How to Reduce Blackheads

Blackheads look like dirt stuck in your skin, but they aren't. They are a type of pimple. They form when the pores in your skin get clogged with oil and dead skin cells. If the plug is open to the air, then it turns black, forming the characteristic black head of the pimple. Luckily, there are many effective ways to deal with blackheads. ^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Treating your Blackheads with Home Remedies

1
Do not pick the blackheads or try to squeeze them out. This increases the likelihood of an infection and scarring. Instead, try blackhead removal strips.
- These adhesive strips stick to your skin and when you pull them off, the blackheads should stick to the strip.
- The strips work best for small blackheads, but they do not work very well for larger or deeper ones.
- If you do not have a commercially manufactured strip, you can try using a band aid or piece of tape.
- Wash the area thoroughly afterwards to prevent infection.
2
Use acidic cooking ingredients to kill bacteria and open your pores. This will prevent infection and promote healing.
- Try a 1:3 mixture of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar and water. Use a cotton swab to thoroughly coat the blackhead. This will help dissolve the plug of dead skin and oil, but it may sting.^{[2]XResearch source}
- The acid has a similar effect to the alpha hydroxyl acid that is in many acne medications.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}^{[4]XResearch source}
3
Kill bacteria that might be growing in the clogged pore with a solution of 5% tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a natural remedy with antibacterial and antifungal qualities.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Make a solution of one part tea tree oil to 19 parts water. Dip a cotton Q-Tip into the mixture and dab it onto the blackhead. Wash it off the blackhead after 15–20 minutes.
- Tea tree oil is not recommended for people with sensitive skin because it can cause irritation.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
4
Use garlic to prevent the growth of bacteria in the pore. Garlic is antiseptic and contains sulfur which will aid healing.
- Cut a fresh garlic clove in half or mash it to create a paste. Rub the sticky juice directly onto the blackhead and allow it to work its way into the black plug for about five minutes. Then wash the blackhead and garlic off with warm water.^{[7]XResearch source}
5
Use baking soda to unclog the pore. This will draw out the excess oil and any pus that may have built up. This treatment is also good for exfoliating the area and removing dead skin cells.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Make a paste of baking soda and water by adding just enough water to make a stiff paste. Put a dollop on the blackhead and gently rub it into the pore. Once it dries into a white crust, wash it off.
6
Make a facial treatment of raw egg whites. As they dry, the egg whites will draw out oils and unclog the pores. In addition, the proteins and vitamins will also be nourishing for your skin.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Apply raw egg whites directly to the areas of your skin which are prone to blackheads. Mix them with a fork first to break them up and make them easier to apply. After they dry, wash them off.
- Be careful not to get any raw egg in your mouth.
7
Make a natural facial treatment using cucumber. Cucumber will nourish your skin with potassium and vitamins A, C, and E.
- Grind a cucumber in a blender, skin and all. Apply the wet mixture to your skin as a mask and let it your skin absorb the nutrients for 15 minutes.
- Wash it off with warm water.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Over the Counter Medications to Reduce Blackheads

1
Use nonprescription creams and lotions to dissolve blackheads, remove excess oil from your skin, and kill bacteria. The most effective products contain the following active ingredients:^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
- Resorcinol
- Sulfur
- Apply these products according to the manufacturer's instructions. Consult a doctor before applying them to children or when pregnant.
2
Apply a homemade paste of salicylic acid by crushing aspirin. Salicylic acid is an active ingredient in aspirin and many over the counter acne medications.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Grind one tablet into a fine powder and a drop of water. Be careful not to add too much water or the paste will become runny and difficult to apply. Then put a dollop of the paste on the blackhead and leave it for 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
- Consult a doctor before applying aspirin to a child and do not use if you are pregnant of breastfeeding.
3
Try commercially manufactured alternative medicines. Because more research is needed to fully determine how effective and safe they are, it is best to consult with your doctor before beginning these treatments.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- 50% aloe vera gel
- Lotions with 2% green tea extract
- A 20% azelaic acid cream (this is also found in several prescription acne and rosacea creams)
- Zinc lotions
- Brewer's yeast, strain CBS 5926, when taken orally
- Creams containing 5% bovine cartilage
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Making Lifestyle Changes

