How to Get Rid of Blackheads: How Do You Clear Black Heads Out?

how to get rid of blackheads

Unfortunately, blackheads are a common and totally normal part of life. Although they tend to affect people with oily skin the most, the truth is that anyone can get blackheads, at any age!

The good news for those of us prone to these pesky blemishes is that it's easy to treat and prevent blackheads with a good skincare regime, as long as you're armed with the right knowledge about what causes blackheads and what ingredients are best suited to beating them.

We'll show you how to get rid of blackheads at home with the best skin care products and tips, and we'll also go into detail about how and when your dermatologist can help. Let's get started!

 

What Are Blackheads?

 

Blackheads are small dark skin blemishes that occur when oil and dead skin cells block a pore or a hair follicle. Whiteheads are similar blemishes, but the difference is that a whitehead happens within a closed pore, while blackheads happen in open pores.

Both blackheads and whiteheads are types of blemishes known as comedones, with blackheads being open comedones and whiteheads being closed comedones. If your skin is regularly prone to breakouts of both, it may be classified as comedonal acne.

Blackheads get their signature black color because the pore remains open, air touches the oil and dead skin cells, and it becomes oxidized and black.

These pesky blemishes are a common symptom of comedonal acne. Blackheads most commonly appear on the face, especially around the nose.

 

Fungal acne vs. regular acne: RenewSkin Inc. explains the key difference.

 

What Causes Blackheads?

 

Blackheads are caused by the buildup of oil, dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells in your pores. People with oily and acne-prone skin are most likely to suffer from blackheads. This is because excess sebum production plus excess skin cell build-up is the perfect environment for clogged pores and hair follicles!

Blackheads can also happen when your skin isn't cleaned often enough, makeup isn't removed properly, or when sweat or dirt sits on the skin for too long.

 

11 Ways to Get Rid of Blackheads

 

If you find yourself prone to pesky blackheads that knock your confidence, the good news is it's totally possible to prevent and treat them. Here are our expert tips for creating a powerful skin care regimen that will beat those blemishes and get your skin back to shape in no time!

 

1. Choose the Right Cleanser

 

First things first, a good facial cleanser is your best friend when it comes to tackling blackheads. You just have to make sure you're armed with the right one.

To remove makeup, start with a micellar water cleanser. Micellar water is a mild skin cleanser that forms micelles on your skin, which are large molecules that attract and dislodge dirt and makeup from your pores.

When it comes to choosing a daily cleanser, a salicylic acid wash is a good way to combat blackheads. A salicylic acid wash will gently dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells while you wash your face, allowing them to slough away more easily. The fewer dead skin cells you have lingering on your face, the less likely you are to get clogged pores!

You should wash your face in the morning, at night, and after sweating with cleansing products designed for oily skin. A gentle foaming cleanser with ingredients like clay, tea tree oil, or niacinamide (vitamin B3) can help cleanse the skin of oil and bacteria without leaving any greasy residue behind.

Just take care to avoid harsh cleansers that could irritate your skin further. If you strip your skin of its natural oils, your sebaceous glands may respond by producing even more sebum and making your skin oily and greasy, which in turn will lead to more blackheads!

Lastly, look out for cleansers with a pH of 5.5, which is the perfect balance to maintain your skin barrier and keep blemishes and bacteria at bay.

 

2. Remove Dead Skin Cells

 

Whether or not you deal with breakouts, exfoliation is the key to any good skincare routine. It's not limited to harsh scrubs and not everyone needs the same level of exfoliation, but gently removing dead skin cells on a regular basis will help keep blemishes at bay – not to mention giving you a more radiant and youthful glow.

If you have particularly sensitive skin or inflammatory acne that causes redness and irritation, then strong exfoliation techniques may not be for you. For blackheads, however, exfoliation is extremely helpful!

When dead skin cells build up on your face, they stick to sebum (oil) on the surface of your skin and clog up your pores, leading to pesky blackheads and whiteheads. By avoiding a buildup of old skin cells, you are helping to prevent blackheads from ever forming.

