Most skin cysts do not need treatment, and the best course of action is usually to keep them clean and not interfere with them. That said, a doctor may suggest removal if a cyst is causing discomfort.

This might be because of infection, because the cyst gets in the way of everyday activities, or because it is in a prominent location. Removing a cyst can leave a small scar.

When removing a cyst, the doctor will aim to remove it completely, as the cyst might form again if part of the sac wall remains on the skin.

Infected cysts may require further treatment. It is best to avoidTrusted Source removing a cyst when it is actively inflamed.

Cyst removal at a doctor’s office involves:

• a local anesthetic, to numb the area
• antiseptic swabs, to prevent the area from becoming infected and to stop infections spreading
• using a blade and other instruments to remove the cyst

If a cyst has burst or there is an infection under the skin, the doctor may need to lance and drain it. They may also prescribe a course of antibiotics.

If a cyst has become infected, it may look red due to inflammation. Infected cysts can also have a whitish appearance due to the presence of pus. The pus may smell unpleasant.

A person should see a doctor if they suspect any infections. They can prescribe antibiotic medication.

In the meantime, to manage an infected cyst, a person can try:

• applying a warm compress
• keeping it clean by washing it regularly with a mild antimicrobial soap
• avoiding covering it with cosmetic products

Some people try home remedies — such as tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, and aloe vera — but there is no research to confirm their effectiveness for this purpose.

Although skin cysts can be uncomfortable and irritating, trying to remove or treat them can make them worse.

Picking, rubbing, or squeezing a cyst is likely to cause damage, make any infections worse, and cause pain and tenderness. It may also make the cyst appear red or inflamed.

Dealing with skin cysts that are causing concern or producing symptoms means getting them seen by a doctor.

Doctors can accurately diagnose the issue and deal with any other concerns. They can also treat a troublesome cyst without making it worse.

The only appropriate home remedy is to keep any infected cysts clean. People should also practice good hygiene with a recently removed cyst to avoid infection and prevent the cyst from returning.

People can keep a cyst and the area around it clean at home by washing it with a clean cloth, cotton wool, or medical dressing material. Bathe the cyst gently with clean, warm water, and then dab it dry.

If a cyst is not causing any trouble, there is no reason to seek medical treatment.

Skin cysts develop when cells multiply and move inward, rather than moving out to the surface of the skin and shedding away as skin cells normally do. Skin cysts can sometimes form because of damage that causes top-layer cells to be “implanted” in the lower layer.

The epidermis is the top layer of the skin, and the outermost layer of the epidermis is where skin cells eventually shed away. Underneath the epidermis is the dermis layer.

The cause of a cyst is not always obvious. In some cases, there is a genetic reason for it. Gardner’s syndrome, for example, is a genetic condition that is linked with skin cysts and other types of growths. Pilar cysts, which develop around hair follicles, might also have a genetic basis.

Most cysts do not develop complications. The most likely complication is a skin infection, which can occur if bacteria enter the cyst.

Cysts are not fixed to anything deeper or below the skin, and the cyst and the area of skin around it is moveable.

Very rarely, however, a cyst can extend deeper into the body and connect to underlying tissue. A person should see a doctor if they have a fixed lump that does not move.

Skin cysts, or sebaceous cysts, are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the skin. They are usually harmless, but a doctor may recommend draining or removing a cyst if it becomes uncomfortable.

People should see their doctor if they notice any new lump on the skin or are concerned about an existing lump.

Blackheads are one of the most common forms of acne. Although people who have oily skin are more vulnerable to blackheads, anyone can get them.

They form when pores become clogged with a combination of dead skin cells and excess oil (sebum) from your sebaceous glands.

Unlike whiteheads, which create closed pores, blackheads have open surfaces, which creates an oxidation that’s dark in color.

It may be tempting to try to pinch or push the black plug out, but this can cause unnecessary scarring and other damage to your skin.

