Beauty
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Choose the Best Blackhead Remover?

Harriette Halepis
Harriette Halepis

Selecting the best blackhead remover is a lot more complicated than it initially seems. The most important thing to remember when choosing a blackhead remover is to avoid any product that is oil-based. Since oil-based products will only add to your blackhead dilemma, try to select a product that is water-based instead.

Blackheads tend to appear when the skin has not been cleansed properly. A proper cleansing routine that consists of washing your face every morning and every night, along with applying a water-based moisturizer, should help to prevent blackheads. When blackheads are not completely removed, the excess oil that is trapped inside of a blackhead may cause other blackheads and whiteheads to form.

Water-based skin care products can help eliminate blackheads.
Water-based skin care products can help eliminate blackheads.

Women who are prone to blackheads should choose makeup products that are water-based instead of oil-based. Makeup that is worn while participating in a strenuous activity can also contribute to blackheads. Any makeup that is worn should be thoroughly removed at the end of each day. Neglecting to remove makeup from the facial area can cause blackheads to form. When choosing a blackhead remover, select a product that effectively sloughs away skin; scrubs are best for ensuring clean and smooth skin.

Using an exfoliant can help clean out pores.
Using an exfoliant can help clean out pores.

Cleansers that contain salicylic acid work well when treating blackheads, since these cleansers remove dead skin cells. Another good blackhead treatment is a glycolic peel. A glycolic peel will remove the top layer of skin, which will help to eliminate blackheads. If you are using an at-home cleanser, make sure to prepare your skin before applying any blackhead remover product. Placing your face over a steaming bowl of water will help to open up your pores. Once your pores have been opened, any cleanser that you apply will become more effective.

A skincare routine to minimize blackheads should include washing one's face twice a day.
A skincare routine to minimize blackheads should include washing one's face twice a day.

Attempting to squeeze blackheads in order to remove them is not a wise idea. Forcing a blackhead to burst may cause skin damage and irritation. In addition, the oil from your hands can contribute to the trapped oil on your face, resulting in further breakouts. Various prescription topical treatments that effectively remove blackheads are also available.

Trying various over-the-counter products will help you determine which blackhead remover works best for your skin. If you cannot find an over-the-counter remedy, it's a good idea to make an appointment with a licensed dermatologist. A professional dermatologist will help you find a blackhead remover that is right for your skin type. Certain prescription topical treatments also tend to work better than over-the-counter treatments.

Discussion Comments

anon967667

I've had chronic blackheads all over my face since I was 14. I am now 23, and being finally blackhead free, I can say that diet and hygiene is everything. If you're someone who is suffering from serious chronic blackheads and have been on many oral medications to get rid of them (like me, who has been on Accutane twice and minocycline twice), and even currently on birth control and the blackheads still come back, I would say a weak liver function has much to do with it. Stuffing your body with serious, dangerous medications is actually weakening your liver, causing your body difficulty in flushing toxins. Due to my history, my body was most likely very toxic. As a result, these toxins will mix in with your sebum causing a sticky production that leads to blackheads.

I finally put my foot down and decided to take a more natural route to curing my blackhead problem when my dermatologist suggested I go on a third round of minocycline to get rid of them.

I did a liver detox to promote healthy liver function. I bought a 30-day liver kit for this one. Eating healthy and drinking tons of water with this detox is a must. I drink up to 15 glasses of water a day (I know, crazy right? But people with acne should actually be drinking 10-15 glasses of water a day).

On top of this, take care of your skin hygiene! After washing my face with a gentle cleanser, in the morning I put Finacea (a rocasea cream but also gets rid of blackheads through skin renewal) and Retina A galaxal base 0.01 percent at night (very low percentage because my skin is highly sensitive). This has completely transformed my skin.

I'm also dairy -free, which so important due to hormone triggers. I've been on this routine for a month now and I am blackhead free without any junky oral medication. Organic and healthy is the way to go.

anon942690

My mum told me not to use pore strips. They strip and enlarge your pores and do more harm to your pores than help. I would like to try lemon/honey though.

fify
@SarahGen-- You don't have to use nose strips for blackhead removal, you can just use flavorless gelatin. It's very affordable and works just as well! Give it a try.
burcinc

@SarahGen-- I agree with you that the strips are too expensive to use long-term. You can use a blackhead removal tool. I've heard that they work well.

But the best way to deal with blackheads is by preventing them in the first place by cleaning and toning your face properly. If you're constantly dealing with blackheads, it means that you are not cleansing your face well and you might be using moisturizers that clog pores.

I wash my face twice a day and I use an astringent toner after each time to properly close my pores. Then I apply an oil-free, noncomedogenic moisturizer. I also exfoliate my skin with a facial scrub three times a week. I rarely get blackheads since I started this routine.

SarahGen

I like those blackhead removing strips a lot. They really do work. The problem is that they're expensive and I get blackheads on my nose, cheeks and chin all the time. I can't afford to use those strips all the time.

I've also tried so called "blackhead removing" facial cleansers. They didn't do anything!

I'm looking for an affordable and effective way to remove blackheads. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me now!

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Water-based skin care products can help eliminate blackheads.
      By: picsfive
      Water-based skin care products can help eliminate blackheads.
    • Using an exfoliant can help clean out pores.
      By: kubais
      Using an exfoliant can help clean out pores.
    • A skincare routine to minimize blackheads should include washing one's face twice a day.
      By: naka
      A skincare routine to minimize blackheads should include washing one's face twice a day.