treating acne while also soothing the skin.
- Cost: $
A skin brush can provide similar exfoliating benefits as AHAs and BHAs by removing excess dead skin cells.
Susan Massick, MD, dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center advises caution.
She recommends that skin brushes only be used occasionally with a gentle cleansing wash and to avoid the use of a brush altogether if you have sensitive skin.
Depending on your needs and budget, there are a variety of skin brushes available to be used with your daily cleanser.
Find skin brushes online:
Clarisonic
- Details: Clarisonic is an anti-aging and cleansing device designed to gently exfoliate, minimize the appearance of pores, firm skin, reduce under-eye puffiness, and blend foundation.
- Cost: $$$
Hand-Held Brush
- Details: Hand-Held Brush is made of 100% natural silicone, which is soft enough for sensitive, delicate, or dry skin. This facial scrubber cleans and exfoliates the skin to open pores and gently remove impurities and dead skin.
- Cost: $
Retinoids may be useful for stubborn cases of acne by helping to unplug pores. This process can also make other OTC products more effective by helping them to be better able to enter the follicle.
But if you’ve got dry skin, Britt Kimmins recommends avoiding strong exfoliants, like retinoids, altogether.
Shop for the following retinoids online:
ProActiv’s Adapalene Gel 0.1%
- Details: Adapalene is benzoyl peroxide-free. It’s a once-daily retinoid gel that absorbs quickly to treat acne at the cellular level.
- Cost: $
Differin Gel
- Details: Differin Gel effectively targets two primary causes of acne: clogged pores and inflammation. It clears breakouts where they start (deep in pores) and prevents new acne from forming.
- Cost: $
Clay masks help to draw oils and toxins out of the skin, which helps to unclog pores, says Britt Kimmins. Clay masks are often considered must-haves for oily skin.
Some clay masks also contain sulfur. Sulfur is another ingredient that works to break down the dead skin cells that make up blackheads.
No matter which mask you choose, you can use it once a week in addition to your once- or twice-weekly exfoliating treatment.
Find clay masks online:
L’Oréal’s Detox and Brighten Pure Clay Mask
- Details: L’Oréal’s mask claims to detoxify and illuminate skin in just 10 minutes. Potent pure clay and charcoal act like a magnet to clean out pores by drawing out and capturing deep impurities, such as dirt, oil, and pollution.
- Cost: $
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