“The good news is that there is a cornucopia of over-the-counter products that contain effective ingredients to exfoliate, soften, and even remove blackheads,” says Allison Britt Kimmins, MD, MPH.

Keep reading to learn how to:

• get rid of your blackheads
• prevent future ones from forming
• take better overall care of your skin

Instead of benzoyl peroxide, look for over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid is the preferred ingredient for treating blackheads and whiteheads because it breaks down the materials that clog pores:

• excess oil
• dead skin cells

By choosing a daily cleanser with salicylic acid, you can remove these elements in addition to:

• daily dirt
• oil
• makeup

Although you still need to wash your face twice a day, try using a cleanser that has salicylic acid in it just once a day to start. Britt Kimmins notes that salicylic acid is especially good for those with dry skin.

You may consider using it at night only and then using your regular cleanser in the morning. As your skin gets used to the product, you may choose to use it both morning and night.

Many people are sensitive to salicylic acid. You may not be able to use it more than once every few days. If you continue to react to it, discontinue use.

Find cleansers online:

In the past, you may have heard that exfoliating produces a negative effect on acne. This can be true for inflammatory acne, as the process can cause further redness and irritation.

For blackheads, though, regular exfoliation can help remove excessive amounts of dead skin cells that can lead to clogged pores. The process may also gently remove existing blackheads.

Rather than looking for harsh scrubs, you’ll want to focus on alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs). Glycolic acid is the most common type of AHA, and salicylic acid is a prominent BHA.

Both work by removing the top layer of your skin. In theory, this can improve the appearance of wrinkles and age spots, all while cleansing pores and making your skin softer.

You’ll find that BHAs are more widely available on the market, and in some cases, they’re more affordable too!

“Both AHAs and BHAs are excellent as superficial peels, says Britt Kimmins. “AHAs and BHAs …treat the superficial layer of skin and therefore are safe for OTC use in all skin types.”

Find exfoliating products online:

A skin brush can provide similar exfoliating benefits as AHAs and BHAs by removing excess dead skin cells.

Susan Massick, MD, dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center advises caution.

She recommends that skin brushes only be used occasionally with a gentle cleansing wash and to avoid the use of a brush altogether if you have sensitive skin.

Depending on your needs and budget, there are a variety of skin brushes available to be used with your daily cleanser.

Find skin brushes online:

Retinoids may be useful for stubborn cases of acne by helping to unplug pores. This process can also make other OTC products more effective by helping them to be better able to enter the follicle.

But if you’ve got dry skin, Britt Kimmins recommends avoiding strong exfoliants, like retinoids, altogether.

Shop for the following retinoids online:

Clay masks help to draw oils and toxins out of the skin, which helps to unclog pores, says Britt Kimmins. Clay masks are often considered must-haves for oily skin.

Some clay masks also contain sulfur. Sulfur is another ingredient that works to break down the dead skin cells that make up blackheads.

No matter which mask you choose, you can use it once a week in addition to your once- or twice-weekly exfoliating treatment.

Find clay masks online:

Like clay masks, charcoal masks work deep in the skin to draw out oil and other impurities, says Britt Kimmins. Charcoal is thought to take these benefits up another notch.

Find charcoal masks online:

Chemical peels are traditionally used for anti-aging benefits, such as reduced age spots and fine lines. The peels often contain AHAs or BHAs, and they work by exfoliating the skin, says Massick.

In theory, smoother, refreshed-looking skin should be revealed after going through the process.

Though they’re not considered a primary treatment for blackheads, chemical peels can possibly remove dead skin cells and shrink enlarged pores.

This treatment method may be especially helpful if you’re looking for anti-aging benefits too.

Find chemical peels online:

The right cleanser, mask, and exfoliator may do little good if you don’t use noncomedogenic makeup and face products. In fact, Massick recommends starting off a blackhead removal regimen with noncomedogenic products.

