Often misunderstood as trapped dirt, blackheads are actually small deposits of melanin, the pigment that darkens skin. They are also known as comedones.

The pigment has turned brown due to being exposed to oxygen. This happenes as a result of open pores in the skin.

Making the distinction between trapped dirt and blackheads is the first step to removing them.

People with blackheads should avoid popping, squeezing, rubbing, touching, or picking at affected areas.

Not all acne is treated in the same way. To treat blackheads, a healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications depending on a particular situation. These can be applied topically, or directly to the skin.

Topically applied therapy for people affected by mild acne and blackheads may include the use of:

• benzoyl peroxide
• antibiotics
• retinoids
• salicylic acid
• sulfur

Remedies may be purchased in the form of gels, lotions, cream, soaps, or pads.

In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend extraction, in which they will manually remove blackheads with special tools called comedone extractors.

Here is a video of Dr. Lisa Benest, a dermatologist based in Los Angeles, demonstrating how a comedone extractor works.

Washing the face correctly can spare a person with blackheads the need to visit a dermatologist.

It is often the case that cleaning the skin at home is the best first-line treatment for acne and blackheads. Good skin hygiene can help to keep the pores unclogged.

However, over-scrubbing can do more harm than good. Here are the steps for washing your face in a way that will not encourage the development of more blackheads and further skin infections.

To prepare for cleanse, make sure you have:

• hand soap
• makeup removal solution for those who wear makeup
• a cream with moisturizing capabilities for people with dry skin
• mild cleanser that is marked soap-free
• foaming cleanser containing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) for individuals with oily skin
• a cleansing solution that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for acne-prone skin
• a face towel

Once you have the products tailored to your skin type, take the following steps each night:

1. Wash your hands to keep them free of bacteria.
2. Remove any makeup you may be wearing using makeup remover or wipes.
3. Make sure water temperature is warm but moderate.
4. Apply the type of cleanser best suited to your skin. Gently massage the cleanser in a circular motion and be sure to rotate your hands outwards from the center of your face for at least one minute.
5. Focus on the nose and forehead, as these areas of the face are particularly prone to sebum, or oil, production.
6. Be sure to cleanse the jawline and hairline.
7. Rinse the cleanser from your face by splashing your face with warm water.
8. Dab the face with a clean hand towel, patting the skin dry and being sure not to rub or push down too hard.
9. Apply any prescribed or OTC lotions, creams or gels after this cleaning process.
10. Repeat this process twice daily for the best results.

This helpful video from physician’s assistant Erin Jensen demonstrates the above steps.

There are many ways to clean blackheads incorrectly. People often do not consider these steps when cleansing the face.

Be sure to avoid:

• vigorous cleaning and scrubbing of the skin
• very hot or very cold water when washing
• the use of toners, exfoliants, astringents, strong soaps, or scrubbing pads, unless told otherwise
• popping, squeezing, rubbing, touching, or picking at affected areas
• sunburn or tanning
• the use of pore-clogging skin care products

A gentle and well-considered facial cleansing process is not the only way to keep blackheads at bay or reduce them if they appear.

The following measures can also help to preserve clear and healthful skin:

• Shampoo the hair frequently.
• Remove all make-up in the evening before going to bed.
• Consider using oil-free skin care products, including sunscreen.
• For people with dry skin, fragrance-free, water-based emollients are recommended.
• Take care when shaving.

Speak with a healthcare provider to be sure you are using products suitable for your particular skin type.

Blackheads can develop into more severe acne as a result of the following factors:

• overactive oil glands
• genes
• hormonal status
• menstruation
• psychological issues such as stress
• certain medications
• pore-clogging skin care products
• pressure from sports helmets, sports equipment, tight-fitted collars, and other sources of rubbing
• exposure to pollution or humid temperature conditions
• sweating
• squeezing or picking at skin lesions
• excessive or hard skin scrubbing

Bear these factors in mind when trying to remove blackheads. If the cause is a factor such as stress, dealing with that cause can often be the best way to clear blackheads.

Blackheads do not cause serious health problems, but they can affect confidence and self-image. Cleaning them in the right way can also prevent the development of more severe skin infections.

The little black dots you see on the bridge of your nose or the sides of your cheeks might not be blackheads. While blackheads do involve your hair follicles, sometimes pores and follicles that appear to be blocked are simply more visible because of oil buildup.

