10 Tips to Finally Get Rid of Blackheads for Good

Medically reviewed by Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAADFact checked by Anna Harris

So you just purchased a magnifying mirror and got an HD view at those vexing blackheads on your nose or chin. (Been there!) It's no secret that blackheads are the absolute worst due to their persistent nature.

"Blackheads are clogged pores filled with trapped skin debris, sebum, and oils that appear black due to oxidization from exposure to air," explains Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist. "Dermatologists call blackheads ‘open comedones’ because they are open and exposed to the air, causing the black dot that we see. Whiteheads or ‘closed comedones’ are essentially the same thing as a blackhead with the exception that the trapped debris remains whitish in color because it has not been exposed to air."

As for what causes those pesky dots? "Bacteria, hormonal changes, genetics, and certain cosmetics (comedogenic products that clog pores and enhance oil production) all contribute to blackhead formation," notes Dr. Lauren Penzi, board-certified dermatologist. A universal annoyance, these clogged pores are common across all skin types, but, the good news is they, can be easily banished.

Below, Murphy-Rose and Penzi break down the skincare tips to keep pesky blackheads at bay.

Meet Our Expert

• Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is a leading board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist specializing in facial rejuvenation at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College.

• Lauren Penzi, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York.
  

Keep scrolling to read about how to finally obliterate blackheads on your skin.

Cleanse Regularly

"Skincare routine is important in preventing the formation of blackheads," notes Penzi. "Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser daily to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, and always use non-comedogenic products in general." She recommends cleansing with Cerave Acne Control Cleanser ($18) or Neutrogena Stubborn Texture Daily Cleanser ($11), then moisturizing with La Roche Posay Effaclar Anti Blackhead Moisturizer ($35).

"Those with oily skin are more likely to develop blackheads," echoes Murphy-Rose. "Keeping skin clean by washing with a gentle cleanser twice a day and keeping dead skin cells at bay with regular exfoliation will make someone less prone to blackhead formation." Her personal favorites? "La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser is formulated with 2% salicylic acid plus lipo-hydroxy acid to remove excess oils and keep pores clean." For body breakouts, she recommends an oldie but a goodie: Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash ($8).

Deep Clean With Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid, a very common ingredient in over-the-counter acne treatments will be your best friend. "The best thing is to clear clogged pores with a product containing salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that dissolves sebum deep inside pores and exfoliates surface skin cells," says Murphy-Rose. "You can find SA in at-home chemical peels to be used daily or weekly as well as cleansers, solutions, serums, spot treatments and pads. These products are excellent for keeping pores clear as a preventative measure and to treat blackheads once they have formed. By exfoliating skin, the depth of the pores decreases and they will be less likely to trap debris. They will also become less visible." The rockstar ingredient is found in concentrations between .5 and two percent in facial cleansers that are available over-the-counter—and it's all about finding one that works for your skin type, so be mindful of your skin's sensitivity.

For the face, Murphy-Rose suggests Skincare Junkie? Pore Therapy Daily Toner Pads ($38) for the perfect concentration of salicylic acid plus fruit enzymes to quickly resolve stubborn blackheads. "I generally recommend a daily peel pad over a weekly or monthly at-home product because the ingredients and acid concentrations will be less potent," explains Murphy-Rose. "Treating the skin with a gentler product every day tends to be safer than using a stronger product less frequently." For the body, she recommends Glytone Salicylic Acid Spray with 2% SA ($44).

Exfoliate With Glycolic Acid

When it comes to acids, there's a big difference in how they work. "BHA's like Salicylic acid penetrate into the pores to help dissolve oil, unclog pores, and prevent buildup of dead skin, oil, and other debris. AHA's like lactic acid help to break up dead skin cells and unclog pores, preventing formation of blackheads," explains Penzi, who recommends using a gentle chemical exfoliant once or twice a week. Lactic and glycolic acids are the major hitters when it comes to AHAs, or alpha-hydoxy acids, that slough away dead skin and promote collagen production. Penzi recommends Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment ($85).

Go Super Sonic

If you're serious about erasing blackheads and you haven't jumped on board the sonic skin brush trend, it's time to finally splurge. These powered-up devices promise to give skin that extra deep cleaning your chin (and the rest of your face) will need to fight blackheads without being too abrasive. "You can try an at-home ultrasound vibration tool like the Dermaflash Dermapore, but take care to use gentle pressure to avoid trauma and inflammation and to avoid overuse," says Murphy-Rose. It's also meant to prep skin to allow your nightly treatment to penetrate the skin effectively.

Prevent With Retinoids

Whether you opt for an over-the-counter retinol or a stronger prescribed one, this anti-aging product is known for its acne-busting properties. "Using a vitamin A derivative like adapalene or prescription-strength retinoid like tretinoin is the very best at-home way to prevent blackheads from forming to begin with," notes Murphy-Rose, who suggests nightly application of ProActiv Adapalene Gel 0.1% ($15). "Retinoids treat and prevent blackheads by regulating skin cell turnover, decreasing sebum production and shrinking oil glands. The more potent prescription retinoids may be more effective for oily and acne-prone skin."

Tips

"With products designed to treat blackheads, start low and slow. These ingredients can be irritating especially to sensitive skin," cautions Murphy-Rose. "An important tip for application is to start slow and test your skin’s reaction before increasing use."

Mask Intentionally

Masks are great because you can use them only where you really need to benefit from them. In this case, treat your chin, T-zone, or affected areas to a twice-a-week mask meant to draw out impurities and any congestion that could be causing blackheads. This will only help the rest of your efforts and maintain clear pores. "Charcoal and clay masks help to draw out impurities such as oil, debris and dirt from your pores, helping to minimize their appearance," adds Penzi, who suggests SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask ($66).

Spot Treat

"Blackheads are precursors to larger acne lesions, so it’s important to control blackheads before they become an even bigger problem," says Murphy-Rose. "At best, they will remain as black dots. They are unlikely to resolve on their own." Blackhead treatments can often be strong formulas that may irritate sensitive skin. Similar to masking only the affected areas, spot treating can help combat the issue only as needed. Murphy-Rose suggests Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment ($26), which contains salicylic acid and witch hazel along with skin-soothing extracts of oat, pine, and thyme to reduce irritation.

Put Down the Pore Strips

We admit the instant satisfaction of ripping off a nose strip and seeing the spiky blackheads that once resided within our pores can be pretty gratifying. But the truth is, they can potentially create more irritation to the already sensitive skin and the efficacy of these products has long been up for debate. "I am not a proponent of blackhead or pore strips, as I find them to be too irritating on the skin, and the adhesive can disrupt the skin barrier," asserts Penzi.

Apply Sun Protection

While we know sun protection is important, you may be surprised to learn its contribution to the formation of blackheads and acne. "Sun protection is important for keeping pores healthy. Over time, sun damage leads to enlargement of pores," says Murphy-Rose.

Avoid At-Home Extractions

In case you needed another sign to stop picking your face, here it is: "Performing extractions at home is usually ill-advised due to the inherent risks of causing more harm than good to your skin," says Murphy-Rose. "If you have clogged pores that are not improving with some of the above tips, I recommend seeing a dermatologist for evaluation and a treatment plan which may include safely performing in-office extractions and prescribing a prescription-strength retinoid if indicated."

Tips

If you absolutely must take matters into your own hands, Penzi suggests first steaming the face to open pores, using a clean comedone extractor tool, and applying very gentle, rolling pressure.

Up Next: How to Treat Hormonal Acne, According to Dermatologists

Read the original article on Byrdie.