Blackheads occur when pores in the skin become plugged with a combination of dead skin, oil and bacteria. When these plugged pores, or comedones, remain open at the surface of the skin, a reaction with air causes them to turn a dark, or black, color. Removing blackheads generally involves a combination of proper skin care and over-the-counter medications. Severe cases may require professional treatment by a dermatologist.
Soften with Steam
Taking a shower or holding your face over a pot of boiling water can help soften blackheads to make removal easier. Steam also helps open pores, enabling you to deeply clean your face to prevent additional blackheads from forming. Use caution when steaming your face, however, as close contact with steam can cause skin irritation or burns. Gently exfoliating your face after steaming may also help loosen and remove blackheads.
Avoid Scrubbing and Squeezing
Vigorously scrubbing your face will not help remove blackheads; in fact, irritating your skin through aggressive cleaning can actually make blackheads and acne worse. Wash your face using a mild soap and lukewarm water twice each day, and keep your hands off your face as much as possible. Avoid squeezing blackheads. Doing so can lead to significant irritation and inflammation and increase your risk of scarring and infection, according to MayoClinic.com.
Use OTC Products
Over-the-counter acne lotions can remove blackheads by drying up excess oil, killing the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts, and encouraging the shedding of dead skin cells to open pores. These lotions are widely available and include products containing sulfur, resorcinol, lactic acid, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Blackhead extractor tools and pore strips may also help remove blackheads, but these products can cause skin damage and irritation if not used properly. Therefore, the American Academy of Dermatology cautions against using these products without professional supervision.
Try Prescription Medications
Blackheads that fail to respond to over-the-counter treatments may be removed by using prescription-strength medications. Topical application of vitamin A derivatives, such as tretinoin and tazarotene, work to unplug pores and treat blackheads. Severe cases of blackheads, especially when inflammation is also present, may respond to treatment with oral antibiotics. Because hormonal imbalances play a role in the development of blackheads and acne, starting or stopping oral contraceptives can also help clear up blackheads for some women, according to MayoClinic.com.
Speak with Your Doctor
If home treatment and proper skin care do not successfully remove your blackheads, speak with your doctor about other treatment options. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion can remove the top layer of your skin, taking the blackheads with it. These treatment options are typically reserved only for severe cases as they may cause significant side effects and are generally very costly.
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