How to Treat Blackheads

Identify Your Skin Type. Determining whether your skin is oily, normal, dry, or sensitive will help you choose the right products when shopping for cleansers at stores or pharmacies. The two main treatments for blackheads are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

• Products containing these active ingredients may cause allergic reactions. Discontinue use if your skin reacts negatively.
• Your skin might actually be "combination" rather than purely one type. For example, the skin on your forehead and nose might be oily, while your cheeks are dry.
• Most acne-prone skin is considered "sensitive," as breakouts often result from reactions to products like harsh soaps, cosmetics, or perfumes. When in doubt, opt for products designed for sensitive skin.

For more sensitive skin, opt for products containing salicylic acid. It’s best to use salicylic acid-based products if you have sensitive skin prone to dryness and irritation. Simply check the product label for the ingredient. Salicylic acid is gentler on the skin, less likely to cause redness or peeling, and works more gradually compared to stronger alternatives.

• Look for products that combine salicylic acid with glycolic acid.

Use benzoyl peroxide. If your skin isn’t particularly sensitive or prone to dryness, you can try products containing benzoyl peroxide. This key ingredient helps break down debris on the skin, loosening it and allowing it to escape from pores. It’s the fastest-acting over-the-counter option but can be harsh on the skin.

• Benzoyl peroxide concentrations typically range from 2.5% to 10%. Higher concentrations and prolonged exposure can cause irritation. If you have sensitive skin, start with the lowest concentration and avoid leaving it on for too long.
• Benzoyl peroxide is more potent than salicylic acid but also more effective.

Consider using alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) products. AHAs, including glycolic acid, are highly effective for exfoliation. Glycolic acid is commonly found in daily exfoliants and chemical peels. It helps break down and release dead skin cells, making it an effective solution for blackheads.

• Use it similarly to benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, and always follow the instructions.
• AHAs can increase sun sensitivity, so take extra care when exposed to strong sunlight after use.

Decide between creams and cleansers. Skincare products typically come in the form of cleansers or creams. Creams stay on the skin longer, allowing more time to work but also increasing the risk of irritation. Always follow product instructions, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Understand the limitations and risks of home remedies. There is little to no scientific evidence supporting home remedies; their effectiveness is mostly anecdotal or based on personal opinions. These remedies may or may not work and carry the risk of skin damage. Always consult a doctor before trying any home treatment.

• If you have particularly sensitive skin, be extra cautious and use diluted solutions.
• Discontinue use if skin irritation occurs.

Try an egg white mask. The protein in egg whites is believed to help eliminate acne-causing bacteria. Create the mask by separating the egg white from the yolk. After washing and drying your face, apply the egg white to your skin. You can use a cloth or clean, dry fingers. Once the first layer dries, apply another. Repeat 3-5 times, ensuring each layer dries before adding the next. Rinse and pat dry.

• You can place a tissue between layers of egg white. Remove each layer before rinsing.
• Raw egg whites may contain salmonella. Avoid ingesting raw egg whites.

Use warm honey. Honey has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which may help heal wounds and skin infections. However, there is no evidence that honey effectively treats blackheads or acne. Its stickiness is thought to pull blackheads out of the skin.

• Warm some honey in a pot or place the jar in hot water. Once warm but not hot enough to burn, dab it onto blackheads and let it dry for about 10 minutes.
• Wipe your face with a damp cloth.
• You can leave honey on your face overnight, but ensure it dries, or you might wake up stuck to your pillow!

Consult a doctor before proceeding. There is limited evidence on the effectiveness or even safety of using natural home remedies for treating blackheads and acne. Speak to a doctor before trying home remedies—your skin could be damaged, leading to more serious issues than a few blemishes.

Prepare a boric acid solution. A recommended remedy involves applying a diluted boric acid solution with water. Boric acid, a weak acid, is available at pharmacies. Mix half a tablespoon of boric acid powder with 350 ml of hot water. Dip a washcloth into the solution and dab it onto your skin. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes to allow it to work.

• No studies prove the effectiveness of boric acid in treating acne. While there is evidence that boric acid has antibacterial and antiviral properties, its efficacy for acne remains unverified.
• When properly diluted, boric acid is considered safe for treating scrapes and vaginal infections. However, it can cause severe irritation to the skin and eyes if not diluted correctly.
• Additionally, there have been cases of acne flare-ups in patients using boric acid ointments.
• Note that boric acid is a pesticide and can be toxic to infants if inhaled or ingested.

