Deep blackheads should be removed by a medical professional — usually a dermatologist or medical aesthetician. They use a small tool with rigid metal loops on the ends (blackhead or comedo extractor) to apply even pressure to your blackheads.
Exfoliate. Use an exfoliating scrub on the skin once a week to help remove the dead skin cells that contribute to blackheads. A scrub may also improve the overall appearance of the skin. Avoid exfoliating if it irritates the skin, and stop using a scrub if it makes the skin feel dry or sore.
Best Extractor
The Dermapore by Dermaflash is an at-home pore extractor that uses ultrasonic vibration to break up congestion and remove blackheads, sebum, and dirt from the pores. The device features two modes: extract for a deep cleanse and infuse to enhance your moisturizer's absorption.
Next, the esthetician uses cotton- or tissue-wrapped fingers to apply gentle pressure to each blackhead or blemish. Some estheticians may also use a small metal tool called a comedone extractor to release the blackhead plug from the pore.
Try a retinoid
“From a medical standpoint, I'll typically prescribe a topical retinoid as treatment,” says Dr. Ward. “It's good for making sure that the dead skin cells aren't collecting inside the pores. It also helps to prevent outbreaks and reduces the formation of acne scars.”
Cleansing. Washing your back with a cleanser containing salicylic acid has the potential to break down oil and dead skin cells that cause blackheads. It also helps promote skin peeling , which treats blackheads and other types of acne.
Squeezing blackheads out with your fingers might be one of the more satisfying ways to remove them, but Dr. King warns that it's not a good idea. "Squeezing blackheads can traumatize the skin, introduce bacteria and damage the pore,which can spread debris and bacteria deeper into the tissue," she says.
'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.
“Gently press on each side of the blackhead until it begins to release,” she says. “Apply slow and even pressure, and once you are able, lightly pinch the tweezers and pull the blacked out material from the skin to extract it. If the blackhead does not release easily, do not continue to attempt the extraction.”
Via Refinery29, Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., agrees that after the clay mask brings all the junk to the surface, physical massage can "indeed dislodge clogged pores and whatever's inside them."
When using salicylic acid or other acne treatments, it may take 6-8 weeks to start noticing results. Anyone who does not see an improvement in their acne after this time may wish to contact a doctor or dermatologist for advice on alternative treatment options.
This type of acne develops when oil (sebum) and dead skin cells combine to form a plug that clogs your pores. Sometimes, cleansing and exfoliating may be enough to loosen the plug and draw it out. But if the plug hardens, or it's too deep to access, you might not be able to remove the blackhead on your own.
'Petroleum jelly dilutes the dried up oxidized oil, creating a hard-topped plug of oil in the pore which is then easier to squeeze out and clear. '
If your skin isn't responding to salicylic acid, you can use a topical application of sulfur in conjunction with the acid. Sulphur removes excess oil and removes congestion by increasing skin cell turnover.
Why it might not be working: There are multiple types and causes of acne — and if your acne is severe, salicylic acid might not be strong enough for you. “Cystic acne will need something stronger than salicylic acid,” says Dr. Debra Jaliman, a dermatologist based in New York City.
Acne treatments — especially those that contain active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid — are drying and a bit harsh on your skin. If you use too many treatments at the same time, your skin may become irritated, and you may actually suffer more breakouts as a result.
Moreover, it also balances the pH levels of the skin by controlling sebum production. Use apple cider vinegar diluted with water (keep the ratio 1:3) on the blackheads and let it sit for 10-20 seconds. Rinse it with water immediately. Doing this once a week can help you to remove blackheads.
Egg white is an extremely effective blackheads remedy. It penetrates into your skin and strips off the blackheads, oil, and dirt settled deep inside. It also helps in cleaning clogged pores and tightens them up.
Benzoyl peroxide.
This ingredient kills bacteria that cause acne, helps remove excess oil from the skin and removes dead skin cells, which can clog pores. Benzoyl peroxide products that you can buy without a prescription are available in strengths from 2.5% to 10%.
Baking soda is promoted by numerous online entities as a “natural” way to get rid of blackheads. In theory, baking soda can indeed have a drying effect. Proponents back this treatment measure because of baking soda's potential ability to dry out clogged pores.
Since baking soda is a great exfoliator, it can help yu get rid o those ugly blackheads. Just mix on tablespoon of baking soda with a dash of your favourite toothpaste and voila, your natural home remedy for blackheads is prepared!