How to Remove Blackheads

Co-authored by Janice Tieperman Medically reviewed by R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH

Last Updated: December 6, 2024 Fact Checked

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Blackheads (essentially open-air pimples) can appear on any part of your body and be especially frustrating to deal with. If you are looking to remove your blackheads, try some of these successful treatments to clean your skin and stop the formation of the pesky dark spots. With some easy adjustments to your skin care regimen, you can have the clear skin you've always wanted (and deserve).

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Popping Blackheads and Avoiding Worsening Your Skin

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It's possible to pop blackheads without scarring, as long as you do it cleanly and carefully. When done correctly, this popping method is a fast, effective way to clear up your pores.

Popping a Blackhead Safely
Shower first. A warm shower will open up your pores and make it easier to pop the blackheads. You can also do a 10-minute steam treatment to get the same effect.^{[1]
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Wash your hands thoroughly. Use soap and water and wash for 20 seconds. Popping a blackhead with dirty fingers will only add more bacteria to your pores.
Dab an OTC treatment onto your skin. You can buy an inexpensive bottle of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid treatment at a pharmacy or beauty store. Wet the blackhead area with just a small amount of it.
Squeeze the blackhead in a V shape with 2 cotton swabs to pop it. Squeeze gently on either side of the blackhead to extract the dirt from your pore.
Dab your skin with rubbing alcohol. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol around the pimple site to prevent any bacteria from spreading. Wash your hands afterward.^{[2]
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Many stores now sell blackhead-removing instruments so that you can give yourself an at-home facial. However, these tools often get full of bacteria and can scar your skin. Leave using steel instruments to the professionals and
stick to using cleansers and exfoliants.

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If you have sensitive skin, using harsh exfoliants can irritate it. If you are ever in pain from an exfoliant, stop using it and go with a more gentle cleanser, like a gentle chemical exfoliant.^{[3]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source} Try using oatmeal as the most gentle exfoliant if you are having issues with harsher scrubs.
A good face-cleansing routine is essential to prevent blackheads from forming in the first place.^{[4]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source} Talk to a dermatologist and experiment to see what works best for your skin.

Using an Effective Face Washing Routine
Remove makeup before washing your face. Makeup will quickly clog up your pores if left on, so it's important to take it off every night with makeup-removing wipes or a cleanser.
Wash your face in the morning and at night. Washing your face in the morning will freshen you up for the day while cleansing at night removes accumulated dirt from the day.
Use a gentle, acne-fighting cleanser. Choose a cleanser for your skin type, aiming for one that will remove oil and clear out your pores.
Follow up with a gentle facial moisturizer.^{[5]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source} A good moisturizer keeps your skin from producing too much oil, which causes blackheads.
Your pillowcases catch remnants of your haircare products when you sleep on them at night. Wash them frequently to remove the buildup from the fabric to help keep your face clear of blackheads.^{[6]
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Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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Even if you aren't picking at your blackheads, touching your face transfers bacteria from your hands to your face. Your hands are the dirtiest part of your body and can be the cause of blackheads.^{[7]
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Avoid resting your face on your hands or needlessly touching your skin.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Cleansing to Remove Blackheads

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Some research shows that honey contains antibiotic properties.^{[8]
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PubMed Central
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Go to source} Some believe it can work to pull out dirt from your open pores. Mix 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of honey with ½ tsp (1.4 g) of cinnamon and use your fingers to dab it onto your dry skin. Rub it in a circular motion for 3 minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Make sure to wash your hands before you start applying the mask.
Some believe that egg whites can help to tighten pores and pull out any clogged dirt, giving you smooth, clear skin. A simple egg white mask could be a way to remove blackheads and help your skin feel fresh and clean.