You can add exfoliation to your skincare routine with a gentle exfoliating cleanser, face toner, or scrub, using either physical or chemical exfoliation – both of which we will explain in more detail in our next tips!

how to get rid of black heads

 

More helpful reading:

https://www.renewskinco.com/blogs/i/skincare-for-redness

 

3. Use Chemical Exfoliants (Exfoliating Acids)

 

Chemical exfoliation involves using acids to slough away dead skin cells. Although this sounds kinda scary and acid sounds like an ingredient you'd like to keep far away from your precious skin, chemical exfoliating acids are actually one of the more gentle and safe ways of removing dead skin without damaging your complexion.

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are families of chemical exfoliants that help dissolve the bonds that hold dead cells together, allowing them to wash away more easily and leave behind only your freshest, youngest skin.

Each acid varies in strength, with some being more suitable for sensitive skin than others. Let's take a closer look at the best exfoliating acids to look out for when choosing your blackhead-busting skin care products:

 

Salicylic Acid

 

Salicylic acid is the best chemical exfoliant for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), a natural oil-soluble compound found in plants. It has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, and it promotes exfoliation. Because salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid, it penetrates deeply into the pore and can help clear excess oil, making it one of the most effective blackhead treatments out there. 1

You can find salicylic acid in a variety of skin products like cleansers, toners, serums, and exfoliating sheet masks, and it can range in concentration from 0.5–5%.

Salicylic acid may cause a tingling sensation on your skin, especially on the first few uses while you get used to the product. While this initial reaction to salicylic acid is pretty normal, if your skin reacts to a beta-hydroxy acid with redness, irritation, or dryness, it may not be the right product for you. Try switching to a lower dosage and less frequent use, or you could switch to a different, more gentle acid from the AHA family.

 

Glycolic Acid

 

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates your skin. Unlike oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acids, alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic acid are water-soluble, which means that they won't get as deep into your pores to clear excess sebum and debris. However, AHAs are still a great preventative measure to use against blackheads, as they unclog pores and help even out your skin tone while they're at it.

Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and you'll find it in over-the-counter products in concentrations of 1–10%. Like salicylic acid, glycolic acid gently exfoliates and removes the top layer of your skin.

Other members of the alpha-hydroxy acid family that can treat blackheads include mandelic acid, azelaic acid, and lactic acid. You'll find all of these in cleansers, toners, serums, masks, and over-the-counter products. 2

 

Looking for the best facial serum? RenewSkin Inc. reviews 10 serums here!

 

4. Use Physical Exfoliants Sparingly (Use a Skin Brush)

 

When it comes to removing the excess dirt, oil, and skin that clogs your pores and causes those unsightly blackheads, you may be tempted to scrub your skin hard to get those nasties out. However, you have to be quite careful, as scrubbing your skin too harshly and too often can cause irritation, redness, and dryness that may exacerbate your skin blemishes.

To treat blackheads, experts recommend that you avoid using harsh scrubs too regularly, and instead reach for a dry skin brush. Skin brushes made with silicone are a great way to gently exfoliate your face, they can be used along with your foaming cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt, and product buildup from your pores.

A skin brush can gently remove the top layer of your skin to keep your complexion looking radiant and clean. Once or twice a week is enough when using skin brushes for your face, as any more can irritate your skin.

 

5. Choose Non-comedogenic Hydration for Oily Skin

 

Blackheads thrive on the buildup of oil on your skin, and one thing that can cause this buildup is a skin product that is too heavy for your skin type. The most common skin products that can clog your pores are heavy moisturizers and SPF lotions.

For oily and acne-prone skin types, in particular, it's so important to choose the right hydrating skincare products that won't clog pores but won't leave you with dry skin either. The term you need to look out for on your skin care labels is "non-comedogenic".

Moisturizers and SPF lotions that don't clog pores will typically hydrate your skin with humectants, which are types of ingredients that attract and retain water in your skin without weighing it down or leaving a greasy residue behind.

The best humectants for blackhead-prone skin include hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and ceramide. Hyaluronic acid is an amazing hydrating ingredient for all skin types, as it can attract and retain up to 1000 times its weight in water, which has a smoothing, plumping effect on your skin.

Taut Hydrate hyaluronic acid supplements are a great way to hydrate your skin from the inside out, avoiding clogged pores without compromising on soft, smooth skin!