Noncomedogenic means that the product in question won’t cause comedones, or clogged pores. Not all products are noncomedogenic, so you’ll have to read labels carefully.

Find noncomedogenic products online:

At the end of a long day, the last thing you may want to do is to take off your makeup.

However, sleeping with your makeup on is asking for more blackheads. If left on overnight, even noncomedogenic makeup can clog your pores.

Those with oily skin may want to consider using a foaming cleanser, says Britt Kimmins. Makeup removers can also be used before washing your face for extra cleansing power.

Find makeup removal products online:

You’ve already learned that picking, scratching, and popping any form of acne is considered off-limits. Still, it can be tempting to locate some form of extraction to get rid of those pesky blackheads.

In recent years, there’s been an uptick in masks, pore strips, and extraction tools that promise clean pores.

Although pore strips and masks may help remove junk from your pores, they can also remove elements that actually help your skin. This includes natural oils and hair follicles. Removing all of these elements can cause your skin to dry out and become irritated.

When irritation occurs, your sebaceous glands may go into survival mode and produce even more oil — resulting in more blackheads.

Other extraction methods include professional-grade metal or plastic tools. These purportedly work by removing clogged blackheads without scratching your skin. The keyword here though, is professional.

Dermatologists who have years of training sometimes use these tools. When placed into hands with limited experience, extraction tools can turn into a source for scratches, wounds, and even scars.

When it comes to over-the-counter (OTC) acne spot treatments, you’re likely to find that many products contain benzoyl peroxide. The problem is, benzoyl peroxide doesn’t work for all types of acne.

Benzoyl peroxide works by reducing swelling, which a key marker of inflammatory acne, which includes cysts and pustules. It can also get rid of underlying bacteria in a pimple.

However, blackheads aren’t considered inflammatory. Also, they are not caused by bacteria, so products featuring benzoyl peroxide won’t do much good.

Any new acne regimen, including one for blackheads, can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks to take effect.

If you continue to see new and preexisting blackheads after this time, you may need to make an appointment with your dermatologist. They can use professional tools to extract blackheads. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you don’t already have a dermatologist.

They may even recommend a series of dermabrasion treatments or prescription retinoids to prevent blackheads from coming back.

Blackheads are a mild type of acne that usually form on the face, but they can also appear on the following body parts:

• back
• chest
• neck
• arms
• shoulders

Acne affects nearly 50 million Americans and is the most common skin disorder in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Blackheads form when a clog or plug develops in the opening of hair follicles in your skin. Each follicle contains one hair and a sebaceous gland that produces oil. This oil, called sebum, helps keep your skin soft.

Dead skin cells and oils collect in the opening to the skin follicle, producing a bump called a comedo. If the skin over the bump stays closed, the bump is called a whitehead. When the skin over the bump opens, exposure to the air causes it to look black and a blackhead forms.

Some factors can increase your chances of developing acne and blackheads, including:

• producing too much body oil
• the buildup of the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria on the skin
• irritation of the hair follicles when dead skins cells don’t shed on a regular basis
• undergoing hormonal changes that cause an increase in oil production during the teen years, during menstruation, or while taking birth control pills
• taking certain drugs, such as corticosteroids, lithium, or androgens

Some people believe that what you eat or drink can affect acne. Dairy products and foods that increase blood sugar levels, such as carbohydrates, may play a part in triggering acne, but researchers aren’t convinced that there’s a strong connection.

Because of their dark color, blackheads are easy to spot on the skin. They’re slightly raised, although they aren’t painful because they aren’t inflamed like pimples. Pimples form when bacteria invade the blockage in the hair follicle, causing redness and inflammation.

Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments

Many acne medications are available at drug and grocery stores and online without a prescription. These medications are available in cream, gel, and pad form and are put directly on your skin. The drugs contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and resorcinol. They work by killing bacteria, drying excess oil, and forcing the skin to shed dead skin cells.