1
Keep your skin clean and dry. Washing off excess oil, sweat, and dead skin cells will help prevent them from forming plugs in your pores.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} Start with warm water to open your pores and remove any plugs that may be forming. Then use cold water to constrict the pores and close them. This will help prevent dirt, oils, and dead skin from getting in.
- Wash once in the morning and once in the evening, but be gentle so that you don't cause irritation.
- Use only mild, oil-free, water-based soaps. Oily products may, themselves, clog your pores.
- Avoid oils from your hair getting onto your face. Wash your hair daily to keep oils from building up and if your hair is long, tie it back to prevent it from falling into your face and transferring oils to your facial skin. ^{[14]XResearch source}
2
Look for cosmetics that are oil free and certified as noncomedogenic. A comedone is a plug, and in this case it is the plug of oil and dead skin that forms the center of a blackhead. Noncomedogenic products have been tested and verified to not plug up pores.^{[15]XResearch source}^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Oily foundations frequently clog pores.
- Wash off your makeup before you go to bed. This will allow your pores to breathe and prevent the makeup from getting stuck in the pores.
3
Prevent workout clothing or sports equipment from irritating your skin. Tight clothing, backpack straps, helmets, and hats absorb the sweat and oils from your skin and hold them against your skin.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Wear loose clothes for sports to reduce the amount of sweaty, oily cloth against your skin.
- Wash your sports equipment and workout clothes regularly.
- Shower promptly after exercising to rinse off oil, sweat, and dirt that could get stuck in your pores.
4
Control blackheads by eating a healthy diet. For some people dairy products, refined sugars, and carbohydrate-rich foods, seem to aggravate their skin.^{[18]XResearch sourcewww.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/causes/con-20020580}^{[19]XResearch source}
- Contrary to popular belief, research shows that greasy foods do not cause pimples or blackheads.^{[20]XResearch source}^{[21]XResearch sourcewww.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/causes/con-20020580}
- Nuts are also not a cause of blackheads.^{[22]XResearch source}
- Studies have not produced a clear consensus about whether chocolate causes skin to break out.^{[23]XResearch source}^{[24]XResearch sourcewww.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/causes/con-20020580} If you feel that chocolate is a trigger for you, then try omitting it from your diet to see if you skin clears up.
Sun damage to your skin may make it more prone to breaking out. Use a non-oily sunscreen that won't clog your pores.^{[25]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
6
Reduce blackheads by controlling your stress levels. Stress alone doesn't cause blackheads, but stress causes hormonal changes in your body which may make you more likely to get them.^{[26]XResearch sourcewww.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/causes/con-20020580} Manage your stress by:
- Walking or jogging several times a week
- Practicing meditation to clear your mind of worries
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Seeking Assistance from a Doctor

1
Go to a doctor if these methods do not reduce your blackheads. Your skin should improve after four to eight weeks of treatment with prescription medication. Possible medications your doctor may suggest could include:^{[27]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Topical medications such as retinoids (Avita, Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac, Avage) to prevent clogging of hair follicles, antibiotics to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, or dapsone (Aczone).
- Oral antibiotics. This is likely if your blackheads are prone to infection and inflammation.
- Combined oral contraceptives (Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, Yaz) which contain estrogen and progestin may be prescribed for women and girls with severe acne.
2
Consider various therapies, often prescribed together with medications. Your doctor may suggest: ^{[28]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Light therapy to kill bacteria causing the inflammation. This may be useful for drug resistant bacteria. Some lasers and a light-based treatment called photodynamic therapy can reduce blackheads by reducing oil production as well as reducing bacteria.
- Chemical peeling and microdermabrasion to exfoliate dead skin cells.
- Injecting a steroid into blackheads that are red and inflamed to make them less obvious without the need for extracting the plugs.
- Extracting the black plugs are blocking your pores. Because this may cause scarring (though this is rare if done by a professional), it should only be done if other methods do not work.
3
Consider isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret) if nothing else works. This medication works well, but many people find the side effects unbearable.^{[29]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} Isotretinoin is only approved for severe or cystic acne.
- People with a history of depression or digestive problems should not take this medication.
- Because it can cause severe birth defects, women must participate in a Food and Drug Administration-approved monitoring program in order to receive it.
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Warnings

Always consult a doctor before applying any medications, even over-the-counter medications, to children or pregnant people.
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Read warning labels and manufacturer's instructions carefully.
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Before beginning any new medication, always consult with your doctor about potential interactions with other medications you may be on.
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