How To Get Rid of Blackheads Properly

The battle against blackheads can be quite tiring. They are a very common skin problem that affects teens and adults alike. Whilst they aren’t harmful per se, blackheads are a major skin concern. They especially frustrate anyone chasing a “flawless” or “glass skin” complexion. Worse still, blackhead removal can be hard and, if not done properly, may even damage your skin. If you’re fed up with blackheads and want to get rid of them, we can help. We’ve put together this guide to the best treatments to prevent and remove them.

What are Blackheads & What Causes Them?

Blackheads are small dark spots that appear on the skin. In medicine they are known as open comedones and are actually a type of acne lesion. They appear most often on the nose, but can also affect other parts of the face or the body. You get blackheads when pores (also called follicles) become clogged with a mix of sebum and dead skin cells. Each pore contains a sebaceous gland that makes sebum, the skin’s natural oil, which helps keep the skin soft. However, when there’s too much of it, sebum can build up in the follicles along with dead skin cells. This mixture forms a plug that, when exposed to air, oxidises and turns black. This is a blackhead. It is also important not to confuse blackheads with sebaceous filaments, which look similar but need a different treatment approach.

A few things can make you more likely to get blackheads. These risk factors include hormonal changes, which can increase oil production. Others are certain skincare products and insufficient cleansing that leaves pore-clogging residue behind. Factors like high humidity and pollution can also clog pores and lead to more blackheads. The most important thing to remember, though, is that blackheads are not dirt. As such, you can’t scrub them away. You need proven treatments to remove and prevent them without injuring your skin.

Do Blackheads Go Away on Their Own?

Blackheads can sometimes go away on their own. This largely depends on factors such as your skin type, age and skincare routine. In teens, blackheads often result from hormonal changes that increase oil production. This means blackheads and other teenage acne lesions may reduce or go away as hormone levels stabilise with age. The same is true for hormonal acne and menopausal skin changes. Here, treating the underlying hormonal imbalance will help clear blackheads. However, if the pores remain clogged and the contributing factors are not addressed, the blackheads will likely persist. In this case, you will need to use treatments to get rid of them and prevent new ones from forming.

Best Treatments to Get Rid of Blackheads

There are several options for treating blackheads, but the best approach is usually a combination of two or more. Skincare treatments help dissolve the plug of dead skin cells and oil, which aids removal. They can also prevent blackheads by regulating oil and speeding up skin-cell turnover. For more stubborn or severe cases, professional treatments can safely and quickly remove blackheads without injuring the skin.

Best Skincare to Get Rid of Blackheads

Effective skincare can help get rid of blackheads. It involves a consistent routine of gentle but deep cleansing, regular exfoliation and oil control. The aim is to do this without drying out your skin or damaging its barrier by:

• Cleansing: using a gentle foam, gel or lotion cleanser in the mornings can help remove excess oil, debris and last night’s skincare without over-drying the skin. In the evenings, we recommend double cleansing, first with a balm or oil to dissolve oil, makeup, sunscreen and pollutants. Follow up with the same gel, lotion or foam from the morning to finish cleaning the skin. This clears out pores without stripping it of its oil, which is vital, as overly dry skin can lead to more oil production and more blackheads.
• Exfoliation: acid exfoliants like beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) help clear away the dead skin cells that clog pores. Salicylic acid (a type of BHA) is particularly effective, as it penetrates into the pores to dissolve the blockages. These are best used as a toner in the mornings.
• Retinoids: Retinol, Retinal and prescription Retinoids like tretinoin are potent ingredients for treating blackheads and regulating oil. Retinoids speed up cell turnover, which stops dead skin cells from clogging pores. They can also reduce the production of sebum.
• Clay: using a clay mask once or twice a week can help absorb excess oil. Don’t overdo it though, as over-drying the skin can make it produce more sebum and worsen blackheads.