These capsules contain pure plant-based hyaluronic acid that can fill, hydrate, and plump up your skin from deep within, where topical products cannot penetrate. Taut Hydrate's second secret weapon is grape seed extract, a powerful antioxidant proven to protect and brighten your skin, speed up the healing of scars and marks, and reduce the signs of aging. 3, 4

By ingesting hyaluronic acid on a daily basis, you provide your skin with a serious dose of plumping hydration at the dermal level. It's a great solution for blackheads and oily skin types in particular, as it gives your skin a smoothing and softening boost without the need for heavy pore-clogging moisturizers.

 

What is hyaluronic acid? RenewSkin Inc. explains.

 

6. Try Retinoids

 

Retinoids are a family of ingredients derived from vitamin A, and they are extremely popular in anti-aging and anti-acne skincare products for their ability to increase cell turnover, unclog pores, increase collagen production, speed up healing, and improve skin elasticity.

Topical retinoid treatments are often the first port of call to treat acne and blemishes like blackheads and whiteheads. They work because they speed up skin cell turnover, discouraging the build-up of dead skin cells and preventing clogged pores – which is basically the ideal solution to prevent blackheads from happening.

Types of retinoids in skin care products will vary from low-strength retinol serums and creams (often among the most popular anti-aging products) to over-the-counter retinoid creams such as Adapalene or Differin.

If you suffer from particularly stubborn acne that doesn't respond to over-the-counter solutions, you can also visit your dermatologist who may advise you to use stronger prescription retinoids.

Retinoids are a great alternative to typical acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide, and they are better suited to treating blackheads in particular. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce and treat acne symptoms, but retinoids' ability to speed up cell turnover and unclog pores make them a superior form of treatment for blackheads.

Although retinoids are a great way to treat acne, they can also increase your skin's sensitivity to UV rays so they should be used with caution and under the advice of your dermatologist.

 

What does vitamin A do for your skin? Find out here!

 

7. Boost Your Collagen Production

 

Collagen is a key ingredient in many anti-aging skincare products, renowned for its ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. But did you know that it can help get rid of blackheads and other acne symptoms too? And, did you know that it can be taken as a supplement or you can indulge in a collagen facial?

So how does collagen help acne? Here are the top benefits of collagen for fighting those nasty blemishes:

  • It reduces inflammation – Collagen is packed with the amino acids glycine and lysine, both of which have strong anti-inflammatory effects in the body that can help reduce the symptoms of acne.
  • It helps heal acne scars – Collagen plays a key role in the wound healing process, so collagen in skincare products can help speed up your body's natural repair processes and reduce the long-term impact that those blackheads can have on your skin.
  • It strengthens skin – Collagen strengthens the structure of your dermis, so it can help smooth out the irregular skin tone and texture that comes from having blackheads.
  • It hydrates – Collagen can also hydrate your skin, which in turn helps regulate oil production and reduce breakouts.

Taut Liquid Collagen Drink is our premium collagen supplement that can help you rebuild and strengthen your dermis from the inside out. Packed with 13,000 mg of hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides, each tiny bottle can help heal, hydrate, and protect your skin from within. This not only has a wrinkle-reducing impact, but it also helps your skin to bounce back quickly from blackhead breakouts.

The perks don't end with collagen either. Our unique formula also contains elastin peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, grape seed extract, ceramide, and vitamin B6, which work synergistically to stave off imperfections and promote beautiful, healthy skin from the inside out.

One bottle of Taut per day can help reduce the risk of developing blackheads and give your skin a youthful, elegant, and natural glow.

 

What are the benefits of a liquid collagen drink? RenewSkin Inc. explains.

 

8. Add Vitamin C to Your Skincare Routine

 

Vitamin C skincare is one of the best tools for preventing and clearing blackheads, and it's a great ingredient to add to your anti-acne skin care routine.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which means that it's capable of neutralizing harmful free radicals in your body. Free radicals can be the root of many inflammatory skincare issues such as acne, as well as causing signs of premature aging like wrinkles and sagging skin.

This vitamin is also a cofactor in collagen synthesis, so it plays a key role in the strength and durability of your skin, and assists in the wound healing process which can affect how quickly your skin reacts and bounces back from breakouts.

The benefits of including vitamin C in both your diet and your skincare routine include:

  • Reduced inflammation
  • Reduced pigmentation, redness, and post-blemish scarring
  • A more even skin tone
  • Improved skin texture and overall radiance
  • Improved protection against UV rays and other toxins

You can treat your skin to all of these perks and more with Taut Collagen Mask, our luxurious sheet mask infused with vitamin C, marine collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, and botanical squalene.

