This Is How to Get Rid of Blackheads, Once and for All (2024)

If you have pores—and all of us do—then you’re very likely to have had blackheads at some point in your life. "Blackheads are enlarged pores that are filled with oil and dead skin cells that didn't slough away from the surface," explains Nancy Samolitis, MD, a dermatologist in Los Angeles and owner and cofounder of Facile Dermatology + Boutique. Although you may think that the black in a blackhead is dirt, that’s a common misconception. Your skin isn't dirty. "The black color is actually a result of the clog getting oxidized by the air," says Brian Ginsberg, MD, board certified dermatologist at Chelsea Skin & Laser and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Your genes and age play a role in how likely you are to get blackheads. “Some people are genetically prone to having larger pores or increased oil production, and both of these are contributing factors for blackheads," says Samolitis. Then, "as we age and the skin loses its elasticity, pores can enlarge and develop blackheads. This can occur on the face or anywhere on the body." So, tiny dark pores on your chest and back just might be blackheads, too. (Although you may also have clogged pores, whiteheads, or acne. When the clogged pore isn't open to the air and hasn't oxidized it'll look more like a small white bump," Samolitis says.)

What’s the best way to get rid of blackheads at home?

"The most effective approach is to fix what’s causing the blackheads, namely dead skin and oil," explains Morgan Rabach, MD, board certified dermatologist and cofounder of LM Medical in New York. "Use active ingredients—ideally retinol—to decrease oil production, slough away dead skin cells, and regulate the growth of skin cells."

Rabach also recommends other exfoliating methods, including exfoliants or peels: "These will slowly remove and then also prevent more blackheads from forming. Look for one containing salicylic acid to dissolve the oil and dead skin cells," she says. "Then also use a retinol to normalize skin cell turnover, which prevents clogging in the first place." You can also do extractions, but note:

To instantly remove blackheads from your face, grab some Q-Tips...

"With blackheads, since the pore is already open, you don't need to use a needle or tool to pierce the skin. Instead, apply gentle pressure around the blackhead to squeeze it out. I prefer using two Q-tips to perform the extractions because they won't damage the skin like squeezing with fingernails or even a comedone extractor can," Samolitis says. They're also clean and won't introduce more oil or grime.

Remember, however, that although squeezing out blackheads is satisfying, it doesn’t change the reason behind their formation, so they will keep coming back if extractions are the only method you use," Rabach says. Continue to incorporate a retinol, exfoliating serum, or weekly peel into your routine.

And to get rid of blackheads on your body, try this

"The skin on your body is thicker than the skin on your face, so it can handle a higher percentage of active ingredients like retinols, salicylic acids, and alpha and beta hydroxy acids to remove the blackheads," says Rabach. You can also ramp up how frequently you exfoliate and apply higher-strength chemical peels.

Know that if products aren't cutting it, a dermatologist can help. "Some blackheads on the back and body can be quite large, causing the pore to be irreversibly damaged," Samolitis says. "Even if you do extract the blackhead, the pore is so large that it will soon fill back up. A dermatologist can do a small surgical excision to close and heal the skin."

Do DIY recipes like toothpaste work?

Forget what you've heard about potentially using toothpaste to dry up your blackheads. On this DIY beauty hack, Samolitis is crystal-clear: "Toothpaste does not work for blackheads." As mentioned above, gentle exfoliants like a serum or peel with salicylic acid is best. Then, if the blackheads truly won't go away, progress to a dermatologist.

Will my blackheads ever permanently go away?

If it seems like you're constantly fighting a losing battle against blackheads, it might not just be your imagination. "Some people are genetically prone to developing blackheads—and they can always come back again," says Samolitis. "Regular use of salicylic acid and retinol can keep them at bay, but often won't clear them completely. Besides talking to your doctor about excisions, you can ask about an oral retinoid like Accutane. This prescription is usually prescribed for severe, cystic acne, however it will shrink oil glands permanently and potentially 'cure' blackheads. Still, this is not recommended for someone with a mild case."

But, overall, if you're following a proper blackhead-tackling skincare regimen, you can start to see long-term relief. "Blackheads can improve dramatically with retinols, salicylic acid, and regular exfoliation," assures Rabach.

What to consider

There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a serum, cleanser, or mask that can help with blackheads. The first is price. Depending on your budget, you might want to stick with drugstore finds that can be just as potent as more expensive products. Check out the active ingredients and their percentages; if you struggle with chronic blackheads, you might want to choose a product that has a high concentration of key ingredients like salicylic acid or retinol. Be sure to apply moisturizer to counteract their drying effects.

How we chose

The products listed below are chosen based on the advice given by Dr. Rabach, Dr. Samolitis, and Dr. Ginsberg. They contain the recommended ingredients to help fight blackheads. They are also chosen by editor reviews and first-hand experience.

best retinol for beginners

SkinMedica SkinMedica Retinol 0.25 Complex, 1 Fl Oz

This Is How to Get Rid of Blackheads, Once and for All (1)

Our group of expert dermatologists mentioned that retinol is one of the most effective ways to get rid of blackheads over time. But the thing about retinol is, you have to start small. That is, with a small concentration of retinol. We love SkinMedica's retinols because they are clearly labeled according to concentration, and you can move up over time as your skin gets used to lower concentrations.