Prescription medications

If OTC treatment doesn’t improve your acne, your doctor may suggest that you use stronger prescription medications. Medications that contain vitamin A keep plugs from forming in the hair follicles and promote more rapid turnover of skin cells. These medications are applied directly to your skin and can include tretinoin, tazarotene, or adapalene.

Your doctor may also prescribe another type of topical medication that contains benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics. If you have pimples or acne cysts in addition to your blackheads, this type of medication may be particularly helpful.

Manual removal

Dermatologists or specially trained skin care professionals use a special instrument called a round loop extractor to remove the plug causing the blackhead. After a small opening is made in the plug, the doctor applies pressure with the extractor to remove the clog.

The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you don’t already have a dermatologist.

Microdermabrasion

During microdermabrasion, a doctor or skin care professional uses a special instrument that contains a rough surface to sand the top layers of your skin. Sanding the skin removes clogs that cause blackheads.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels also remove clogs and get rid of the dead skins cells that contribute to blackheads. During a peel, a strong chemical solution is applied to the skin. Over time, the top layers of the skin peel off, revealing smoother skin underneath. Mild peels are available over the counter, while stronger peels are performed by dermatologists or other skincare professionals.

Laser and light therapy

Laser and light therapies use tiny beams of intense light to decrease oil production or kill bacteria. Both lasers and light beams reach below the surface of the skin to treat blackheads and acne without damaging the top layers of the skin.

Read on to learn more about acne treatments.

You can prevent blackheads without spending a lot of money by trying a few of the following ideas:

Wash regularly

Wash your face when you wake up and before you go to bed to remove oil buildup. Washing more than twice each day can irritate your skin and make your acne worse. Use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t make your skin red or irritated. Some acne cleansing products have antibacterial ingredients that kill P. acnes bacteria.

Consider washing your hair every day, too, particularly if it’s oily. Hair oils can contribute to clogged pores. It’s also important to wash your face after you eat oily foods such as pizza, because oil from these foods can clog pores.

Use oil-free products

Any product that contains oil can contribute to new blackheads. Choose oil-free or noncomedogenic makeup, lotions, and sunscreens to avoid making your problem worse.

Try an exfoliating product

Exfoliating scrubs and masks remove dead skin cells from your face and can help reduce blackheads. Look for products that don’t irritate your skin.

Earwax, or cerumen, is a self-cleaning agent your body produces. It collects dirt, bacteria, and other debris. Usually, the wax works its way out of the ears naturally through chewing and other jaw motions.

Many people never need to clean their ears. Sometimes, though, wax can build up and affect your hearing. When earwax reaches this level, it’s called impaction.

If you have impaction, you may experience symptoms like:

• aching in the affected ear
• fullness or ringing in the ear
• impaired hearing in the affected ear
• an odor coming from the affected ear
• dizziness
• a cough

You may be more likely to develop excess wax if you use hearing aids or earplugs. Older adults and people with developmental disabilities are also at higher risk. Your ear canal’s shape may make the natural removal of wax difficult.

The safest way to remove wax buildup from your ears is to visit a doctor. At your appointment, your doctor can use special instruments, like a cerumen spoon, forceps, or suction device, to clear the blockage. Many offices also offer professional irrigation.

If you choose to try to remove wax at home, the following are the safest methods to try on your own:

Damp cloth

Cotton swabs may push wax deeper into the ear canal. Use cotton swabs only on the outside of your ear or, better yet, try wiping the area with a warm, damp washcloth.

Over-the-counter ear cleaning drops

Many pharmacies sell over-the-counter (OTC) eardrops that soften wax. These drops are typically a solution. They may contain:

• mineral oil
• baby oil
• glycerin
• peroxide
• hydrogen peroxide
• saline

Place the specified number of drops into your ear, wait a certain amount of time, and then drain or rinse out your ear. Always follow the instructions on the package. Contact a doctor if your symptoms continue after treatment.

