By Davan 
What Causes Blackheads?Blackheads, also known as open comedones, form when dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria become trapped in a hair follicle. This is due to a clogged pore that doesn’t let the skin cell and oil debris escape. As a result, a blackhead forms. They can appear on the nose, chin, forehead, chest, and other areas of the body. To prevent blackheads from forming, it’s important to regularly wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oils. Exfoliating two to three times per week can also help to keep pores unclogged and avoid the buildup of dead skin cells. However, if blackheads do form, there are ways to treat them. One method is popping or squeezing the blackheads. Dr. Fua can incorporate all of these treatment options into your acne treatment plan, depending on what works for your skin.
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.
🧼 Step-by-Step Blackhead Removal (Safe Method)
1. Cleanse Your Skin
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Use a gentle cleanser with salicylic acid (BHA), which helps unclog pores.
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Wash with warm water to soften the skin and open up pores.
2. Steam (Optional but Helpful)
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Steam your face for 5–10 minutes using a bowl of hot water and a towel over your head.
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This helps further loosen blackheads.
3. Exfoliate
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Use a chemical exfoliant with BHA (salicylic acid) or AHA (glycolic acid) 2–3 times per week.
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Avoid harsh physical scrubs, which can damage the skin.
4. Extraction (If You Must)
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Use a blackhead extractor tool or comedo remover:
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Sanitize the tool and your hands.
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Gently press around the blackhead – never force it.
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OR use pore strips cautiously (they work better for surface-level blackheads, like on the nose).
5. Apply a Clay Mask
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Use a clay mask (like bentonite or kaolin) once a week to absorb oil and tighten pores.
6. Moisturize
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Use a non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) moisturizer to keep skin balanced.
7. Use Targeted Treatments
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Retinoids (like adapalene) help prevent clogged pores and speed up skin cell turnover.
🚫 What to Avoid
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Over-squeezing or using dirty tools.
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Using strong alcohol-based toners (can irritate skin).
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Over-washing – this increases oil production.
🕒 Long-Term Tips
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Consistent skincare is key: cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, protect (SPF).
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Use sunscreen daily, even if you’re inside. UV damage worsens pores and pigmentation.
🧼 Understanding Blackheads
Blackheads, or open comedones, are non-inflamed acne lesions that occur when pores become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. The dark color results from the oxidation of melanin in the skin, not dirt .
✅ Safe Methods for Blackhead Removal
1. Gentle Cleansing
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Frequency: Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser.
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Ingredients: Opt for cleansers containing salicylic acid (BHA) or glycolic acid (AHA), which help exfoliate the skin and unclog pores .
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Avoid: Harsh scrubs or over-cleansing, as they can irritate the skin and exacerbate blackheads .
2. Chemical Exfoliation
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Salicylic Acid: Penetrates deep into pores to dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells.
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Glycolic Acid: Removes dead skin cells from the surface, promoting cell turnover.
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Usage: Apply products containing these acids 2–3 times per week, depending on your skin’s tolerance .
3. Steaming
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Purpose: Opens up pores, making it easier to remove blackheads.
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Method: Place your face over a bowl of hot water for 5–10 minutes. Follow with a gentle exfoliant or clay mask .
4. Clay Masks
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Function: Absorb excess oil and tighten pores.
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Ingredients: Look for masks containing bentonite or kaolin clay.
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Application: Use once a week to help prevent and treat blackheads .
5. Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers
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Importance: Keeps skin hydrated without clogging pores.
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Selection: Choose moisturizers labeled as non-comedogenic or oil-free .
⚠️ Methods to Avoid
1. Manual Extraction at Home
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Risks: Squeezing blackheads can lead to skin irritation, scarring, and infection.
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Recommendation: If you choose to extract blackheads, use a sterilized comedone extractor and apply gentle pressure. However, it’s safer to leave extractions to professionals .
2. Pore Strips
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Effectiveness: Provide temporary results by removing surface debris but don’t address the underlying cause of blackheads.
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Potential Issues: Can irritate the skin and may not be suitable for sensitive skin .
3. Pore Vacuums
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Functionality: Claim to suck out oil and debris from pores.
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Concerns: Can cause bruising, irritation, and are not more effective than regular cleansing .
🧴 Recommended Skincare Ingredients
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Salicylic Acid: Deeply penetrates pores to clear blockages.
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Glycolic Acid: Exfoliates the skin surface, promoting cell turnover.
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Retinoids: Help prevent clogged pores and reduce blackhead formation.
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Tea Tree Oil: Has antimicrobial properties that can help reduce blackheads .
🧾 Summary of Dos and Don’ts
| ✅ Do’s | ❌ Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Use gentle cleansers with BHA or AHA | Squeeze or pick at blackheads |
| Exfoliate with salicylic or glycolic acid | Use pore strips or vacuums |
| Steam your face to open pores | Over-exfoliate or use harsh scrubs |
| Apply non-comedogenic moisturizers | Skip sunscreen, especially if using retinoids |
| Seek professional help for stubborn cases | Use unclean or unsterilized extraction tools |
🏥 When to Consult a Dermatologist
If blackheads are persistent, inflamed, or accompanied by other forms of acne, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist. They can offer treatments such as:
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Professional extractions
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Chemical peels
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Prescription-strength topical treatments