Microdermabrasion: A dermatologist uses a specialized instrument to “sand” your skin. Removing the top layers of your skin frees the clogs that cause blackheads. Chemical peels: Chemical peels use a mild chemical solution to remove layers of skin and reduce blackheads.
When performed by a dermatologist, acne extraction is a safe way to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. Another technique that dermatologists use allows them to get rid of a deep, painful acne cyst or nodule.
A blackhead extractor, also known as a comedone extractor, is a useful tool designed to remove skin cell blockages that cause blackheads—without causing damage. Studies have also shown that large, cystic comedones can be successfully treated with the help of a blackhead extractor.
“If it's a struggle to get blackheads out and you're not getting results, then definitely see a pro,” says Rouleau. “It's safest to see a well-trained aesthetician or dermatologist who can perform in-office extractions or microdermabrasion,” says Geraghty.
Make salicylic acid, retinoids and noncomedogenic ingredients your best friend. To prevent blackheads from forming in the future, it's important to look for skin care ingredients that will help keep pores clear of sebum or debris. Both Berson and Friedman agree that salicylic acid and retinoids are key to doing that.
First, apply a generous amount of Vaseline to your nose or designated area with blackheads and keep layering it on. Second, once the petroleum jelly is applied cover it up and wrap in plastic wrap until it stays in place and is formed to your face. Third, go to sleep with the mask on.
"Whether you remove them yourself or have a professional facial, blackheads must be manually extracted," explains Rouleau. "There's no magic mask or pore strip that will easily lift them out, and while certain products can help the pores from clogging again, they won't actively clear out a pore that's already clogged."
The average cost of a microdermabrasion treatment, when done by a dermatologist or licensed plastic surgeon, is around $137 a session.
After you remove a blackhead, your pore will appear smaller. That's because the dirt and oil have been removed. Swipe a toner, such as witch hazel, over the area to kill any bacteria you may have spread and to condition your pores. You may want to avoid directly touching the area while your skin heals.
Surgery: In some cases, your doctor may want to perform a surgical excision or extraction to drain and remove a stubborn blemish. Health plans often consider this type of surgery to be medically necessary for the treatment of acne, meaning it's typically covered by insurance.
Does blackhead extraction hurt? I'm not going to lie to you, yes… a little. You are having the gunk scraped out of your pores, after all. But for the most part, it's not bad – the only part of my face where it really hurt (and my eyes watered) was my nose, where my blackheads are particularly deep.
What causes blackheads on your nose? A blackhead starts to form when your pores become clogged with materials like oil, sebum (a substance naturally produced by your skin), makeup, dirt, and bacteria. Blackheads are noninflammatory acne known as open comedones.
To begin, place a warm, damp cloth over the blackhead for several minutes to help open the pore and make the plug easier to remove. Then, place the extractor loop around the blackhead. Add pressure until the buildup is released – but never try to force the contents as this can damage the skin.
'You should absolutely not squeeze blackheads. Squeezing a spot can push the inflammation deeper and this can cause scarring of the skin,' she says. Squeezing a spot can push the inflammation deeper and this can cause scarring of the skin.
Professional Treatments Can Help to Remove Blackheads
Facialists may perform extractions to manually remove blackheads safely with a tool that won't disrupt the surrounding pores. Howe also recommends laser treatments and microdermabrasion, a form of exfoliation that only a professional can provide.
It costs between $500 to $600 for an extraction session
That's a lot of money, but that's because of a specific reason. “A lot of these people really want these things to be removed,” Dr. Lee told Forbes. “They're benign and they're not anything that needs to be removed medically, which is why insurance won't pay.”
Dermatologists use a variety of light and laser therapies to treat acne. No one laser or light treatment can treat pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, acne cysts, and acne nodules.
"Because blackheads are hard and trapped inside pores they can't be 'scrubbed away' or washed off," Sarkar said. "Most often, they need extraction." But even if they're extracted, they could keep coming back because your nose — with all of its glands — will continue to excrete oil.
Hydrafacial is the most effective treatment for blackheads
Hydrafacial provides an even and deep skin cleanse. It clears off the pores fully. Reaches the hardest areas and gives you the best results for blackheads.
Toothpaste is a popular beauty hack for getting rid of blackheads. While toothpaste does contain some blackhead-fighting ingredients, it may also contain unwanted ingredients that can irritate skin. Using toothpaste to remove blackheads is considered an off-label treatment and is not recommended by dermatologists.
Beauty expert Fei — who goes by the YouTube username heyitsfeiii — revealed her simple routine for melting blackheads overnight. She starts by applying a generous layer of Vaseline on and around her nose. Fei recommends 100% petroleum jelly without any additives.
Although salicylic acid is best known for its ability to treat whiteheads and blackheads, it can also help eliminate buildup and scaling on the skin caused by psoriasis, warts, calluses and dandruff, said Garshick.