Here’s Exactly How To Get Rid Of Blackheads (& Actually Keep Them Away!)

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February 17, 2022 — 13:09 PM

No matter how satisfying it might be to watch videos of other people getting facial extractions, no one likes seeing blackheads on their faces. Frustrating as they are, know that you’re not alone—pretty much everyone will experience blackheads in their lifetime. 

And surprise, surprise: Blackheads aren’t limited to your nose or forehead. Just like other types of acne, you can get blackheads on other parts of your body—which is why acne body wash is a thing. But before you start picking at your skin (and please don’t because that can make an annoying situation worse), let’s have a chat about what blackheads are and how you can make them go buh-bye. 

Annoying as they are, blackheads are one of the many forms of acne. As we mentioned in the introduction, while your face is usually the first place you’ll notice this skin condition, it can also appear on your neck, chest, and back. And similar to pimples or whiteheads, they can occur at any age—although it’s most commonly an issue for adolescents. According to the Cleveland Clinic, anywhere from 10 to 20% of adults also struggle with blackheads. 

Similar to other types of acne, blackheads are caused by dirt, oils, and even dead skin that get clogged in your pores. Unlike whiteheads though, that combo gets through the skin and is exposed to the air, leading to that telltale black discoloration.

To be fair, “comedogenic” is a relative term that’s not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because the cosmetics industry is essentially managed on an honor system. According to a 1984 study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, the higher concentrations used to test common comedogenic ingredients in a lab aren’t always applicable to real-world scenarios when many brands use significantly smaller amounts in their products. 

This means an ingredient may not cause acne for an individual if it’s used in smaller quantities. It also means that a product labeled as noncomedogenic didn’t have to get certification to make that claim.

However, if you have oil-prone skin, you might want to avoid heavier moisturizers that might encourage oil production. And people with dry or sensitive skin should skip products loaded with alcohol or harsh ingredients, which can strip the skin’s natural barrier. When in doubt, check the ingredients list. The higher on the list an ingredient is mentioned, the more of it that’s in a product. 

Acne in all its forms also has a lot to do with genetics—but lifestyle choices matter too. While you can’t control your genes, some habits can increase your chances of developing acne and blackheads. James Beckman, M.D., a biochemist, board-certified plastic surgeon, adjunct associate clinical professor of the Dermatology Department at the University of Arkansas Medical School, and founder of Theraderm Skin Care, shared that, “Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily is very beneficial [and] keeping a good sleep pattern and healthy diet maintains healthy skin.” 

Sleep and stress can be particularly annoying triggers of acne, as a lack of sleep and increased stress levels trigger cortisol production in the body. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone and does a number on the skin. It’s notorious for its role in breaking down collagen, but it also increases sebum production. This increase of oil in the pores can lead to blackheads.

Investing in a gentle, yet effective, exfoliator that you use routinely can help to gently banish blackheads. Paul Nassif, M.D., a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of NassifMD Dermaceuticals, advises that “AHAs and BHAs exfoliate dead skin cells and clear the pores that lead to blackheads. [They] help to remove oil and dirt that clog pores without stripping the skin and improve overall skin texture.”

Popular options include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and even lactic acid. Nassif recommends the NassifMD Dermaceuticals Micro-Spa Radiance Resurfacing Peel, which contains AHAs and salicylic acid that help to remove dead skin and reveal a glowing complexion. 

Or consider incorporating a good mask routine—either store-bought or DIY—to help not only moisturize and balance your skin but to lift any gunk clogging your pores. Follow up with a good moisturizer as dry skin can cause your body to produce more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture. 

If you find that blackheads are a more common occurrence, you might want to kick up your exfoliation routine by incorporating manual exfoliation as well for a deeper clean. Whereas chemical exfoliants like topical acid serums and toners work to break down dead skin without any extra work on your part, manual exfoliation is usually centered around products with texture. 

These can be textured cleansers (think a gentle facial scrub) or skin-safe tools (not professional-grade aesthetician tools!) like konjac sponges or the Repêchage Ultrasonic Skin Spatula, which can aid in exfoliation and relies on ultrasonic waves. 

Note that you shouldn’t use any cleansing tools on dry skin as this can make your skin woes worse. It’s also a good idea not to use textured cleansers in addition to a textured tool, as this can be too abrasive. (Just stick to one means of exfoliation, thank you!)

Keep in mind that if you’ve just manually exfoliated your skin, you may want to avoid using a chemical exfoliator during the same skin care session as this may be too aggressive for your skin. And of course, don’t use exfoliants every day.