When you get a close look at your face, you might observe several big and dark looking pores. But as tempting as it might be to pick at these blackheads…don’t! These specific types of pimples—which form when debris like dirt and oil collect inside your pores and oxidize with the air to turn a brownish or blackish color—will only worsen with your fingers all over them. Instead, it’s best to rely on expert-recommended skincare practices for mild cases and turn to professional help for especially bad cases.
“Wait,” you might be thinking, “why can’t I pop my blackheads myself?”
Unfortunately, even when your hands are clean, they’re still covered with bacteria and oil that you can transfer to your skin when you pick at blackheads. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that this can worsen your skin problems by increasing inflammation or even causing infections and scarring.
If your blackheads are mild, daily cleansing will suffice. Dermatologists recommend washing your face twice a day with warm water and gentle facial cleansers containing alpha or beta hydroxy acid, compounds known for benefitting the skin. Any other products you use, such as lotions or moisturizers, should be described as noncomedogenic on the label—this is sometimes advertised as “oil free” or “won’t clog pores.”
There are a few at-home products you can skip. Specifically, don’t fall for the marketing ploy of over-the-counter masks and blackhead strips. Although these might lift the congestion out of the pore, and can therefore make your skin look and feel better temporarily, they don’t treat the underlying problem of what’s causing your blackheads.
Additionally, steer clear of pore vacuums, handheld tools that are touted as being able to suck the oil and debris out of your face. Because these vacuums will only remove oil and debris that’s already loosened, they’re not any more effective than washing your face. Used improperly, they can even do harm by causing bruising and irritation.
For severe cases, a manual extraction by a dermatologist is your best solution. A manual extraction should not be a first option because they can be time intensive and expensive. However, if at-home skincare with cleansers proves to be unsuccessful, a dermatologist can use sterile instruments to clean out the pores and get rid of blackheads. Sometimes, this procedure must follow a professional exfoliation, such as microdermabrasion. After the extraction, you’ll have to continue following a diligent skincare routine to prevent the blackheads from returning.