Creating an Easy Egg-White Mask
Remove the yolks from 2 eggs. Crack each egg into a funnel, a slotted spoon, or your hands, and let the whites run out into a separate bowl.
Smear the whites onto your face in 2 layers. Use your fingers to apply a thin layer of whites to your whole face. Let it dry for 2 minutes, then apply the rest in a second layer.
Let the mask dry for 10-15 minutes. Allow the mask to set until your skin feels tight and the whites are smooth to the touch.
Rinse your face with warm water to remove the mask.
There are many different kinds of cosmetic clay available to purchase in a powdered form—some find that they can dry out oily pores and remove unwanted residue. Mix a tablespoon of powdered clay with enough apple cider vinegar to make a paste, and spread it over your face. Leave it for 10-15 minutes until it is dry to the touch, and then rinse off with warm water.
Some find that the lactic acid in yogurt and the calming qualities of the oatmeal mix create an effective blackhead-blocking formula. Use this simple mask once a week to potentially keep your skin clear and fresh.

Cleansing with an Oatmeal and Yogurt Mask
Mix together:
3 tbsp (1.6 oz) of plain yogurt
2 tbsp (11.25 g) of whole oats
3-4 drops of lemon juice
3-4 drops of olive oil
Dab the mixture onto your face. Mix up your paste fully and make sure to fully cover any areas that are prone to blackheads or oil.
Let it set for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Some people find that fenugreek has shown promising results for removing blackheads. Blend it with water to form a paste. Spread this paste over your face, allow it to sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse it off.
Some people find that turmeric and mint can help to clean out dirty pores. Create a brew of mint tea and allow it to cool. Then, add 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of the liquid with 1 tbsp (6.8 g) of turmeric powder and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.
Some people find that Epsom salt mixed with iodine can form a bacteria-fighting combo that’s perfect for removing blackheads. Mix 1 tbsp (15 g) of Epsom salt with hot water and a few drops of iodine. Let this mixture sit, stirring it occasionally to dissolve the salt completely into the hot water. Then, use a bit of cotton to dab the solution onto your skin, allowing it to dry on your face. Then, gently rinse the mixture off with clean warm water.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Exfoliating to Clean Your Pores

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Some find that the purifying qualities of lemon mixed with the scrubbing effects of salt help to remove all the grime buried deep in your pores.
Mix lemon juice with 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of yogurt, 1 tbsp (17.1 g) of salt, and a bit of honey.
Use this to scrub your blackhead-prone areas for 2-3 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Green tea is great to drink, and it also has multiple health benefits like its anti-inflammatory qualities.^{[9]
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Research source} Packed full of nutrients, a green tea scrub works to remove dirt while supplying your face with healthy antioxidants. Mix a fine green tea mix with a bit of water and rub it over your face. If you want, you can leave it to set for 2-3 minutes after your scrub, and then simply rinse off with warm water.
Baking soda is one of those magical substances in life that is great for myriad purposes. Besides being a natural cleanser, the fine grain of the powder is perfect for clearing away dead skin cells.

Making a Baking Soda Exfoliating Mask
Create a paste with baking soda and water. Mix baking soda and water at a 3:1 ratio and stir until you get a thick, gloopy mixture.
Scrub your face with the mixture. Use your hands to scrub the mixture into your skin with gentle, circular motions.^{[10]
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Apply extra to areas prone to blackheads. Dab a thick coating of the paste onto parts of your face with particularly stubborn blackheads. Let it dry for 5-10 minutes.
Wash your face with warm water to remove it.
Some people like to use cornmeal as an abrasive exfoliant when combined with regular liquid facial soap. Mix 1 tsp (3.33 g) of the cornmeal with your favorite face wash and scrub your face gently in a circular pattern. Be careful not to scrub too roughly, as this could inadvertently damage your skin. Rinse the soap and cornmeal off with warm water.
Possibly the best-smelling exfoliant, some people find that the lactic acid of milk combined with the tough granules of nutmeg helps remove your blackheads quickly and in a pain-free manner. Mix a tablespoon of milk (particularly buttermilk) with enough nutmeg to create a paste. Apply this mixture to your face while gently scrubbing to remove dead skin and dirt. Then, use regular warm water to rinse the mixture clear off your skin.
Try a store-bought exfoliant. If you aren't up for making your exfoliator at home, look into exfoliating products at your local beauty supply or drugstore. Use these a couple of times each week to help clean out your pores and remove your pesky blackheads.^{[11]
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Cleveland Clinic
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Tip: No matter your skin type, always exfoliate gently. Pay attention to how your skin reacts and scale back if necessary.^{[12]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Spa and Chemical Treatments

