How to Get Rid of Blackheads: 15 Blackhead Removal Tips

In general, if your skin is acne-prone, it’s a good idea to avoid heavy oil-based products, which will sit on top of the skin trapping sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells in your pores. Instead pick a gentle cleanser and a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer.

Products to try:

• Vanicream Moisturizing Cream, $13, Amazon
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream, $17, Amazon
• Avene Hydrance Light Hydrating Emulsion, $32, Dermstore

13. Try an over-the-counter retinoid product.

Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A that will speed up the cell turnover process in your skin, which is helpful for managing acne, reducing and preventing signs of aging, treating hyperpigmentation, and many other conditions.

You can start exploring the world of retinoids on your own by checking out an over-the-counter retinoid, like retinol serums or adapalene gels. Retinol is a derivative of the active form of vitamin A called retinoic acid (tretinoin). It tends to be more gentle because it requires a few steps to be converted to the active form. And adapalene is a synthetic form of retinoic acid that is now available over the counter as Differin or in a gel by La Roche-Posay.

There are some drawbacks with retinoids, however. The first one is that, because the oral form (isotretinoin) is known to cause birth defects, you should not use retinoids while pregnant. The second issue is that they can also cause serious skin side effects, including dryness, redness, irritation, flaking, and sensitivity. So it’s best to start slow with a lower concentration and just use them a few days a week at first—and to always, always, always moisturize.

Products to try:

• First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum, $58, Dermstore
• SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.25, $62, Dermstore
• Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment, $15, Amazon

14. Talk to a dermatologist about prescription treatment options.

If you’ve been trying to reduce your blackheads for a few weeks without any luck, it may be time to talk to a dermatologist to see what else you can do—especially if you also experience other types of acne, like cysts or inflamed pimples.

They might recommend you try prescription retinoid products, such as tretinoin (Retin-A), Dr. Talakoub says, which is stronger than the retinoids you’ll find over the counter. But you will still need to be patient. Typically a retinoid will take four to five weeks to start working properly, though experts say the real results won’t be seen until after about three to six months of use.

Be mindful that even prescription retinoids come in different concentrations and you’ll want to ease into them (and any potential side effects) by applying the treatment at night followed by moisturizer and, in the morning, sunscreen.

15. Wash your sheets and pillowcases regularly.

Think about it: Your pillowcase gets a front-row seat to all of the dead skin, oil, and bacteria sitting on your face and body. That’s why it’s so important to keep your sheets clean if you struggle with any type of acne, including blackheads. The AAD recommends changing your pillowcases twice a week to help keep clogged pores and breakouts at bay. When laundry day arrives, consider using a fragrance-free detergent to avoid any potential skin irritation.

Are there any blackhead treatments to avoid?

While it’s helpful to know all of the things you can do to get rid of blackheads, it may be equally important to keep in mind what you shouldn’t do. Dr. Rodney recommends avoiding the following methods (trust us, your skin will thank you):