Most of us have to deal with the stubborn little specks called blackheads getting in the way of a perfect complexion. Blackheads may not be as obvious as whiteheads or cystic acne, but it’s important to treat these suckers because the longer they hang out on your face, the more they expand your pores as they fill up with blockage.
What are blackheads?
According to board certified dermatologist Dr. Karyn Grossman, these annoying comedones (the official medical term) are usually caused by a buildup of sebum and keratin in the hair follicles of skin. The keratin oxidizes, resulting in literal black heads. Gross, we know. While we can’t stop our bodies from producing oil or prevent cells from making dead skin cells, what we can do is minimize blackhead buildup with a proper skin care regimen.
How to get rid of blackheads
Elizabeth Jones, advanced instructor for Dermalogica and the International Dermal Institute, stresses the importance of cleansing every day to get rid of blackheads. She even suggests a double cleanse in the evening when more dirt and oil have built up. Regularly exfoliating is also essential because it removes dead skin and other debris in follicles.
When it comes to choosing the right products to get rid of blackheads, board certified dermatologist and Director of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology Dr. Carolyn Jacob recommends looking for products with salicylic acid because it reduces inflammation and also treats surface blemishes.
Ready to learn how to remove blackheads for good? Read on for some of the best products for your skin.
[ Next: The Best Blackhead Masks for a Seriously Deep Clean ]
How to Get Rid of Blackheads for Clear Skin (SEO)
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Pore Scrub
Covering up blackheads is not the solution, they need to be treated. Spread on this scrub when blackheads start building up and it will remove congestion from pores ASAP. For an effective treatment, allow it to sit for five to seven minutes before massaging into skin. Bentonite clay absorbs excess oil, while a blend of botanicals soothes and cools skin.
Dermalogica Clear Start Blackhead Clearing Pore Control Scrub, $20.50 at Ulta
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Blackhead Cleanser
We all know how brilliant Bioré strips are at removing dirt and grime in pores, but this cleanser is just as effective. What makes it even better is that it can be applied over the entire face. The salicylic acid formula heats up as it's applied to skin to help dislodge the toughest of blackheads. And the warming sensation may be even more satisfying than ripping off a pore strip.
Bioré Warming Anti-Blackhead Cleanser, $6.49 at Target
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Cleansing Emulsion
Don't be intimidated by the word "emulsion" because this product is too good to pass up. The lightweight liquid helps treat blackheads and pimples. It has a triple-action formula that specifically targets redness in zits while simultaneously sloughing skin to remove dead skin cells and blackheads.
Avène Cleanance Expert Emulsion, $26 at Birchbox
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Peeling Gel
Want to know how to get rid of blackheads on your nose? This gommage peeling massage gel is one brilliant solution. Massage it around the nose for five minutes and olive oil and aloe vera work to remove dead skin cells and loosen blackheads. After five minutes, rinse the gel away and the result is clearer, less visible pores.
Holika Holika Pig-Nose Clear Black Head Peeling Massage Gel, $10.99 at Ricky's
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Blackhead Cream
This multitasking cream exfoliates dead skin cells with4 percent BHA while nourishing skin with natural oils. So gentle, it can be used every day after cleansing and toning, or even just a few times a week for noticeable results.
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Cream, $20 at Soko Glam
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Professional Blackhead Tool
A professional blackhead tool can remove stubborn dead skin cells quickly. This two-in-one stainless steel tool has a larger loop for removing whiteheads and a smaller one to target blackheads. Try using it after a shower for the best results.
Tweezerman No Slip Skincare Tool, $13 at Tweezerman
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Blackhead Dissolving Gel
Proactiv is known for clearing up all kinds of stubborn acne. This noncomedogenic gel contains salicylic acid, lactic acid and green tea extract to deep clean pores. Aloe vera, shea butter and bisabolol soothe and calm skin for a radiant glow.
