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This article was medically reviewed by R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. Dr. R. Sonia Batra is a board certified Dermatologist and the Founder of Batra Dermatology based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Batra specializes in lasers, medical devices, patient and public medical education, and skin cancer research. She received her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in Public Health, and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees from Harvard University. As a Rhodes Scholar, she earned a Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics at the University of Oxford. She completed her residency training in Dermatology at Stanford University. Dr. Batra has contributed and reviewed for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and JAMA Dermatology. She is also a co-host of CBS’ Emmy award-winning television show, The Doctors.
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Blackheads form when your pores are blocked by dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. And while you’re probably used to seeing them on your face, these small bumps can appear anywhere on your body—including your ears. Luckily, there are tons of easy ways to remove blackheads from your ears, whether you’re searching for topical treatments or natural remedies! In this article, we’ll teach you how to safely get rid of blackheads in your ears and prevent them from appearing in the first place.
Things You Should Know
- Get blackheads out of your ear by washing them with a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning and evening.
- Alternatively, apply a retinoid serum, gel, or cream every other night to remove blackheads and exfoliate your skin.
- For a natural treatment, gently massage a salt or sugar scrub over your blackheads once a day.
Steps
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![Step 1 Remove blackheads with a salicylic acid cleanser.]()
Remove blackheads with a salicylic acid cleanser. Salicylic acid is one of the most effective ingredients to unclog blocked pores and remove blackheads. Just dab a small amount of salicylic acid cleanser on the affected area, then use a cotton ball to gently massage your blackheads. Rinse off the cleanser with warm water, and repeat this process in the morning and evening to clear up blackheads.[1]- If you’ve never used salicylic acid before, start by using a cleanser that contains 2 to 4% salicylic acid. If your skin dries out or becomes flaky, lower the percentage or use a benzoyl peroxide cleanser instead.[2]
- Tip: If you can’t shower right after a workout, bring a pack of salicylic acid wipes to clean your ears and get rid of any dirt, oil, or bacteria.
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![Step 2 Exfoliate with a glycolic acid cleanser.]()
Exfoliate with a glycolic acid cleanser. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates your skin to remove oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. Apply a 10% glycolic acid cleanser directly over your blackheads and gently rub the area with a cotton ball. Let the product sit for 10 seconds, then rinse it off with warm water. Make sure your ear is tilted down so the residual water doesn’t go into your ear, and only exfoliate once a day to avoid irritation.[3]- If you have sensitive skin, only use glycolic acid once or twice a week to avoid irritation.[4]
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![Step 3 Try a topical retinoid to treat blackheads.]()
Try a topical retinoid to treat blackheads. Retinoids prevent dead skin cells from getting trapped in your pores, exfoliating your skin and removing blackheads. They come in serum, gel, and cream forms, and you can apply them directly to your blackheads.[5] After washing your skin with a mild cleanser, dab retinoid on the affected area with a cotton swab. Retinoids increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so only apply them every other night, and wear sunscreen during the day.[6]- Ask a dermatologist for prescription-strength retinoids if you have a large area of blackheads around your ear.[7]
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![Step 1 Treat your blackheads with a salt or sugar scrub.]()
Treat your blackheads with a salt or sugar scrub. The granules in salt or sugar scrubs work to physically exfoliate your skin and remove dead skin cells. Before applying your scrub, wet the affected area with warm water to prep and soften your skin. Massage the scrub over your blackheads using small, circular motions, then rinse off the product after 30 seconds. Exfoliate once a day to minimize irritation.[8]- To make a sugar scrub at home, combine 3 tablespoons (44.4 mL) of olive oil, 2 tablespoons (29.6 mL) of honey, and ½ cup (64 g) of sugar in a bowl. Stir the ingredients until they’re combined, and store excess scrub in an airtight container.
