By Davan 
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“If topical treatment alone does not improve acne, or if acne is severe or extensive, oral medications are the best option. If you’ve tried several topical medications without success, or if your condition is severe, oral acne medications are usually the next step in the treatment process. Treatment usually includes oral antibiotics and applying a prescription gel or topical cream to the skin. Depending on people with acne, treatment may include using prescription creams to prevent acne, taking antibiotics to kill bacteria that contribute to acne, or, if acne is severe, taking stronger medications such as like isotretinoin, or even minor surgery. Even if you have tried topical acne treatments such as creams or gels without any lasting results, laser therapy may be the right solution for you. While I would like you to try natural remedies first, if you are not seeing improvement and severe hormonal acne is making your quality of life worse, other treatments can make a real difference. While it may take a while, treating hormonal acne from the inside out until your hormones are in their natural, happy balance will allow your skin to truly heal.
While my approach isn’t an instant solution, and won’t replace everyone’s multi-drug regimen, hormonal acne can be very sensitive to a more holistic approach, which means less medication and more patches. While the studio treatments offered by Carolina Skin Care can be very effective in treating acne, patients should also commit to taking care of their skin at home. Multiple topical treatments, whether it’s steroids for eczema or topical antibiotics for acne, topical treatments may help in the short term, but in the long run, it can damage the skin, making you more likely to take it in the future. In addition to other treatments, you can take the most obvious step to soothe stress-related acne: reduce stress. If the creams and antibiotics you have been prescribed are not working, or if you cannot tolerate the side effects that medications may cause, you may want to consider acne treatments, which can be provided at your doctor’s office.
1. Understand What Blackheads Are:
- What They Are: Blackheads are a type of acne that forms when pores become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The top of the pore oxidizes, giving the blackhead its characteristic dark color.
- Why They Appear: They’re most common in areas like the nose, chin, and forehead, where sebaceous glands produce the most oil.
2. Use a Gentle Cleanser:
- Why It’s Important: Cleansing removes dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells, which are the main contributors to blackheads. It’s essential to cleanse your face regularly to prevent clogging pores.
- How to Do It:
- Use a gentle foaming or gel cleanser suited for your skin type (oily, dry, combination). Avoid harsh scrubs as they can irritate the skin and worsen blackheads.
- Cleanse twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, make sure to double cleanse in the evening (using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one).
- Source: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using non-comedogenic cleansers to avoid clogging pores (AAD, Acne Treatments).
3. Exfoliate Regularly:
- Why It’s Important: Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells, which can clog pores and lead to blackheads.
- How to Do It:
- Use an exfoliating scrub with small, gentle granules or opt for chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid, or BHA) that penetrate deeper into the pores and help prevent blockages.
- Exfoliate 2-3 times a week to avoid over-drying or irritating your skin.
- Source: According to dermatologists, salicylic acid is particularly effective for blackhead-prone skin, as it penetrates the pores and helps clear blockages (AAD, Salicylic Acid for Acne).
4. Use Pore Strips (With Caution):
- Why It’s Important: Pore strips can remove the surface layer of a blackhead, making it temporarily less visible.
- How to Do It:
- Wet your face and apply the pore strip to areas where blackheads are common, such as the nose or chin.
- Leave the strip on for the recommended time (usually 10-15 minutes), then peel it off slowly.
- Be cautious: Pore strips don’t remove blackheads from deep within the pores and may irritate sensitive skin.
- Source: The American Academy of Dermatology notes that while pore strips can provide temporary results, they don’t address the root causes of blackheads (AAD, Blackhead Treatments).
5. Use a Clay Mask:
- Why It’s Important: Clay masks, particularly those containing bentonite or kaolin clay, absorb excess oil and impurities, making them effective for drawing out debris from clogged pores.
- How to Do It:
- Apply a clay mask to areas where blackheads are common, such as your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
- Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes or as directed, then rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Use a clay mask 1-2 times a week for best results.
- Source: Dermatologists recommend clay masks for controlling excess oil and improving skin texture (AAD, Acne Treatments).
6. Try Retinoids:
- Why It’s Important: Retinoids (retinol and prescription-strength retinoid products) speed up skin cell turnover, helping prevent clogged pores and treat blackheads.
- How to Do It:
- Start with a retinol serum or cream, applying it once or twice a week to avoid irritation. Gradually increase use as your skin builds tolerance.
- If over-the-counter retinol isn’t effective, consult a dermatologist about prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin.
- Source: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, retinoids are effective in preventing blackheads by encouraging skin turnover and preventing clogged pores (AAD, Retinoids for Acne).
7. Don’t Squeeze or Pick at Blackheads:
- Why It’s Important: While it’s tempting, squeezing or picking at blackheads can lead to scarring, infection, and more severe acne.
- How to Do It:
- Avoid using your fingers or nails to pop blackheads. If you do want to manually extract them, it’s best to see a dermatologist who can do it safely with sterile tools.
- Source: The AAD warns against squeezing blackheads, as this can lead to further skin irritation and scarring (AAD, Acne Facts).
8. Consult a Dermatologist for Professional Extraction:
- Why It’s Important: For stubborn blackheads that don’t respond to home treatments, professional extraction by a dermatologist can safely remove the blackheads without causing damage.
- How to Do It:
- Schedule an appointment with a licensed dermatologist or esthetician for a facial that includes blackhead extractions. These professionals use sterile tools to carefully extract blackheads without causing harm to the skin.
- Source: Professional extractions are often recommended by dermatologists for persistent blackheads (AAD, Treating Acne).
9. Maintain Healthy Skin Habits:
- Why It’s Important: Preventing blackheads is as important as removing them. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine can help keep pores clear.
- How to Do It:
- Follow a consistent skincare routine with products designed for your skin type (e.g., non-comedogenic products).
- Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep, as these factors can influence skin health.
- Source: Dermatologists emphasize the importance of a good skincare routine in preventing future breakouts and blackheads (AAD, Healthy Skin Habits).
Quick Recap for Best Blackhead Removal:
- Cleanse twice a day with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser.
- Exfoliate 2-3 times a week with salicylic acid or an exfoliating scrub.
- Use pore strips sparingly for temporary relief.
- Try clay masks to draw out oil and impurities.
- Incorporate retinoids to increase skin turnover and prevent clogging.
- Avoid squeezing blackheads to prevent scarring and infection.
- Consider professional extraction for persistent blackheads.