How To Remove Blackheads: 9 Safe Methods

You can use over-the-counter acne treatments to remove blackheads at home. If blackheads last a long time, a dermatologist may recommend in-office treatments.

Washing your face or body with a salicylic acid cleanser helps unclog pores. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). It acts as a chemical exfoliant to decrease oil and remove dead skin cells that cause blackheads.

Advice: Salicylic acid can be drying. Use it once a day if it irritates your skin.

Topical retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that increase cell turnover. This effect removes dead skin cells so that they do not clog pores.

Most retinoids require a prescription. However, Differin (adapalene) is available over the counter.

Advice: Layering skincare products containing salicylic acid and retinoids can irritate your skin. Try alternating morning and evening applications if your skin is too sensitive for both.

Retinoids also make your skin sensitive to the sun, so apply sunscreen daily.

Benzoyl peroxide can eliminate excess bacteria on your skin. It also helps reduce sebum to eliminate blackheads.

Sulfur and resorcinol reduce oil and dissolve blackhead blockages. Resorcinol also removes the buildup of dead skin cells.

Cleansers, serums, and creams containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can remove blackheads. AHAs exfoliate your skin and unclog pores. Popular options include glycolic and lactic acid.

Advice: Glycolic acid penetrates your skin even deeper than salicylic acid. Lactic acid is gentler, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

A dermatologist or esthetician often exfoliates the skin when extracting comedones. They use a sterile metal tool to remove blackheads.

Blackhead extraction is not preferred. This takes more time and can be expensive. A dermatologist may suggest it if other treatments don’t improve the blackheads.

Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of skin with an abrasive device. It penetrates blackheads deeper than home remedies and provides a more sterile environment to prevent infections.

A session usually lasts around 30 to 40 minutes. You may need 5 to 16 treatments to remove blackheads.

Microdermabrasion is not recommended for people using a retinoid because it can cause scarring. Insurance also often does not cover microdermabrasion.

A chemical peel removes oil buildup and dead skin cells and improves skin texture. A dermatologist applies chemicals to remove layers of skin and exfoliate damaged skin.

Chemical peels vary in intensity. They are available in refreshing or midday, medium or deep peels. You may have mild irritation or intense skin redness and crusting.

It may take days or even weeks for your skin to heal. Insurance may not cover chemical peels that remove blackheads.

Photopneumatic therapy uses an intense pulsed light (IPL) laser and vacuum. Both remove dead skin cells and oil from pores and remove blackheads.

After a session, you may feel slight burning and tingling. It may take several sessions to see results.

Note: In-office and at-home visible light devices (such as blue and red light) and infrared light treatments cannot treat blackheads.

Be wary of using the following treatments to remove blackheads:

• Physical exfoliants: Abrasive brushes or scrubs cannot reach pores deep enough to remove oil and dead skin cells.
• Pore ​​strips: They will only temporarily remove skin congestion. Pore ​​strips will not prevent clogged pores. They do not treat blackheads in the long term.
• Pore ​​Suction Tools: These can stretch and damage your skin.

Should you pop blackheads?

Don’t pop it stain with your fingers or nails. It can push clogged oil and dead skin deeper into pores, increasing inflammation and scarring.

Inflammation can make blackheads more visible and pores appear enlarged. Touching blackheads can also bring more dirt and bacteria into the pores, which can lead to infection and painful acne.

It may be time to see a dermatologist if you’ve tried home remedies for 6 to 8 weeks without success. You may need a prescription retinoid or other professional treatments.

Ways to control buildup on your skin to prevent blackheads include:

• Apply moisturizer and sunscreen regularly.
• Avoid touching your facewhich spreads dirt, oil and bacteria.
• Choose skincare products and makeup which are oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores.
• Remove makeup before going to bed.
• Wash your face with a gentle, foaming cleanser twice a day and after sweating.