How To Actually Get Rid Of Blackheads + The Best Prevention Tips, From Experts

No matter how satisfying it might be to watch videos of other people getting facial extractions, no one likes seeing blackheads on their faces. Frustrating as they are, know that you're not alone—pretty much everyone will experience blackheads in their lifetime. 

Annoying as they are, blackheads are one of the many forms of acne. As we mentioned in the introduction, while your face is usually the first place you'll notice this skin condition, it can also appear on your neck, chest, and back. And similar to pimples or whiteheads, they can occur at any age—although it's most commonly an issue for adolescents. According to the Cleveland Clinic, anywhere from 10 to 20% of adults also struggle with blackheads. 

To be fair, "comedogenic" is a relative term that's not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA1) because the cosmetics industry is essentially managed on an honor system. According to a 1984 study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology2, the higher concentrations used to test common comedogenic ingredients in a lab aren't always applicable to real-world scenarios when many brands use significantly smaller amounts in their products. 

This means an ingredient may not cause acne for an individual if it's used in smaller quantities. It also means that a product labeled as noncomedogenic didn't have to get certification to make that claim.

Acne in all its forms also has a lot to do with genetics—but lifestyle choices matter too. While you can't control your genes, some habits can increase your chances of developing acne and blackheads.

James Beckman, M.D., a biochemist, board-certified plastic surgeon, adjunct associate clinical professor of the Dermatology Department at the University of Arkansas Medical School, and founder of Theraderm Skin Care, shared that, "Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily is very beneficial [and] keeping a good sleep pattern and healthy diet maintains healthy skin." 

Investing in a gentle, yet effective, exfoliator that you use routinely can help to gently banish blackheads. Paul Nassif, M.D., a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of NassifMD Dermaceuticals, advises that "AHAs and BHAs exfoliate dead skin cells and clear the pores that lead to blackheads. [They] help to remove oil and dirt that clog pores without stripping the skin and improve overall skin texture."

Popular options include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and even lactic acid. Nassif recommends the NassifMD Dermaceuticals Micro-Spa Radiance Resurfacing Peel, which contains AHAs and salicylic acid that help to remove dead skin and reveal a glowing complexion. 

If you find that blackheads are a more common occurrence, you might want to kick up your exfoliation routine by incorporating manual exfoliation as well for a deeper clean. Whereas chemical exfoliants like topical acid serums and toners work to break down dead skin without any extra work on your part, manual exfoliation is usually centered around products with texture. 

These can be textured cleansers (think a gentle facial scrub) or skin-safe tools (not professional-grade aesthetician tools!) like konjac sponges or the Repêchage Ultrasonic Skin Spatula, which can aid in exfoliation and relies on ultrasonic waves. 

Note that you shouldn't use any cleansing tools on dry skin as this can make your skin woes worse. It's also a good idea not to use textured cleansers in addition to a textured tool, as this can be too abrasive. (Just stick to one means of exfoliation, thank you!)

Everyone gets blackheads, even people with K-beauty-inspired multistep skin care routines. But depending on the severity of your blackhead acne, you can often keep them at bay by stepping up your cleansing and exfoliating routines or reexamining the ingredients in your beauty products.