Use iodine and Epsom salt. This method is believed to help draw out oil and dead skin from pores. Epsom salt can act as an effective exfoliant. Mix one teaspoon of Epsom salt with 4 drops of iodine in 120 ml of hot water. Stir until the salt dissolves and the temperature cools slightly. Once safe to use, apply the solution to your face with a cotton pad and let it dry. Rinse and pat your face dry.

• There is no evidence to confirm this method effectively removes blackheads. If left on the skin too long or overused, iodine can cause severe skin reactions or increase the risk of hyperthyroidism.

Steam to open pores. Before attempting to extract blackheads, you need to loosen the pores. Blackheads cling tightly and aren’t easily removed, but steaming increases your chances of success. A highly effective method is steaming your face over a bowl of hot water for 10-15 minutes, keeping your face at least 30 cm away to avoid burns.

• Cover your head with a towel to trap the steam.
• You’ll feel the steam helping to loosen the pores.
• Alternatively, soak a washcloth in hot water and place it on your face.

Use a comedone extractor. Dermatologists and estheticians often use comedone extractors to remove blackheads, but you can also use them at home. This tool is easy to use and far less risky than squeezing blackheads with your fingers.

• After cleansing your face, place the extractor loop over the blackhead, press gently, and pull the tool downward. The blackhead should pop out.
• Avoid pressing too hard. If the blackhead doesn’t come out with gentle pressure, treat it with a topical cream. Excessive force can damage the skin.
• Always cleanse your skin and the tool after use to prevent bacterial spread and clogged pores.

Use pore strips to remove blackheads. Specialized adhesive strips can pull blackheads out of your skin. This method is less likely to irritate the skin. While it’s a temporary solution, it’s useful in emergencies. You can occasionally combine pore strips with a regular cleansing and exfoliation routine.

• For best results, apply a cream for a few nights to loosen pores before using pore strips.

Avoid squeezing blackheads. Never squeeze, pick, or pop blackheads. This can lead to inflammation and infection, and it certainly won’t prevent blackheads from returning.

Consult a doctor if blackheads persist. If you’re struggling with stubborn blackheads and poor skin condition, visit a dermatologist for professional advice. They will thoroughly assess your skin type and recommend the most suitable treatment, whether it’s over-the-counter products, prescription medications, or even natural remedies.

Consider prescription products. If over-the-counter treatments don’t improve your blackheads, a doctor may prescribe stronger products. These are not intended for those with occasional blemishes on the nose.

• Doctors may prescribe benzoyl peroxide, which has acne-preventing properties (opening pores), anti-inflammatory effects, and has been proven to reduce acne-causing bacteria.

Prepare for oral antibiotics and topical treatments. Your doctor may prescribe a course of oral antibiotics along with topical medications if you have inflammatory acne lesions alongside blackheads. This treatment is reserved for the most severe cases.

• Try one treatment at a time and handle your skin gently. Scrubbing, using harsh chemicals, or washing your face too often can actually worsen blackheads. Be gentle!
• Always use an oil-free moisturizer—you don’t want to clog your pores further.
• Keep your hair clean. Even if your face is clean, oil from your hair can transfer to your face and clog pores.
• Wash your face at least once a day, but aim for twice if possible—once in the morning and once at night.
• Use a gentle soap or cleanser for daily face washing.
• Changing your pillowcase regularly can help prevent acne recurrence.
• Avoid being too aggressive when extracting blackheads. Be gentle and ensure your hands are clean.
• Try not to touch your face too often to prevent transferring oil from your hands.
• Keep your nails clean. This prevents dirt and bacteria from transferring from your hands to your face, especially when extracting blackheads.
• Use a good-quality exfoliator. If you have sensitive skin, avoid exfoliating or use a mild product once or twice a week. Over-exfoliation can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, redness, or breakouts.

• Overly aggressive treatments can worsen blackheads, leading to swollen, red, or bleeding blemishes, even if they were just minor blackheads only you noticed!
• If you experience irritation from any product, contact the product’s helpline (usually listed on the packaging) and discontinue use immediately.
• Always read the warning labels when using products containing AHA.
• Avoid getting any product in or around your eyes. If this happens, rinse immediately with water.