Use an alpha or beta hydroxy acid cleanser Some of the most popular elements in this group include salicylic acid, lactic acid and citric acid. Another great option for removing blackheads in the AHA family is using a product containing glycolic acid. Aim to use a cleanser with 10%.
If your blackheads don't go away with nonprescription medications, your healthcare provider may recommend: Prescription-strength retinoids: Prescription-strength retinoids are stronger than nonprescription retinoids. Oral antibiotics: Oral antibiotics reduce the bacteria that cause blackheads.
Chemical peels can help to remove deep blackheads through skin regeneration, but it's important to note that skin irritation can occur but does usually clear within 7-14 days. The good news? You can expect to start seeing the results in as little as 3-5 days [9]. Microdermabrasion is another great option.
Use Products With Salicylic Acid
One go-to ingredient for eliminating blackheads is salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that increases cell turnover and unclogs pores, says Saedi. Suozzi adds that the acne treatment can help dry active acne lesions because it is a mild chemical irritant.
Prolonged exposure to the air causes the blockage to oxidize and darken. Because the pore gets stretched out of shape, it will fill back up again even after it is emptied. These stubborn pores are most likely to occur on the face, chest and back. However, they can also emerge on the ears, neck and scalp.
A dilated pore of Winer is a common, giant blackhead pimple, found on your head, neck and torso. Dilated pores of Winer occur on adults and the elderly.
Making a paste with lemon juice and baking soda is quite effective for nixing blackheads. Simply mix one tablespoon of baking soda with half a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Apply the paste to the blackheads area and allow it to dry completely. Once it's dry, rinse it away with warm water.
Chemical peels
The procedure can unclog pores and start up new skin growth. You get a chemical peel in your doctor's office. It removes cells from the top layer of your skin. Common ingredients in chemical peel products are salicylic, glycolic, and retinoic acids.
Turmeric & Honey Mask
When combined with honey, it creates a potent mask that not only combats blackheads but also brightens and rejuvenates the skin. Mix a teaspoon of honey with a pinch of turmeric powder to form a paste, apply it to your face, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
Blackheads result from clogged pores, often due to factors like hormones, hygiene, and dead skin cell buildup. At times, your skin naturally exfoliates to deal with blackheads, but untreated ones may transform into pimples.
Applying toothpaste on blackheads: Yes, there's an idea circulating the web that you can use toothpaste to extract your nose blackheads. Don't buy it! Toothpaste can cause dryness and irritation, causing more skincare troubles than it's worth.
Slugging, or slathering your face with Vaseline, isn't a great way to treat acne. In fact, it can make acne worse for some individuals. You can use Vaseline as a remedy for other skin problems like skin injuries, chafing, or dry skin.
The best blackhead products, at a glance:
Best Exfoliator: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $35. Best Drugstore: La Roche Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum, $40. Best Mask: Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask, $52.
Manual removal
A professional dermatologist can extract deep blackheads safely and offer advice on aftercare. It is also important to avoid squeezing the skin to remove blackheads, as this can damage it and worsen its appearance.
Pore strips: Similar to pimple patches, adhesive pore strips stick to the skin and manually pull out superficial blackheads (ones that are close to the surface) and other debris from pores. They're typically made for the nose and chin areas, and all skin types can use them.
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is a water-based serum made with an optimum concentration of salicylic acid which targets textural irregularities while removing dead skin cells that can clog pores. And because it promotes exfoliation, this solution helps visibly reduce congestion, giving way to brighter, clearer skin.
Extractions – for those who have numerous blackheads or whiteheads, a dermatologist may recommend an extraction. It can be tempting to pop pimples at home, but this increases the risk of scarring, inflammation, and infection. Professional extractions are a safe and effective option for whitehead and blackhead removal.
Do pore strips actually work? Essentially, yes. "They work and you can visibly see that they do work in terms of taking the clogged pores out," Tzu said. "But they work to a limited extent." They likely won't remove all of the blackheads that you're seeing (especially if you're not applying the strip correctly).