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![Step 2 Massage green tea leaves over your blackheads.]()
Massage green tea leaves over your blackheads. Green tea reduces oil production in your skin, which can prevent your pores from getting clogged. Mix 1 teaspoon (5.7 g) of dry green tea leaves with a 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 mL) of water to make a paste. Then, gently rub the mixture over your blackheads for 30 seconds. Rinse off the paste with lukewarm water, and repeat this once a day until your skin clears up.[9] -
![Step 3 Apply tea tree oil to your blackheads.]()
Apply tea tree oil to your blackheads. Tea tree oil can help soften the plugged material in your pores and prevent blackheads from forming. Before applying the oil to your skin, dilute it by mixing 8-10 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon (14.8 mL) of olive or jojoba oil. Put 1-4 drops of this mixture onto a cotton ball, then dab it over the affected area twice a day.[10]- Essential oils are also used to treat ear infections, so feel free to place the soaked cotton ball inside your ear for 5-10 minutes (to treat blackheads in the ear canal).[11]
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![Step 4 Use witch hazel...]()
Use witch hazel on your blackheads. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help reduce inflammation from your blackheads. Simply wet a cotton round with a natural witch hazel toner and apply it over the affected area in the morning and evening.[12] -
![Step 5 Dab a clay mask onto your ears.]()
Dab a clay mask onto your ears. Bentonite and kaolin clay masks pull dirt and bacteria out of your pores, which can help remove blackheads. Apply a small amount of the mask onto the affected area, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s completely dry. Wash off the product with warm water, and apply it once a week to draw out any impurities from your skin.[13] -
![Step 6 Avoid squeezing or picking your blackheads.]()
Avoid squeezing or picking your blackheads. While it might be tempting to pop your blackheads, squeezing them can inflame and irritate your skin. Instead, apply a professional or natural treatment and let your blackheads go away on their own.[14]- Using blackhead extractors and other tools made to “dig” out blackheads can lead to scarring and permanent damage to your skin.[15]
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![Step 1 Wash your ears every day.]()
Wash your ears every day. The most effective way to prevent blackheads from forming is to clean your ears with a salicylic acid cleanser and water. Washing your ears removes dirt, oil, and bacteria, which can help minimize clogged pores around (and inside) your ear.[16]- If you don’t have a salicylic acid cleanser, wash your ears with any type of oil-free cleanser.
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![Step 2 Wash your hair every day.]()
Wash your hair every day. Your hair carries a lot of bacteria and dirt, which can clog your pores and lead to more blackheads. Be sure to wash your hair every day to remove excess oils from your scalp, especially if you sweat a lot.[17]- Tie your hair back when you work out so excess sweat and oil doesn’t rest on your ears.
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![Step 3 Clean your headphones...]()
Clean your headphones and earphones once a week. Even if you don’t use your electronic accessories every day, they can accumulate dirt, oil, and bacteria quickly. Use a cotton swab dipped in soap and water to carefully wash the area that fits in or over your ears. Wipe off any soapy residue with a damp towel, and let them air dry.[18]- Alternatively, use an alcohol wipe to disinfect the tips, mesh screen, cord, and wire of your earbuds or headphones.
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![Step 4 Use non-comedogenic products on your ears.]()
Use non-comedogenic products on your ears. Non-comedogenic products are less likely to clog your pores, which prevents pimples, blackheads, and other types of acne from appearing. Read the labels of your skincare products closely, and choose ones that are labeled “non-comedogenic,” especially when it comes to your sunscreen and lotion.[19] -
![Step 5 Keep your fingers away from your ears.]()
Keep your fingers away from your ears. Your fingers carry bacteria and dirt that can clog your pores and lead to more blackheads.[20] If your ears are itchy, resist the urge to scratch them, especially if you haven’t washed your hands. Instead, use an ear wax removal tool to relieve any itching or discomfort.
Expert Q&A
Tips
Warnings
- Unless stated, only apply blackhead treatments to the outside of your ear. If you have blackheads inside of your ear canal, book an appointment with a dermatologist to get them professionally extracted.[21]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-rid-of-blackheads/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-rid-of-blackheads/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-rid-of-blackheads/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/guide-to-facial-acids
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-get-rid-of-blackheads/
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22038-blackheads
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22038-blackheads
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22038-blackheads
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4486007/
- ↑ https://www.gohealthuc.com/library/earache-remedies
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3214789/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/q5s5AYB3aMg?t=363
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/popping
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/popping
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22038-blackheads
- ↑ https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/acne
- ↑ https://www.slhn.org/blog/2019/what-zit-all-about-5-tips-to-combat-pre-teen-acne
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22038-blackheads
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/acne
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/popping#
About This Article
If you’ve got blackheads inside your ear, you can get rid of them with a few different natural remedies and commercial products. Try putting a few drops of tea tree oil on a moist cotton ball, then holding it to your ear for 5 minutes a few times a day. Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic properties and can help dry out your blackheads. Or, mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice with 1 teaspoon water and soak a cotton ball in the mixture. Apply it to your blackheads for a few minutes several times a day. Alternatively, soak a cotton ball in a cleanser that contains glycolic or salicylic acid and rub this on your outer ear once or twice a day. Don’t squeeze or pick at your blackheads, since this can make them worse. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to prevent blackheads in the future, read on.
