How to Treat and Prevent Deep Blackheads \u2014 Professionally or at Home\n\n\n\n\nPlenty of people would count\u00a0blackheads\u00a0among the most common \u2014 and most stubborn \u2014 skin conditions. This\u00a0type of acne\u00a0develops when oil (sebum) and dead skin cells combine to form a plug that clogs your pores.\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSometimes, cleansing and exfoliating may be enough to loosen the plug and draw it out. But if the plug hardens, or it\u2019s too deep to access, you might not be able to remove the blackhead on your own.\n\n
20 Ways to Treat and Prevent Deep Blackheads\n\nBelow, you\u2019ll find tips on how to use over-the-counter (OTC) products for blackheads, information on what to expect from professional removal, and more.\n\n\n
\n\nFor home removal, start by cleansing\n\n\nYour first step should always be to cleanse your face.\n\n
\nThere\u2019s a right way to wash your face \u2014 find out how here.\n\n
\nCleansing is best done\u00a0twice each day: once in the morning and once again at the end of your day. If you work out or get sweaty during the day, you may want to wash your face again afterward.\n\n
\nThat said, try to avoid over-cleansing. This can dry out your skin and cause more dead skin cells and sebum to accumulate in your pores.\n\n
\nTip: If you prefer to wash your face more frequently, try limiting cleansing to morning and evening washes and rinsing with plain water throughout the day to avoid drying out your face.\n\n
\nThe type of cleanser you use can also make a difference in blackhead removal and prevention.\n\n
\nMany people prefer gel-based cleansers, which:\n\n
\n\n- aren\u2019t oily like some cream-based cleansers\n
- are typically safe for both oily and sensitive skin\n\n\n\n
A daily cleanser with micro-exfoliants can also help remove dead skin cells.\n\n\n
\n\nUse a physical exfoliant\n\n\nExfoliation\u00a0helps remove dead skin cells, sebum, and other debris from the surface of your skin.\n\n
\nWhen it comes to\u00a0physical exfoliants, you have plenty of options, but avoid choosing anything too harsh that will irritate your pores. Ground-up nuts and other harsh beads may irritate active breakouts or sensitive skin.\n\n
\nConsider something simple, like a do-it-yourself (DIY)\u00a0natural option\u00a0or an over-the-counter (OTC) scrub with gentle ingredients, like oatmeal.\n\n
Plenty of people would count\u00a0blackheads\u00a0among the most common \u2014 and most stubborn \u2014 skin conditions. This\u00a0type of acne\u00a0develops when oil (sebum) and dead skin cells combine to form a plug that clogs your pores.\n
Sometimes, cleansing and exfoliating may be enough to loosen the plug and draw it out. But if the plug hardens, or it\u2019s too deep to access, you might not be able to remove the blackhead on your own.\n\n
Below, you\u2019ll find tips on how to use over-the-counter (OTC) products for blackheads, information on what to expect from professional removal, and more.\n\n\n
Your first step should always be to cleanse your face.\n\n
There\u2019s a right way to wash your face \u2014 find out how here.\n\n
Cleansing is best done\u00a0twice each day: once in the morning and once again at the end of your day. If you work out or get sweaty during the day, you may want to wash your face again afterward.\n\n
That said, try to avoid over-cleansing. This can dry out your skin and cause more dead skin cells and sebum to accumulate in your pores.\n\n
Tip: If you prefer to wash your face more frequently, try limiting cleansing to morning and evening washes and rinsing with plain water throughout the day to avoid drying out your face.\n\n
The type of cleanser you use can also make a difference in blackhead removal and prevention.\n\n
Many people prefer gel-based cleansers, which:\n\n
- \n
- aren\u2019t oily like some cream-based cleansers\n
- are typically safe for both oily and sensitive skin\n\n\n\n
A daily cleanser with micro-exfoliants can also help remove dead skin cells.\n\n\n
\n\nUse a physical exfoliant\n\n\nExfoliation\u00a0helps remove dead skin cells, sebum, and other debris from the surface of your skin.\n\n
\nWhen it comes to\u00a0physical exfoliants, you have plenty of options, but avoid choosing anything too harsh that will irritate your pores. Ground-up nuts and other harsh beads may irritate active breakouts or sensitive skin.\n\n
\nConsider something simple, like a do-it-yourself (DIY)\u00a0natural option\u00a0or an over-the-counter (OTC) scrub with gentle ingredients, like oatmeal.\n\n