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.
🧼 1. Cleanse Gently, Twice Daily
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Use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser (won’t clog pores).
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Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help dissolve oil and dead skin.
✨ 2. Exfoliate 2–3 Times a Week
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Use a chemical exfoliant with:
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Salicylic acid (BHA) – penetrates pores and dissolves debris.
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Glycolic or lactic acid (AHAs) – remove surface dead skin cells.
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Avoid harsh physical scrubs—they can irritate your skin and make things worse.
🧖 3. Try Clay Masks or Charcoal Masks
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Use once or twice a week.
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Clay (like bentonite or kaolin) absorbs oil and helps draw out blackheads.
🌬 4. Use Retinoids (Night Treatment)
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Over-the-counter retinol or prescription-strength tretinoin unclogs pores over time.
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Start slow—use 2–3 times a week and build up to avoid irritation.
🧴 5. Moisturize (Yes, Even If You Have Oily Skin)
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Use a lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin barrier healthy.
⚠️ 6. Don’t Squeeze or Pick
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Picking can push bacteria deeper, cause inflammation, or lead to scarring.
💆 7. Professional Help
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Consider seeing a dermatologist or esthetician for:
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Professional extractions
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Chemical peels
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Prescription treatments if OTC options aren’t working
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🧼 1. Gentle Cleansing (Twice Daily)
Regular cleansing helps remove excess oil and impurities that can clog pores. Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser suitable for your skin type. Avoid overwashing, as it can strip the skin’s natural oils and potentially increase oil production. Dermatologists recommend cleansing twice daily—morning and night—to maintain skin balance .
✨ 2. Exfoliate with Caution (2–3 Times a Week)
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and prevents clogged pores. Opt for chemical exfoliants containing salicylic acid (BHA) or glycolic acid (AHA), as they penetrate pores and dissolve debris. Avoid physical scrubs with abrasive particles, which can irritate the skin .
🧴 3. Incorporate Topical Treatments
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Salicylic Acid (BHA): Penetrates pores to dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells, effectively treating and preventing blackheads. Products like Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant are highly recommended .
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Retinoids: Retinoids, such as adapalene (Differin), promote cell turnover and prevent clogged pores. They are particularly effective for persistent blackheads .
🧖 4. Use Clay or Charcoal Masks (Weekly)
Clay masks, especially those containing bentonite or kaolin, absorb excess oil and draw out impurities from pores. Charcoal masks also help detoxify the skin. Using these masks once a week can aid in blackhead prevention .
🌬 5. Apply Lightweight, Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers
Even oily skin requires hydration. Choose lightweight, oil-free moisturizers labeled “non-comedogenic” to prevent pore clogging. Ingredients like niacinamide can help regulate oil production and strengthen the skin barrier .
☀️ 6. Daily Sunscreen Application
Protecting your skin from UV damage is crucial. Opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreens to prevent clogging pores. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are excellent choices .
⚠️ 7. Avoid Picking or Squeezing Blackheads
Squeezing blackheads can introduce bacteria, cause inflammation, and lead to scarring. It’s best to resist the urge and rely on proper skincare treatments .
🧑⚕️ 8. Seek Professional Treatments if Necessary
For persistent or severe blackheads, consider consulting a dermatologist. Professional treatments like chemical peels, extractions, or prescription medications may be recommended .
Effective Solutions and Treatments
1. Gentle Cleansing (Twice Daily)
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Use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser.
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Cleansing removes excess oil and impurities without irritating skin.
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Look for cleansers with salicylic acid, which helps unclog pores.
2. Regular Exfoliation (2–3 Times a Week)
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Use chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid (BHA) or glycolic acid (AHA) to remove dead skin cells.
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Avoid harsh scrubs which can irritate skin and worsen blackheads.
3. Topical Treatments
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Salicylic Acid: Penetrates pores and dissolves debris, effective in treating blackheads.
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Retinoids (e.g., Retinol, Adapalene): Increase cell turnover, prevent clogged pores, and improve skin texture.
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Benzoyl Peroxide: Reduces bacteria and inflammation.
4. Clay and Charcoal Masks (Once a Week)
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Clay masks absorb excess oil and impurities from pores.
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Charcoal masks help detoxify skin.
5. Moisturize
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Use lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers to maintain skin barrier without clogging pores.
6. Sun Protection
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Use oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen daily to protect skin and prevent irritation.
7. Avoid Picking or Squeezing
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Picking can cause irritation, infection, and scarring.
8. Professional Treatments
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Dermatologists can perform extractions, chemical peels, or prescribe stronger medications if needed.