If oil buildup is indeed the issue at hand, you risk damaging your skin if you try to pop a blockage that isn’t there. Popping a blackhead that’s really just oil buildup won’t solve anything, as the oil will typically come right back.

When you try to force a blockage out of a pore, you’re risking skin damage and infection. But unlike popping other kinds of pimples, blackheads are open pores, which makes them less risky to pop.

If you’re sure you’re dealing with a blocked hair follicle, and you’re convinced you can’t avoid popping it, there are safer ways to go about it. This article will cover how to pop a blackhead safely.

Before removing a blackhead, spend some time in a warm shower or bath. Steam can help your pores relax, and the clog in your pore will start to loosen on its own.

Once you’re ready to set your pore free, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands. This is absolutely critical to preventing the spread of infection on your dermis, the layer of your skin where bacteria can be easily trapped. You might want to put on plastic or latex gloves if you have them.
2. Apply pressure around the clogged pore. You can use a tissue or clean cotton gauze as a barrier between your hands and the blackhead itself, if needed.
3. Rock your fingers back and forth around the clogged pore. Remember that you’re trying to pop out an intact blockage made of dried oil and dead skin cells. You may need to experiment with different levels of pressure and different finger positions. Don’t press so hard that you cut or bruise your skin.
4. Feel the clog pop out. If you’re not able to remove the clog via these steps, you may need to give your skin some time to recover before trying again.
5. Cleanse the area with a mild astringent or toner. This will kill harmful bacteria and help keep your pores free of debris that caused your blackhead.

You can typically feel if a blockage in your pore is close to the surface of your skin or not.

Oil blockages in your pores turn black when they’re exposed to oxygen — that’s how they get their color in the first place. Most blackheads are close enough to the skin’s surface to attempt safe removal.

If you’ve tried to remove a blackhead and the blockage won’t come out, leave it alone for a day or two. In most cases, your skin will clear the blockage on its own if you give it time.

Products that can help

You might also want to try using over-the-counter products, such as pore-clearing strips, retinoids, and cleansers that contain salicylic acid.

However, using pore strips may also remove natural oils from the skin, which can lead to irritation and dryness.

Be aware that most blackheads are caused by overproduction of natural oils in your skin. Even if you find a product that helps you remove blackheads, they’ll keep coming back unless you address the underlying cause.

For stubborn blackheads, consider see an aesthetician or a dermatologist for an extraction. Some aestheticians offer extraction-only facials that last about 30 minutes.

Find blackhead-clearing products online.

Tools called comedone extractors can be used to remove blackheads. These tools are typically made of stainless steel and have a small circle at the end. You’ll need some practice with comedone extractors to remove blackheads easily.

Removing a blackhead yourself with a comedone extractor is no safer than any other way of doing it yourself. It’s safest to have an aesthetician do it for you.

After you remove a blackhead, your pore will appear smaller. That’s because the dirt and oil have been removed. Swipe a toner, such as witch hazel, over the area to kill any bacteria you may have spread and to condition your pores.

You may want to avoid directly touching the area while your skin heals. Introducing dirt or any irritant to the area can result in another blackhead.

Buy witch hazel online.

Being proactive about blackhead prevention and skin care can help you avoid having to try to extract blackheads yourself. Consider these ways to treat and prevent blackheads.

If you have sensitive skin, or dry skin that’s prone to flaking:

• Exfoliate your skin gently each day using a cleansing scrub or a dry brush. Skin flakes can block your pores and create an environment that causes blackheads to form.
• Keep your skin hydrated with a fragrance-free moisturizing cream.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day for healthier skin.
• Make sure to cleanse your skin properly of excess makeup and products every night. A gentle cleansing agent like micellar water or cucumber-based makeup-removing wipes can add moisture while cleansing.

Find a dry brush, micellar water, and makeup remover wipes online.

If you have oil-prone skin:

• Try a clay mask to absorb excess oils in your skin and achieve a more matte look.
• Try introducing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide products into your skin care routine. These ingredients can dissolve oil plugs before they clog your pores.
• Make your own baking soda scrub to absorb oils and condition your pores.
• Use a retinoid cream or serum to condition your skin. Be aware that this ingredient can make your skin more prone to damage from the sun, so always pair it with a light SPF when you venture outside.

Find salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoid products online.

Removing a blackhead once in a while is safe for most people, but it’s important not to make a habit out of removing them yourself.

If you have recurring blackheads, make an appointment with a dermatologist who can help you address them with more permanent treatment options.