Bulb syringe

You may also choose to irrigate your ears using a syringe. In this process, you’ll gently rinse out the ear canal using water or a saline solution. This method is often more effective if you first use some type of wax softener 15 to 30 minutes before irrigating.

It’s best to warm the solution to your body temperature to avoid dizziness.

Some earwax is completely normal and good to have in your ear canals. That said, if it builds up and starts causing symptoms, like muffled hearing or dizziness, it’s important you clean it out.

When earwax builds and gets impacted, you may develop ear infection. Additionally, if you’re experiencing symptoms of impaction, you want to be sure it’s just wax and not something (like fluid or hearing loss) that requires more medical attention.

You don’t want to clean your ears too often. Doing so may irritate your ear canal or even lead to more impaction if done incorrectly.

Experts share that people may not need to clean their ears unless they develop issues like blockages regularly. Instead, your ears clean themselves on their own.

If you don’t deal with buildup, wash only the outer part of your ears by wiping them with a wet washcloth. Washing the outer ear should clean away any wax that has moved out of the ear canal on its own.

If you experience symptoms of wax buildup, you might consider using an OTC kit to clean wax from your ears. Follow the package directions and be sure to contact a doctor for further guidance.

A doctor can also tell you whether you should have your ears cleaned professionally or do it on your own. Some people, like those with holes in their eardrums or tubes, should not clean their ears at home using OTC kits or other home methods.

Many people don’t need to clean their ears routinely. The wax should take care of itself. If you’re using small items, like bobby pins, cotton swabs, or napkin corners, you may push the wax deep into the ear canal. Once wax builds up, it can become impacted.

The rule you’ll hear from most doctors is to not put anything smaller than your elbow inside of your ear. In other words, don’t use sharp objects, cotton swabs, or anything else that could potentially injure your eardrum and permanently damage your hearing.

You shouldn’t attempt to irrigate your ears if:

• you have diabetes
• you have a compromised immune system
• you may have a hole in your eardrum
• you have tubes in the affected ear

Ear candles are another option you should avoid. The long, cone-shaped candles are inserted into the ear canal and then lit on fire to draw wax upward with suction. The fire can injure you, or you can accidentally get wax from the candle inside of your ear.

If you develop a blockage and don’t treat it, your symptoms can get worse. You may develop further ear irritation and even hearing loss. The wax may also accumulate to such a level that it may become difficult for your doctor to see inside of your ear and diagnose other issues.

The symptoms of earwax blockage include:

• feelings of fullness in the ear
• reduced or muffled hearing
• an earache

They may also signal another medical problem, like an infection. A doctor can look inside of your ears to determine whether your symptoms stem from wax buildup or something else.

The signs of ear infection in adults include:

• pain in the middle ear
• fluid drainage
• impaired hearing

Ear infection symptoms typically develop rapidly. If you notice pain and drainage from your ears, don’t try to treat it on your own. Make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and, if necessary, medication.

If you experience earwax impaction more than once per year or have certain risk factors, tell the doctor. You may want to schedule routine professional cleanings every 6 to 12 months.

Earwax may seem dirty to you, but it’s actually a natural cleanser for your ears. Wax generally moves from the inside of your ear canal to the outer part of your ear. Along its journey, it picks up dead skin cells, dirt, and even hair.

Tests show that wax may boast antibacterial and antifungal qualities that aid even more with this cleanup act.

Beyond keeping your ears clean, follow these tips to protect them and ensure good hearing for years to come:

• Don’t insert small objects into your ears. You shouldn’t put anything smaller than your elbow inside of your ear canal because it can cause injury to your eardrum or wax impaction.
• Limit your exposure to loud noises. Wear protective headgear or earplugs when the noise gets too loud.
• Take periodic breaks from using your headphones, and keep the volume low enough that no one else can hear your music. Don’t raise the volume in your car’s sound system up too high.
• Dry out your ears after swimming to prevent swimmer’s ear. Use a cloth to wipe the outside of the ear, and tilt your head to help remove any additional water.
• Pay attention to any hearing changes that occur with the use of certain medications. If you notice changes, balance issues, or ringing in your ears, contact a doctor.
• See a doctor as soon as possible if you notice sudden pain, a loss of hearing, or if you have an ear injury.

