How to get rid of blackheads?
Those tiny dark dots have met their match. Here's your step-by-step routine to clearer, smoother-feeling skin.
Step 1: Cleanse away pore buildup
Wash twice daily with a gentle cleanser to clear away oil, dirt and makeup before they clog your pores.
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La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin
HERBIVORE
AQUARIUS BHA + Blue Tansy Clarity Cleanser
Step 2: Exfoliate to unclog pores
Apply a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid a few times a week to loosen dead skin and free up blackhead-prone pores.
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DRMTLGY
Microdermabrasion Scrub Gentle Physical Exfoliant
Dermalogica
Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator
First Aid Beauty
Facial Radiance Pads with Glycolic + Lactic Acids
DERMA E
Dead Sea Salt Microdermabrasion Scrub
Step 3: Mask to draw out oil
Smooth on a clay or charcoal mask once or twice weekly to pull excess oil and debris from deep in your pores.
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Drunk Elephant
T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial Exfoliating Mask
Step 4: Add a nightly retinoid
Dab on a pea-size amount of retinoid before bed to speed up cell turnover and keep pores clear over time.
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Differin
Adapalene 0.1% Acne Treatment Gel
HERBIVORE
BAKUCHIOL Dual-Retinol Alternative Serum
SUNDAY RILEY
A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment
Bonus: Try targeted skin tools
Reach for an extractor or pore vacuum to gently lift stubborn blackheads, using a light hand to protect your skin.
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ULTA Beauty Collection
Blackhead Extractor Skin Clearing Tool
medicube
Booster Pro Mini Plus Facial Cleansing Device Head
Benefit Cosmetics
The POREfessional Degunker Blackhead & Pore Cleansing Mask System
Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a guarantee of results.
How to get rid of blackheads?
Getting rid of blackheads takes a consistent, multi-step routine. Start with cleansing, layer in exfoliation and a mask, add a retinoid at night and reach for targeted tools when you need extra help.
Cleanse away pore buildup: Wash twice daily with a gentle cleanser to clear away oil, dirt and makeup before they clog your pores. Don't overwash: cleansing more than twice a day strips the skin barrier and can actually trigger more oil production.
Exfoliate to unclog pores: Apply a salicylic acid exfoliant a few times a week to loosen dead skin and free up blackhead-prone pores. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate deep into pores to dissolve the buildup that causes blackheads. Start with two to three uses per week and build up as your skin adjusts.
Mask to draw out oil: Smooth on a clay or charcoal mask once or twice weekly to pull excess oil and debris from deep in your pores. Clay masks are especially effective for oily and combination skin, absorbing sebum without fully stripping the skin.
Add a nightly retinoid: Dab on a pea-size amount of retinoid before bed to speed up cell turnover and keep pores clear over time.
Bonus: Try targeted skin tools: Reach for an extractor or pore vacuum to gently lift stubborn blackheads, using a light hand to protect your skin. These tools work best after cleansing, when pores are a little more open.
Do blackheads go away naturally?
Some blackheads do go away on their own, but many don't and can get worse without consistent care.
The deeper the blackhead, the less likely it is to clear on its own. Oily and combination skin types are especially prone to blackheads that stick around. Without a regular routine using targeted ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide, clogged pores can enlarge, harden or progress to inflammatory acne over time.
What draws out deep blackheads?
Clay and charcoal masks are your best bet for drawing out deep blackheads, because they're designed to absorb excess oil and pull debris from inside the pore.
Salicylic acid also reaches deep into pores to dissolve the mix of oil and dead skin cells that cause blackheads. For the most stubborn cases, a retinoid used consistently at night will speed up cell turnover and gradually clear deeper clogs.
Is it good to squeeze out blackheads?
No. Squeezing blackheads can push the clog deeper into the skin, increasing the risk of inflammation, infection and scarring.
It can also introduce bacteria and excess oil from your fingers into the pore, which can lead to new breakouts. If you want to physically remove a blackhead, your safest option is a visit to a licensed esthetician or dermatologist. For at-home use, try a gentle extractor tool after cleansing.
What is the difference between blackheads and whiteheads?
Blackheads and whiteheads are both types of comedones (clogged pores) but they look and behave differently based on whether the pore is open or closed.
- Blackheads are open comedones. The pore opening is exposed to air, which causes the trapped oil and dead skin cells to oxidize and turn dark. Despite the color, it's not dirt.
- Whiteheads are closed comedones. A thin layer of skin covers the clog, keeping it sealed and giving it a white or flesh-toned appearance.
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