Salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and retinoids can reduce oil and dead skin cell build-up to remove blackheads. Avoid the urge to pop, although it may be tempting to squeeze a blackhead. Dermatologists can offer professional-grade extractions and exfoliation treatments to remove stubborn blackheads.
Blackheads, also called open comedones, are acnethat looks like small, dark bumps. Excess oil and dead skin that clog open pores cause blackheads.
You can remove blackheads with over-the-counter (OTC)acne treatmentsthat contain ingredients that exfoliate away dead skin and reduce oil. It can take 6-8 weeks to see results.
1. Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Washing your face or body with a salicylic acid cleanser helps unclog your pores. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). It acts as a chemical exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and reduce oil that leads to blackheads. Salicylic acid can also be drying, so use it once a day if it irritates your skin.
2. Topical Retinoid
Topical retinoidsare vitamin A derivatives that help increase cell turnover. This effect clears dead skin cells out of your pores and sloughs off dead skin cells so they do not clog your pores. Most retinoids require a prescription.Differin(adapalene) is available over the counter.
Layering skincarewith salicylic acid and retinoids can irritate your skin. Both exfoliate your skin. Try alternating applications in the morning and night if your skin is too sensitive for both. Retinoids also make your skinsun-sensitive, so applysunscreen daily.
3. Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser
Dermatologists often recommend retinoids and a benzoyl peroxide cleanser to remove blackheads. Benzoyl peroxide can eliminate excess bacteria on your skin and reduce oil to help remove blackheads.
4. Sulfur and Resorcinol Treatment
Acne cleansers, lotions, and creams that contain sulfur and resorcinol can remove blackheads. They reduce oil and dissolve blackhead blockages. Resorcinol also removes dead skin cell build-up that causes blackheads.
5. Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Treatment
Cleansers, serums, and creams that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can remove blackheads. AHAs exfoliate your skin and unclog your pores. Popular AHAs include glycolic and lactic acid. Glycolic acid penetrates your skin even deeper than salicylic acid. Lactic acid is more gentle, which is ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
Professional Treatments
It may be time to see a dermatologist if you have tried OTC blackhead remedies for 6-8 weeks without success. You may need a prescription-strength retinoid to remove blackheads. Professional treatments may also include comedone extraction, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, hydrafacials, or laser therapy.
6. Comedone Extraction
A dermatologist or aesthetician often exfoliates the skin during comedone extraction. They use a sterile metal tool to squeeze out blackhead gunk. Blackhead extraction is not preferred because it takes more time and can be pricey. A dermatologist may suggest it if other treatments do not improve blackheads.
7. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasionis an exfoliation treatment that removes the top skin layer with an abrasive device. It penetrates blackheads deeper than home remedies and offers a more sterile environment to reduce infection risk. One session typically takes about 30-40 minutes. You may need 5-16 treatments to remove blackheads. Microdermabrasion is not recommended for people who use a retinoid, which can cause scarring. Insurance also does not often cover microdermabrasion.
8. Chemical Peel
A chemical peel is an exfoliation treatment that removes built-up oil and dead skin cells and improve skin texture. A dermatologist applies chemicals to remove skin layers and exfoliate away damaged skin. Chemical peels vary in intensity and are available in refreshing or lunchtime, medium, or deep peels. You may have mild irritation or intense skin redness and crusting. Your skin can take days to weeks to heal. Insurance may not cover chemical peels that remove blackheads.
9. Laser Therapy
Photopneumatic therapy uses an intense pulsed light (IPL) laser and vacuum to remove dead skin cells and oil from pores and clear blackheads. After a session, you may have mild burning and stinging. It can take multiple sessions to see results. In-office and at-home visible light devices (like blue and red light) and infrared light treatments cannot treat blackheads.
Be wary about using the following treatments to remove blackheads:
- Physical exfoliators: Abrasive brushes or scrubs cannot penetrate your pores deep enough to extract oil and dead skin cells that cause blackheads.
- Pore strips: They will only temporarily remove skin congestion. Pore strips will not prevent clogged pores and do not treat blackheads in the long run.
- Pore suction tools: Like squeezing blackheads, comedone suction tools can also stretch and damage your skin.
Is It Okay To Squeeze Blackheads?
Dermatologists do not recommend poppinganyblemish with your fingers or fingernails. Trying to squeeze blackheads can push the clogged oil and dead skin deeper into your pores, which increases inflammation and scarring. Inflammation can make blackheads more noticeable, and pores appear enlarged. Touching blackheads can also introduce more dirt and bacteria into your pores, which may lead to infection and painful acne.
There are several ways to control build-up on your skin to prevent blackheads. Avoid touching your face, which spreads dirt, oil, and bacteria. Choose skincare products and makeup that do not have oils and are non-comedogenic, meaning they do not clog pores. Wash your face with a gentle, foaming cleanser twice daily and after sweating. Apply moisturizer and sunscreen regularly, and take off makeup before you go to bed.
A Quick Review
Remove blackheads at home with skincare ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid, and AHAs. These treatments exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce oil production. Avoid picking and squeezing blackheads to extract your pores if you are trying to remove them. Pore strips will temporarily remove blockages, but they will not offer lasting results. See a dermatologist if you do not notice any improvements in 6-8 weeks.
