Those tiny, dark blemishes on your nose, chin, or forehead known as blackheads, are one of the most common skin concerns. Despite countless products claiming they target blackheads, they’re often difficult to fully remove. Before trying to clear blackheads, it’s important to understand which approaches actually deliver results and which could be harmful or ineffective.
What Are Blackheads?
Blackheads are a type of acne called open comedones. They are actually small plugs of sebum (your skin's natural oil) and dead skin cells that have clogged a hair follicle. The dark color of blackheads is from oxidation when the plugged pores are exposed to air. This is why even the most thorough cleansing won’t get rid of blackheads.
How to Safely Remove Blackheads
Applying too much pressure on blackheads can cause scarring or push bacteria further in, so it's important to always be gentle. Here are steps to safely remove blackheads.
Step 1: Prep Your Skin
Don’t try to extract blackheads on cold, dry skin. It’s best to extract blackheads after placing a warm, damp towel over your face for a few minutes. The warmth helps soften hardened oil plugs and relaxes the pores so extractions are easier and less traumatic for your skin.
Step 2: Follow With Skincare Products
- Use a gentle cleanser to remove surface oil and bacteria without stripping the skin. Shop our recommended face cleansers.
- Follow with an exfoliant to help remove any residual debris within the pores. For a gentle, balancing exfoliator, Biologique Recherché’s Lotion P50 is recommended.
- Next, use a lightweight face moisturizer to support the skin barrier. Shop our recommended face moisturizers.
- Avoid wearing makeup and using scrubs for at least 12–24 hours to let your skin recover after treating blackheads.
Step 3: Professional Blackhead Treatment
When blackheads are deeply impacted, at-home remedies usually aren’t as effective as professional treatments to safely and cleanly remove them. Here are the most effective professional blackhead treatments to remove them and prevent them from returning.
Professional Blackhead Extraction
Our licensed estheticians use a specialized metal extractor to apply precise, controlled pressure around the pore, safely clearing it without damaging the surrounding tissue.
Microdermabrasion Treatment
Microdermabrasion treatment uses crystals to gently remove the top layer of dead skin cells, which helps clear out clogged pores and prevent new blackheads from forming.
How to Maintain Clear Skin
After a professional blackhead treatment, maintaining a skincare routine tailored to your unique skin type will help prevent blackheads from coming back. For skincare products to be effective, they need to be used consistently and layered correctly. If you have any questions about what skincare products are best for your skin type, contact us for a personalized skincare consultation by filling out our online form or calling us at (703) 531-9350.
FAQs
How often should I get professional blackhead treatments?
How often you need treatment varies with your skin type and blackhead severity. Many patients benefit from professional blackhead treatment once or twice a month to maintain clear pores.
Can blackheads come back after treatment?
Blackheads can return without proper skincare, so maintaining a consistent routine is important.
Are blackheads harmful?
Blackheads are typically harmless, but squeezing them or leaving them untreated can lead to irritation and more severe breakouts.
Do certain products make blackheads worse?
Heavy, oily, or comedogenic products can clog pores and worsen blackheads. Look for non-comedogenic, lightweight formulas.