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Use pore cleansing strips. These are great little strips of cotton material backed with an ultra-sticky solution that dries to your face. Follow the package directions by getting your face damp and applying the strips to your blackhead-prone areas. Wait 15 minutes for the strips to dry, and then rip them off quickly to pull out your blackheads. This option offers immediate results but must be followed by one of the aforementioned cleansing routines to give long-term results as well.^{[13]
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Try a facial peel. Gels containing salicylic acid
dissolve away the dead skin and dirt that gets trapped in your pores.
Purchase a salicylic acid peel from your nearest drugstore or visit a local spa for a professional treatment. Use by applying it in a thin layer to the affected area, giving time to set, and then rinsing it off with warm water.^{[14]
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R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 14 May 2021.}
This is a special spa process that works by using a specialized brush and chemical cleanser to clean out dead skin cells. These are often only available at spas and your dermatologist's office, but some beauty supply stores offer an at-home version. Get these treatments regularly to receive the best results.
Use a retinoid cream. Retinoid creams are packed full of skin-approved vitamin A, which helps to
improve skin growth and prevent oil buildup.^{[15]
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You can find retinoid creams at your favorite drugstores. Use it 2-3 times a week in addition to your regular skin cleaning routine to keep your pores blackhead-free.^{[16]
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Expert Source

R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 14 May 2021.}
Although using a blackhead removal tool on your own can cause damage to your skin, getting a professional facial can give you the same immediate results with blackhead removal tools. Ask your dermatologist or esthetician for different facials that are offered and decide on which is best for your skin type.^{[17]
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Cleveland Clinic
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Go to source} Getting these blackhead facials
once every 2-4 weeks
can help to keep your skin clear over time.

Join the Discussion...

How do I get rid of blackheads on my nose?

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WikiBirdWatcher823

I have a basic skincare routine and wash my face, apply toner, and moisturize every single day. Nothing I do has gotten rid of the blackheads on... Read More

1

Chloe Goldman
Board-certified Dermatologist

Cleansers with salicylic acid are great at removing debris and clotting, helping to clear out pores and get rid of blackheads. And there are a va... Read More

WikiCheetahGlider673

Try products with these active ingredients: salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide. azelaic acid, retinoids, and lactic acid. It may take some trial an... Read More

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Tips

Steam your face before doing any of the steps above to open up the pores.^{[18]
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Certain prescription pills and creams can be given to you by a dermatologist to remove especially difficult acne.^{[19]
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National Health Service (UK)
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If your blackheads do not disappear after several months, a visit to your dermatologist may be in order.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Be very gentle when attempting to pop blackheads. Wash your hands thoroughly, hold the skin taut, and use light pressure with cotton swabs to squeeze around the blackhead. Avoid using fingers or tools that can damage skin.
To get blackheads extracted professionally, you can get regular facials every 2-4 weeks for maintenance. Having a skilled esthetician handle extractions minimizes the risk of scarring.
Try a homemade scrub with non-irritating ingredients like oatmeal and yogurt. The soothing and exfoliating properties can help clear pores without inflaming sensitive skin.
To help prevent blackheads coming back after clearing them, establish a consistent face-cleansing routine with a quality cleanser suited to your skin type.
When using pore strips, steam your face first to open pores. Also pull the strips off quickly, in the opposite direction of hair growth, for best results.
Look into gentle, over-the-counter chemical exfoliants with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Start slowly if you have sensitive skin.

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