How to Remove Blackheads

Blackheads (essentially open-air pimples) can appear on any part of your body and be especially frustrating to deal with. If you are looking to remove your blackheads, try some of these successful treatments to clean your skin and stop the formation of the pesky dark spots. With some easy adjustments to your skin care regimen, you can have the clear skin you've always wanted (and deserve).

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Popping Blackheads and Avoiding Worsening Your Skin

1. Pick or pop your blackheads only after thorough hand washing. It's possible to pop blackheads without scarring, as long as you do it cleanly and carefully. When done correctly, this popping method is a fast, effective way to clear up your pores.
   
2. Don't use your blackhead removal tools. Many stores now sell blackhead-removing instruments so that you can give yourself an at-home facial. However, these tools often get full of bacteria and can scar your skin. Leave using steel instruments to the professionals and
   stick to using cleansers and exfoliants.
   
3. Avoid ultra-abrasive exfoliants. If you have sensitive skin, using harsh exfoliants can irritate it. If you are ever in pain from an exfoliant, stop using it and go with a more gentle cleanser, like a gentle chemical exfoliant.^[1] Try using oatmeal as the most gentle exfoliant if you are having issues with harsher scrubs.
   
4. Wash your face twice daily. A good face-cleansing routine is essential to prevent blackheads from forming in the first place.^[2] Talk to a dermatologist and experiment to see what works best for your skin.
   
5. Wash your pillowcases. Your pillowcases catch remnants of your haircare products when you sleep on them at night. Wash them frequently to remove the buildup from the fabric to help keep your face clear of blackheads.^[3]
   
6. Don't touch your face. Even if you aren't picking at your blackheads, touching your face transfers bacteria from your hands to your face. Your hands are the dirtiest part of your body and can be the cause of blackheads.^[4]
   Avoid resting your face on your hands or needlessly touching your skin.
   

[Edit]Cleansing to Remove Blackheads

1. Use honey and cinnamon. Some research shows that honey contains antibiotic properties.^[5] Some believe it can work to pull out dirt from your open pores. Mix of honey with ½ tsp (1.4 g) of cinnamon and use your fingers to dab it onto your dry skin. Rub it in a circular motion for 3 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Make sure to wash your hands before you start applying the mask.
   
2. Try an egg-white mask. Some believe that egg whites can help to tighten pores and pull out any clogged dirt, giving you smooth, clear skin. A simple egg white mask could be a way to remove blackheads and help your skin feel fresh and clean.
   
3. Create a clay mask. There are many different kinds of cosmetic clay available to purchase in a powdered form—some find that they can dry out oily pores and remove unwanted residue. Mix a tablespoon of powdered clay with enough apple cider vinegar to make a paste, and spread it over your face. Leave it for 10-15 minutes until it is dry to the touch, and then rinse off with warm water.
   
4. Cleanse with oatmeal and yogurt. Some find that the lactic acid in yogurt and the calming qualities of the oatmeal mix create an effective blackhead-blocking formula. Use this simple mask once a week to potentially keep your skin clear and fresh.
   
5. Use a paste of fenugreek. Some people find that fenugreek has shown promising results for removing blackheads. Blend it with water to form a paste. Spread this paste over your face, allow it to sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse it off.
   
6. Try turmeric and mint juice. Some people find that turmeric and mint can help to clean out dirty pores. Create a brew of mint tea and allow it to cool. Then, add of the liquid with 1 tbsp (6.8 g) of turmeric powder and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.
   
7. Make an Epsom salt cleansing solution. Some people find that Epsom salt mixed with iodine can form a bacteria-fighting combo that’s perfect for removing blackheads. Mix 1 tbsp (15 g) of Epsom salt with hot water and a few drops of iodine. Let this mixture sit, stirring it occasionally to dissolve the salt completely into the hot water. Then, use a bit of cotton to dab the solution onto your skin, allowing it to dry on your face. Then, gently rinse the mixture off with clean warm water.
   

[Edit]Exfoliating to Clean Your Pores

1. Try a lemon and salt exfoliant. Some find that the purifying qualities of lemon mixed with the scrubbing effects of salt help to remove all the grime buried deep in your pores.
   Mix lemon juice with of yogurt, 1 tbsp (17.1 g) of salt, and a bit of honey.
   Use this to scrub your blackhead-prone areas for 2-3 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
   
2. Make a green tea scrub. Green tea is great to drink, and it also has multiple health benefits like its anti-inflammatory qualities.^[6] Packed full of nutrients, a green tea scrub works to remove dirt while supplying your face with healthy antioxidants. Mix a fine green tea mix with a bit of water and rub it over your face. If you want, you can leave it to set for 2-3 minutes after your scrub, and then simply rinse off with warm water.
   