Proactiv Blackhead Dissolving Gel, $35 at Ulta
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Exfoliating Pads
Cleansing pads take all the fuss out of skin care. Simply take a pad out of the pot and gently massage it over skin. One side of the pad cleanses skin while the other exfoliates and removes blackheads. The pads also reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines with a blend of alpha hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid and alcohol. Unlike a lot of medicated pads, these have a delicious peach Bellini scent.
Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pads, $40 at Nordstrom
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Clarifying Scrub
Whether you have a single blackhead or a cluster, this budget-friendly clarifying scrub promises fewer blackheads in as little as two days. All that is needed is 20 to 30 seconds of scrubbing to remove dirt and impurities from pores.
Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Scrub, $5.99 at Ulta
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Blackhead Removal Kit
The "blackhead killer" name may sound a bit intense, but the three-step product works to remove blackheads on the nose — gently. Follow the steps in order by first applying the large sheet nose pack. At the end of the treatment, blackheads will be extracted without any picking or prodding skin.
Memebox I Dew Care Blackhead Killer 3-Step Blackhead Removal Kit, $14 at Ulta
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Pore Strips
Eggs for clearer skin? Yup. The innovative eggshell powder pore strips contain acetic acid and charcoal to combat dirt, debris and excess oil. In true cute K-beauty fashion, each strip is even shaped to resemble an egg. Apply one of the rounded strips to your nose, wait for it to dry, then peel away to reveal blackhead-free skin.
TONYMOLY Egg Pore Nose Strip Pack, $8 at Birchbox
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Blackhead Treatment
Whether skin is oily, dry, sensitive or combination, this anti-blackhead treatment kit will remove those annoying black spots without causing irritation. The mask utilizes white clay to draw out impurities and minimize the appearance of pores. Follow it with the cleanser to cleanse and balance skin for a radiant glow.
Philosophy Bye, Bye Blackheads Duo Set, $35 at Sephora
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Pore Pack
If you're not familiar with packs, it's time to get acquainted. They are a Korean beauty staple and brilliant at addressing all skin care concerns. This one deep cleans whiteheads, deep-down dirt and blackheads thanks to the charcoal and oxygen formula. It froths up on contact with skin like a bubble mask to remove trapped dirt and dead skin cells.
Caolion Premium Blackhead O2 Bubble Pore Pack, $26 at Target
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Face Oil
Instead of just focusing on ways to treat blackheads, look for ways to prevent them. The secret in this ultra clarifying oil isn't extraterrestrial; it's 1.5 percent salicylic acid. The potent ingredient works alongside black cumin seed oil and tea tree oil to remove dead skin cell buildup and keep complexions clear of pimples and blackheads. The oil also brightens and nourishes skin thanks to licorice extract, neroli and chamomile. And there's no need to be concerned about a greasy feel. The quick-absorbing oil doesn't leave behind any residue.
Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil, $80 at Sephora
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Nose Patch
Pore strips aren't just satisfying to apply, they're also one of the best ways to get rid of blackheads on your nose. This two-step patch removes deep-down blackheads and helps minimize the appearance of pores. The micro-bubbles from sparkling Italian water refresh pores, while apple and lime extracts control oil production.
Missha Super Aqua Pore-Kling Nose Dual Patch, $2.75 at Target
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Blackhead Scrub
Clear up complexions with this blackhead-eliminating scrub. A combination of charcoal and salicylic acid goes deep down into pores to remove impurities and dirt. It may be a gel exfoliator, but it functions as a magnet for blackheads. The detoxifying formula is especially good for those with oily skin.
Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub Oily Skin, $5.99 at Target
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Anti-Blackhead Kit
Get rid of blackheads in two simple steps. The first is a blackhead remover that exfoliates pore buildup and targets cellular debris and sebum oxidation, aka the stuff that makes blackheads black. The second step is a sealer to keep pores looking their best.
Murad Blackhead and Pore Clearing Duo, $52 at Ulta