Professional Treatments for Blackhead Removal

When it comes to removing stubborn or extensive blackheads, professional treatments can give the best and quickest results. However, they are not a substitute for a good skincare routine, which will reduce the number of blackheads and prevent them over the long run. The best professional treatments for removing blackheads are:

• Manual extractions: this is a common and effective method for removing blackheads when done properly. A skincare professional carefully extracts blackheads from the pores using sterilised tools. This treatment must be done carefully to avoid skin damage or scars.
• Chemical peels: these involve applying an acid or enzyme solution to exfoliate the skin. Chemical peels help clear clogged pores and shed dead skin. You will normally need a course of treatments, usually 4 to 6 weeks apart, depending on the type of peel and the severity of your blackheads.
• HydraFacial: this is a multi-step treatment that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction and hydration. It can be particularly effective for removing blackheads and improving skin texture.
• Microdermabrasion: this minimally invasive procedure exfoliates the outer layer of skin. It can help treat certain types of blackheads.
• Laser therapy: professional laser treatments can help reduce oil production and improve skin texture. They also resurface the skin and can reduce blackheads as well as other acne lesions.
• Oral medications: for blackheads in the context of severe acne, it may be necessary to consider oral medications like antibiotics, spironolactone or even isotretinoin. These are all prescription medicines, so you will need to see a dermatologist to discuss whether they are right for you.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads at Home

Although it may be tempting to squeeze or pick at blackheads, this can lead to skin damage, large pores, hyperpigmentation and scarring. Your best course of action is a consistent and tailored skincare routine. This will help get rid of blackheads over time and keep your skin clear and healthy. It will also help you get the most out of professional treatments and maintain their results for longer. That being said, it is possible to extract blackheads at home safely if you use the right technique. You should, however, proceed with caution to avoid damaging your skin. Remember, if you have severe or widespread blackheads, it’s better to consult a dermatologist than to attempt removal at home. Too much or incorrect extraction can lead to skin irritation, infection and potential scarring. Here is a step-by-step guide to safely removing blackheads at home:

1. Cleanse your skin: double cleanse with a balm or oil and a gentle cleansing lotion, gel or foam. This removes makeup, dirt and oil. It also helps reduce the risk of infection.
2. Steam your face: apply a warm, damp cloth to your face, or take a warm shower, to open up the pores. Steaming makes the extraction process easier and less painful. However, avoid overly hot steam to prevent irritation and scalds.
3. Lubricate your skin: to loosen blackheads and make removal easier, apply a clay mask, then follow with a hydrating mask, a rich moisturiser or a face oil. This makes them easier to remove.
4. Disinfect your tools: we don’t recommend tools, but if you must use a blackhead extractor, make sure it’s washed with soap and water then sanitised with rubbing alcohol. Also read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
5. Gentle extraction: wrap clean tissues around the tips of your fingers to prevent slipping and to minimise the spread of bacteria. Gently press down around the sides of the blackhead. If you are using an extractor tool, place the looped end over the blackhead and apply slow, even pressure. If the blackhead does not come out easily, do not keep pressing, as this can damage the skin.
6. Don’t force it: if the blackhead doesn’t come out with gentle pressure, leave it alone. Forcing it can cause skin damage, inflammation or scarring.
7. Apply a toner: after extraction, apply a gentle, alcohol-free toner with antiseptic or anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe the skin and close the pores.
8. Moisturise: finish by applying a hydrating moisturiser or balm to soothe your skin and help it recover.

How to Prevent Blackheads

For most people, a good consistent skincare routine can help get rid of blackheads more quickly and prevent them. This includes regular cleansing to remove excess oil and dead skin cells, and adding exfoliation and Retinoids to keep the pores clear. In some cases, particularly where blackheads are stubborn or widespread, they might not resolve without targeted treatment. You may then need to try prescription Retinoids or professional skincare treatments.

Getting rid of blackheads isn’t easy, but it isn’t impossible. At the core of successful treatment is understanding that this is a type of acne. For most people, a good targeted skincare routine is enough. For stubborn blackheads, a number of professional treatments can help. The best one depends on your skin type and the severity of the blackheads. You might even need a combination of treatments to clear the most difficult ones. For best results, make sure you see a professional. They will help decide the best treatment for you and carry it out correctly. Lastly, avoid squeezing or manipulating blackheads, as this can cause permanent skin damage and scars. Although it is possible to gently extract blackheads at home, it doesn’t mean you should. If you do, it should be done with the utmost care and sparingly.

At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about personalised skincare. Our doctors offer safe and effective custom treatments using ingredients like tretinoin, clindamycin, azelaic acid and spironolactone where appropriate, through our online clinic. Our doctors treat acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma, rosacea and skin ageing through bespoke compounded treatments designed around you. To start your personalised plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin starts here.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical provider for any health concerns or questions you might have.