Designed to target dull, dehydrated skin that may be suffering from stress, inflammation, toxins, or sun damage, this 15-minute treatment delivers instant skin rejuvenation and 'red carpet' radiance alongside some much-needed you-time.

The best news for blemish-prone skin? The combination of vitamin C and collagen will help heal acne scars and smooth out any uneven skin tone, texture, and redness. So you can get back to your confident, radiant self!

 

Want to know more about how your body makes collagen? Find out here:

https://www.renewskinco.com/blogs/i/collagen-production

 

9. Use Pore Strips (With Caution!)

 

Pore strips are a common solution that can help you remove blackheads almost instantly, but they are a temporary solution that you should use sparingly.

Pore strips are adhesive strips that you place across your nose and peel away, kind of like a wax strip. The idea is that the glue will pull existing blackheads out from each pore and hair follicle, instantly clearing them away.

Pore strips are a good option for removing blackheads, especially when you need a quick fix. However, they are a fairly aggressive treatment that can also cause redness and irritation, so sensitive skin types may need to give them a miss. They also won't remove deeper blackheads, nor will they prevent them from coming back.

If you do decide to try them, be aware that your skin reacts and it will be a little red afterward, so it's best to avoid them if you're getting ready for a night out or an important meeting!

 

10. Tackle Stubborn Blackheads With a Chemical Peel

 

Sometimes you try all of the at-home skincare upgrades and still find that you need something more. Chemical peels are some of the stronger treatments that you'll need a trip to your dermatologist for, and they can be very effective for removing and preventing blackheads.

Chemical peels are basically a stronger, more potent version of your salicylic acid or glycolic acid treatments. They use chemical exfoliation at a higher strength than at-home treatments, which can essentially peel away the top layer of your skin.

These treatments can help reduce acne blemishes, fade scarring and pigmentation, and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. Just be sure to visit a board-certified dermatologist with proper experience in chemical peels.

 

Learn more about the different types of facials here.

 

11. Blackhead Extraction: Leave It to the Professionals!

 

Sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures, but no matter how much you want to get rid of blackheads, don't be tempted by squeezing the spot or trying those blackhead extraction tools.

Home extraction tools essentially act like pore vacuums that extract blackheads through suction. They might sound appealing when you want to get rid of a stubborn acne blemish, but the truth is they may cause more harm than good.

The downside? If not used properly, a vacuum tool like this may cause redness and broken blood vessels, and in some scenarios, permanent scarring. Not ideal!

You can, however, get similar in-office treatments from a board-certified dermatologist that will gently remove blackheads under proper supervision.

how to get blackheads out

 

Creating a Skincare Routine That Gives Blackheads the Boot

 

If you want to get rid of blackheads it's so important to stick to a blemish-busting skincare routine, especially if you're prone to oily skin.

The main takeaways to remember are: exfoliation is key, salicylic acid and over-the-counter retinoids are your friends, and ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen peptides, and vitamin C can add some much-needed hydration and protection to keep your skin healthy and strong.

When you need to take your skin care routine to the next level, our Ms. Magnifique transformation program can help even skin tone, reduce pigmentation and redness, and fade acne scars over the course of three weeks.

Ms. Magnifique is a skincare bundle containing three of our best products:

  • Taut Liquid Collagen Drink – the signature collagen drink that speeds up your natural healing processes and strengthens skin from the inside out.
  • Taut Bright - our brightening supplement that contains 7 antioxidants and active ingredients that fade pigmentation and scarring, helping you achieve a lighter and more even complexion.
  • Taut Collagen Mask – the healing, soothing sheet mask that tones, hydrates, and brightens your skin with vitamin C and collagen.

A daily dose of our collagen supplement alongside the antioxidants in Taut Bright gives your body the nutrients it needs to visibly heal and smooth your skin. It's the perfect trio to upgrade your daily skincare routine and beat those blackheads once and for all!

Psst: did you know you can save up to 15% on your Taut products when you subscribe to our auto-ship program? Check it out.

 

References:

  1. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Salicylic-acid
  2. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/face-acids-types-anti-aging
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4802053/
  4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/grape-seed-extract