Blackheads and whiteheads are known as comedones, according to Acne.org. These skin lesions result when oil becomes trapped underneath the skin. If the pore's contents are exposed to the air, a blackhead forms. If they remain underneath the skin, a whitehead forms. In order to treat these lesions, you should take measures to reduce the oil buildup in the skin. If topical applications do not prove effective, careful extraction may be necessary.
Step 1
Wash your face twice daily with a mild cleanser. In order to remove blackheads and whiteheads, you must lessen the amount of oil on your face and remove bacteria that can cause inflammation in your skin, according to Dr. Audrey Kunin, a dermatologist writing on DERMA Doctor, a skincare website. Washing the face helps to remove makeup, dirt and oils that can clog the pores and contribute to blackheads.
Step 2
Apply a topical treatment designed to remove plugged-up oil found in the pore, recommends Dr. Kunin. A number of treatments---both over-the-counter and prescription---are designed to reduce oil. These include azelaic acid, which has been shown to reduce whiteheads and blackheads and alpha or beta hydroxy acid treatments. Vitamin A treatments, such as retinol, also help to reduce oil in the pore, according to Acne Talks.
Step 3
Exfoliate your skin using a scrub with round, even beads once per week. Careful physical exfoliation helps to break up the oil and remove dead skin cells. Take care not to scrub too hard---this can actually aggravate the skin instead of healing it, according to Medical News Today. Exfoliators that contain benzoyl peroxide or alpha hydroxy acids can fight blackheads and whiteheads, according to Acne Talks.
Step 4
Extract the blackhead or whitehead if other treatments have not reduced its size, advises Medical News Today. To extract, wash the face and steam your skin for five minutes. Be sure to wash your hands if you will be using your fingers. You also can purchase a metal blackhead extractor to facilitate the process. Place its fingers on either side of the blemish and lightly press down. If it does not immediately spring free, refrain from pressing again. Apply a topical acne treatment after extracting to remove any bacteria that may be left or introduced into the pore.
Tips and Warnings
- Use makeup products that are labeled as non-comedogenic, according to Acne Talks. This means the product will not clog the pores and cause the development of whiteheads and blackheads.
- Do not attempt to extract blackheads or whiteheads if the area appears inflamed, red or hot to the touch, according to Medical News Today. Doing so can introduce harmful material into the pore and even cause acne scarring.
Things You'll Need
- Gentle face wash
- Topical acne treatment
- Exfoliating scrub
- Blackhead extractor (if necessary)
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