Blackheads are kind of like the facial equivalent of having a leaf stuck in your sneakers: They’re not doing any harm, but the more you look at them, the more you want to get them out.
But the truth is, as tempting as they are to squeeze, you really should leave them alone. Why? Because doing so can cause irritation, redness and even scarring – plus there are better and more effective ways to shrink the appearance of your blackheads. And we don’t just mean professional extractions.
From peels, chemical exfoliants and scrubs, there are a bunch of treatments for blackheads that you can do at home. Here, everything you need to know – and the products we are loving right now.
Why do we get blackheads?
Blackheads (also known as open comedones) are small, black bumps that appear on the skin.
‘Blackheads tend to present in oily complexions, as they’re a form of acne. In simple terms, the oil gland produces excess oil, which then mixes with dead skin cells and other debris in the pore lining,’ Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe, WH Columnist and Cosmetic Doctor tells Women’s Health.
‘This congestion then travels through the pore to the skin’s surface, where it’s exposed to the air, causing it to oxidise and turn black. And while whiteheads and blackheads actually both consist of exactly the same material – grime build-up, sebum and dead skin cells – blackheads only present in open pores that are exposed to oxygen, while whiteheads form in pores that are closed,’ she adds.
Why do I always get blackheads on my nose?
Blackheads usually form on areas where the skin has lots of hair follicles and oil glands, which is why the face and, in particular, the nose is where you’ll find them. Also, please ignore any influencers who tell you to get rid of your blackheads with Crazy Glue.
As for tools that claim to extract blackheads—leave these to the pros (doing it wrong can potentially cause damage to the surrounding pore, leading to permanent dilation of the pore). For at home care, stick to products like the below.
How do blackheads differ from whiteheads?
Whiteheads occur when dead skin cells, oil (sebum) and dirt become trapped in the pores, they differ to blackheads as they are closed within the pore whereas blackheads can be pushed or squeezed out.
What should I avoid doing when it comes to blackheads?
If it’s not ready to come out, then applying too much pressure can cause trauma to the skin and make things look much worse. So if a blackhead doesn’t pop out with gentle pressure, leave it alone.
The best blackhead removers for your bathroom cabinet
Best Cleanser For Blackheads
Paula’s Choice Pore Normalising Cleanser
This gentle, blemish-fighting cleanser removes excess oil, pore-clogging debris and makeup without drying skin or causing redness.
Best Salicylic Acid
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
Salicylic acid is an exfoliating, oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid that helps to speed up skin cell turnover whilst also dissolving debris within the pore. It’s a great choice for blackhead-prone skin because beta hydroxy acids, such as salicylic, exfoliate on a deeper level, reducing the number of pore blockages.
Best Moisturiser
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ Anti-Blemish Moisturiser
If you are prone to getting lots of blackheads, make sure that the skincare and make-up you’re using are non-comedogenic (aka it doesn’t block pores). The Effaclar Duo+ Anti-Blemish Moisturiser is the latest innovation from La Roche-Posay and presses the ‘pause’ button on overenthusiastic pores, helping to slow down sebum production and reduce congestion.
Best Make-Up
Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Coverage BB Cream SPF
Be very careful around heavy-duty foundations, concealers and setting powders – they are basically acting like cement, clogging up your pores. Opt for a mineral, full coverage liquid like Jane Iredale’s Glow Time Full Coverage BB Cream.
Best Face Oil
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow
This lightweight facial oil is bursting with vitamin C which is great for blackheads. This product delivers cold-pressed, nutrient-rich extracts into your skin, leaving your complexion looking brighter and nurtured. Simply massage a few drops into your face and décolletage, morning and/or evening.
Best Serum
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Brimming with beta-hydroxy-acids, it gently exfoliates and sloughs away dead skin cells while niacinamide ensures your moisture barrier stays intact too. After a few weeks of loyal use, you’ll notice those pesky dots slowly disappear.
Best Peel
Dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant
The sophisticated formula of Dermalogica’s Liquid Peelfoliant cocktails a potent blend of glycolic, salicylic, lactic and phytic acids which – in layman’s terms – work together to lift dead skin and oil from your pores.
Best Mask
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
If you have sensitive skin, it’s worth trying a clay or charcoal mask instead of a peel, as they can help draw oil out of pores without irritating skin. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque features a high concentration of pore-cleansing BHAs, at the correct pH for optimal action. The black charcoal works to provide a highly absorbent, balancing action for oily and blemish prone skin.
Best Retinal
Medik8 Crystal Retinal
If you’re looking for something a little more hard-hitting, opt for the Medik8 Crystal Retinal. Not only will retinoids help to decongest blocked pores, but they will work to prevent them by encouraging cell turnover.
Best Toner
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
This toner is jam-packed with AHAs and BHAs to shrink pores, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and green tea to soothe. Think of it as your chemical exfoliant and hydrating serum merged into one pretty bottle.
Best Device
Foreo KIWI derma Microdermabrasion Machine
Foreo’s KIWI Microdermabrasion Machine is, essentially, a vacuum cleaner for your blackheads. The suction will extract dirt and build up in your pores – and it will even save the gunk for you to observe after your treatment.
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