Key specs: 1 fl ounce

Pros: .25 concentration of pure retinol

Cons: Product is on the pricier side

Pore release is literally in the name, so it must be good, but let's check the ingredients. We've got Dr.Samolitis-approved salicylic acid. Alpha hydroxy acids, as approved by Dr.Rabach, and lotus water which might be a little too obscure to score a doctor rec, but according to the brand, it's for revitalizing the skin without irritating it. This is a great step to use before you apply your retinol.

best mask for blackheads

Kiehl's Since 1851 Kiehl's Mini Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Cleansing Clay Mask 0.95 oz/ 28 mL

This Is How to Get Rid of Blackheads, Once and for All (3)

I use this Amazonian white clay mask from Kiehl's whenever my skin needs a major reset, but there's no time to go get a facial. It brings even the grossest and most buried gunk to the surface for a visible (yes visible!) change as soon as I wash it off. I'm one of those people who have blackheads through genetics, so they don't ever fully go away, but this mask helps resurface my skin for a visibly smoother texture (and less dry skin flakeage).

Best with squalane

The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane The Ordinary Retinol 1% With Squalane

This Is How to Get Rid of Blackheads, Once and for All (4)

The thing about retinol is that it's going to dry your skin out. This is because it's rapidly resurfacing and regenerating skin cells, so it's going to feel a little dry and flaky after the first few weeks of use. That's why this serum from The Ordinary is packed with squalane, a majorly hydrating ingredient that will help soothe any irritation and replace moisture loss on your retinol journey.

best exfoliator

Paula's Choice Exfoliator

This Is How to Get Rid of Blackheads, Once and for All (5)

Exfoliating before applying retinol is key to getting out stubborn blackheads, as told by our expert dermatologists. This is a gentle exfoliator that is packed with salicylic acid and 2% BHA exfoliants so all you need is a few swipes of this on a cotton round and you're good to go.

best tool for blackheads

Geske MicroDermabrasion Blackhead Remover | 7 in 1

This Is How to Get Rid of Blackheads, Once and for All (6)

Ilove this tool for helping to edge out stubborn blackheads. It's rechargeable and the metal plate vibrates as it pushes against the skin to release blackheads, sebum, and clogged pores to the surface. Start here and then exfoliate.

best for acne-caused blackheads

DUO Duo The Cleansing Balm

This Is How to Get Rid of Blackheads, Once and for All (7)

If you struggle with acne as the culprit for your blackheads, try removing your makeup with this cleansing balm. It has charcoal powder that helps control and absorb excess oil while also having antibacterial properties, which will help prevent future breakouts.

best brightening exfoliator

Curology Curology Liquid Pore Exfoliant

This Is How to Get Rid of Blackheads, Once and for All (8)

If you deal with dull skin after exfoliating, reach for a liquid exfoliant that has brightening properties. How do you know if it has brightening properties? Look for ingredients likegluconolactone that helps to improve discoloration and dissolves dead skin cells in a flash. This exfoliant has it plus salicylic acid for unclogging blackheads.

best mask with caffeine

PROVENCE Beauty PROVENCE Beauty Masked Out French Green Clay Mask

This Is How to Get Rid of Blackheads, Once and for All (9)

Caffeine is a popular ingredient in skincare because, in addition to making you feel more awake, it can help visibly tighten and firm skin. It's a natural antioxidant, which, like vitamin C, can help overall brighten the skin's appearance. But of course, we're also choosing this mask for its blackhead-clearing capabilities; it uses French green clay to help naturally exfoliate dead skin cells.

best skincare set for blackheads

Sunday Riley Sunday Riley All About Acne 5-Piece Set

This Is How to Get Rid of Blackheads, Once and for All (10)

This set from Sunday Riley includes everything you need to get on a complete skincare routine to help keep oil, breakouts, and blackheads at bay. Blackheads and acne often go hand-in-hand, and the over-the-counter ingredient to fight both is salicylic acid. This set includes Sunday Riley's best seller: the lactic acid treatment. It helps rapidly promote cell turnover to clear pores, while still remaining gentle on the skin.

For more stories like this, plus all things Oprah, sign up for our newsletter.

This Is How to Get Rid of Blackheads, Once and for All (11)

Nadine Jolie Courtney

Nadine Jolie Courtney is a lifestyle writer whose work has appeared in Town & Country, Robb Report, and Angeleno; a graduate of Barnard College, her fourth book, All-American Muslim Girl, was named a Kirkus Best Book of 2019. She lives in Santa Monica, California, where she posts too many photos of her daughter on Instagram.

This Is How to Get Rid of Blackheads, Once and for All (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Greg O'Connell

Last Updated:

Views: 5880

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg O'Connell

Birthday: 1992-01-10

Address: Suite 517 2436 Jefferey Pass, Shanitaside, UT 27519

Phone: +2614651609714

Job: Education Developer

Hobby: Cooking, Gambling, Pottery, Shooting, Baseball, Singing, Snowboarding

Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.