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Of all theskin-care concerns, how to get rid of blackheads can be one of the most frustrating.
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For one, blackheads are stubborn and hard to safely remove without professional help.
Fortunately, theres some middle ground in both removing and preventing blackheads.
We asked top dermatologists exactly how to get rid of blackheadsand keep them from coming back.
Heres everything you oughta know, from the best skin-careproducts for blackhead treatmentto professional options.
First, it helps to know what blackheads are (as Sun Tzu says, know your enemy).
According to board-certified dermatologistBrendan Camp of MDCS Dermatology, blackheads are commonly mistaken for dirty pores.
It is a misconception that blackheads actually represent dirt stuck in pores, he says.
Blackheads are also referred to as open comedones.
They are a throw in of acne that occurs on the skin.
Dr. Camp says that blackheads are a side effect of excess oil and clogged sebum.
Is it okay to squeeze blackheads?
As tempting as it may be, dermatologists universally advise against squeezing blackheads.
It is not recommended to squeeze pimples, including blackheads, says Dr. Camp.
And a full-blown infection or scar is much harder to combat than a blackhead.
Do blackheads go away naturally?
As for whether blackheads go away naturally?
Blackheads are a form of acne, which can be a chronic skin condition.
There is no cure for acne, Dr. Camp explains.
And if you dont remove blackheads?
Dr. Camp says the skin condition may worsen and lead to even more issues.
Left untreated, blackheads cause the skin to look congested.
Larger blackheads could develop into cysts or inflammatory acne, he says.
Blackheads that persist may require treatment, be it an OTC option or a prescription from a dermatologist.
Do blackheads leave holes?
If youre worried about leaving holes in your skin after blackhead removal, Dr. Camp says not to worry.
Blackheads do not leave holes in the skin, he says.
The blackhead may have made it more noticeable because the pore was dilated as a result of congestion.
These tweaks to your skin-care routine can help.
Wondering what draws out blackheads?
There are a few methods to consider, including DIY fixes and cult-favorite products.
To decide which is best for you, weve broken down all the ways to remove blackheads.
Layering the washcloths will ensure that the heat is retained in your skin, she says.
For safe extractions and the easiest removal, its important to have your skin as soft as possible.
If you absolutely insist, the key is to be gentle, says Dr. Geraghty.
While squeezing, relocate your fingers to make it easier and to avoid creating marks.
Donotuse your nails, lest you puncture your skin.
To use it correctly, place the open tips on each side of the blackhead.
Gently press on each side of the blackhead until it begins to release, she says.
If the blackhead does not release easily, do not continue to attempt the extraction.
When youre done, gently wipe your skin with an antibacterial, alcohol-free toner like herRapid Response Detox Toner.
Its essentially putting a Band-Aid on your nose, says Dr. Robinson.
Were also big fans ofskin spatulasthat vibrate to help excavate buildup in your pores.
Dr. Gohara likes theLonovevacuum since it has gentle suction and a blue light to calm inflammation.
However, if you have a deep skin tone, its worth erring on the side of caution.
Those of us with brown skin have more of a tendency toward hyperpigmentation with procedures, says Dr. Gohara.
I recommend staying away from suction and sticking with gentle methods such as steam extractions to avoid skin trauma.
But if one of those dark blackheads doesnt pop, take a deep breath and let it be.
My general rule is three strikes and youre out, says Rouleau.
If its not coming out, that means its not the time to remove it.
you’ve got the option to just come back to it another day.
Its better than causing damage.
Sometimes its best to let a pro handle it.
Dermatologists can also perform extractions on stubborn blackheads in the office, adds Dr. Camp.
The water will saturate the plug of oil and dead skin and may improve the penetration of acne-fighting ingredients.
If at-home treatments do not work, Dr. Camp suggests seeing a board-certified dermatologist for treatment.
But theres no need to use them all the time; more on that below.
In fact, the best cleanser for blackheads is going to be a very gentle one.
Shes a fan of cleansers that containglycolic acid, which clears out pores.
For exfoliation, opt for acids.
Scrubs can cause micro-tears in your skin.
Keep a lookout for ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid.
It essentially keeps pores open and clean, she says.
Even though oil production is a contributor to blackheads, avoiding it will only backfire.
In fact, keeping your skins oil levels balanced (versus nonexistent) is key to minimizing blackheads.
Overly dry skin can start to produce excess blackhead-causing oil, says New York City celebrity aestheticianChristine Chin.
ensure you maintain a normal flow of oil from your pores by keeping your skins moisture level balanced.
Try a moisturizer withsqualane oil, which serves as an emollient but is noncomedogenicits the best of both worlds.
But your favorite brightening ingredient, vitamin C, can actually be incredibly powerful for clearing blackheads.
This oxidation is what causes blackheads to turn black.
(Check out more of thebest vitamin C serumsto shop.)
Sleeping in makeup can contribute to clogged pores and the formation of blackheads.
Additional reporting by Danielle Sinay, Emily Rekstis, and Bella Cacciatore.