3. Use baking soda to exfoliate. Baking soda is one of those magical substances in life that is great for myriad purposes. Besides being a natural cleanser, the fine grain of the powder is perfect for clearing away dead skin cells.
   
4. Mix cornmeal with your facial soap. Some people like to use cornmeal as an abrasive exfoliant when combined with regular liquid facial soap. Mix 1 tsp (3.33 g) of the cornmeal with your favorite face wash and scrub your face gently in a circular pattern. Be careful not to scrub too roughly, as this could inadvertently damage your skin. Rinse the soap and cornmeal off with warm water.
   
5. Use a milk and nutmeg solution. Possibly the best-smelling exfoliant, some people find that the lactic acid of milk combined with the tough granules of nutmeg helps remove your blackheads quickly and in a pain-free manner. Mix a tablespoon of milk (particularly buttermilk) with enough nutmeg to create a paste. Apply this mixture to your face while gently scrubbing to remove dead skin and dirt. Then, use regular warm water to rinse the mixture clear off your skin.
   
6. Try a store-bought exfoliant. If you aren't up for making your exfoliator at home, look into exfoliating products at your local beauty supply or drugstore. Use these a couple of times each week to help clean out your pores and remove your pesky blackheads.^[7]
   

[Edit]Using Spa and Chemical Treatments

1. Use pore cleansing strips. These are great little strips of cotton material backed with an ultra-sticky solution that dries to your face. Follow the package directions by getting your face damp and applying the strips to your blackhead-prone areas. Wait 15 minutes for the strips to dry, and then rip them off quickly to pull out your blackheads. This option offers immediate results but must be followed by one of the aforementioned cleansing routines to give long-term results as well.^[8]
   
2. Try a facial peel. Gels containing salicylic acid
   dissolve away the dead skin and dirt that gets trapped in your pores.
   Purchase a salicylic acid peel from your nearest drugstore or visit a local spa for a professional treatment. Use by applying it in a thin layer to the affected area, giving time to set, and then rinsing it off with warm water.^[9]
   
3. Get microdermabrasion. This is a special spa process that works by using a specialized brush and chemical cleanser to clean out dead skin cells. These are often only available at spas and your dermatologist's office, but some beauty supply stores offer an at-home version. Get these treatments regularly to receive the best results.
   
4. Use a retinoid cream. Retinoid creams are packed full of skin-approved vitamin A, which helps to
   improve skin growth and prevent oil buildup.^[10]
   You can find retinoid creams at your favorite drugstores. Use it 2-3 times a week in addition to your regular skin cleaning routine to keep your pores blackhead-free.^[11]
   
5. Get your acne professionally removed. Although using a blackhead removal tool on your own can cause damage to your skin, getting a professional facial can give you the same immediate results with blackhead removal tools. Ask your dermatologist or esthetician for different facials that are offered and decide on which is best for your skin type.^[12] Getting these blackhead facials
   once every 2-4 weeks
   can help to keep your skin clear over time.
   

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Reader Videos

[Edit]Tips

• If your blackheads do not disappear after several months, a visit to your dermatologist may be in order.
• Picking blackheads makes your acne worse, so it’s important to avoid touching your face too much. Also, it’s bad to over-scrub your face and to over-clean.
• Steam your face before doing any of the steps above to open up the pores.^[13]
• None of the blackhead cleansing and exfoliating methods offer immediate results but will produce long-term results. Continue treating your skin with your method of choice daily for several months to completely remove your skin from blackheads.
• Don't touch your face, though it might be tempting.
• Use blackhead removal face washes and scrubs twice a day. It can help to keep the face clean.
• Certain prescription pills and creams can be given to you by a dermatologist to remove especially difficult acne.^[14]
• Always wear your hair away from your face and make sure you stay clean.
• Try not to eat oily food too much.
• Eat healthy and drink plenty of water.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Create a Hot Compress for Acne Treatment and Skin Health
• Naturally Remove Blackheads (Steam and Towel Method)
• Clean Your Skin

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/face-washing-101
3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/hair-products
4. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/skin-tips.html
5. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6589292/
6. ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/december/health-benefits-of-tea
7. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-rid-of-blackheads/
8. ↑ https://www.allure.com/story/do-pore-strips-work
9. ↑ [v161712_b01]. 14 May 2021.
10. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23293-retinol
11. ↑ [v161712_b01]. 14 May 2021.
12. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-rid-of-blackheads/
13. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-steaming-your-face-good-for-your-skin/
14. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/treatment/