Earwax is a helpful and natural part of your body’s defenses. It cleans, lubricates and protects your ear canal by trapping dirt and slowing the growth of bacteria.

Earwax blockages commonly occur when people try to clean their ears on their own by placing cotton swabs or other items in their ears. This often just pushes wax deeper into the ear, which can damage the lining of your ear canal or eardrum.

Never attempt to dig out excessive or hardened earwax with available items, such as a paper clip, a cotton swab or a hairpin.

If your eardrum doesn’t contain a tube or have a hole in it, these self-care measures may help you remove excess earwax that’s blocking your ear canal:

• Soften the wax.
  Use an eyedropper to apply a few drops of baby oil, mineral oil, glycerin or hydrogen peroxide in your ear canal.
• Use warm water.
  After a day or two, when the wax is softened, use a rubber-bulb syringe to gently squirt warm water into your ear canal. Tilt your head and pull your outer ear up and back to straighten your ear canal. When finished irrigating, tip your head to the side to let the water drain out.
• Dry your ear canal.
  When finished, gently dry your outer ear with a towel or hand-held dryer.

This article is written by Mayo Clinic staff. Find more health and medical information on mayoclinic.org.

Plenty of people would count blackheads among the most common — and most stubborn — skin conditions. This type of acne develops when oil (sebum) and dead skin cells combine to form a plug that clogs your pores.

Below, you’ll find tips on how to use over-the-counter (OTC) products for blackheads, information on what to expect from professional removal, and more.

Your first step should always be to cleanse your face.

There’s a right way to wash your face — find out how here.

Cleansing is best done twice 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.

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.

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.

The type of cleanser you use can also make a difference in blackhead removal and prevention.

Many people prefer gel-based cleansers, which:

• aren’t oily like some cream-based cleansers
• are typically safe for both oily and sensitive skin

A daily cleanser with micro-exfoliants can also help remove dead skin cells.

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, sebum, and other debris from the surface of your skin.

When it comes to physical 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.

Consider something simple, like a do-it-yourself (DIY) natural option or an over-the-counter (OTC) scrub with gentle ingredients, like oatmeal.

You’ll generally want to follow the instructions on the product you choose, but this is a good starting place for most exfoliants:

1. Apply a thin layer of exfoliant.
2. Spread it evenly over your skin.
3. Massage — don’t scrub — it into your skin.
4. You might need to leave it on your face for several minutes, but check the product package to be sure.
5. Once the process is done, rinse off the product completely.

Steam can help loosen the gunk that’s clogging your pores, setting you up for a more effective extraction process. You don’t need a spa steamer to get these benefits, though.

To open your pores with steam at home, try this technique:

1. First, boil up to 6 cups of water in a pot or kettle.
2. Let the water cool for a minute or two.
3. Carefully pour the water into a bowl.
4. Sit in front of the bowl, resting your face about 6 inches above the water.
5. Drape a towel over your head and the water source to hold the steam in.
6. Raise or lower your head for more or less heat. Lift a corner of the towel to cool off, if needed.
7. Stay for up to 10 minutes at a time.

Exfoliation and steam help get your pores ready for extraction, but your skin’s not quite ready yet. Applying a mask first can help make extraction even more successful.

Use either a clay or charcoal-based mask. These ingredients help deeply cleanse the pores, and you’ll want to get as much dirt and oil out of your pores as you can before using an extractor tool.

How to do it:

1. Apply a thin, even layer of the clay or charcoal mask to your face.
2. Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes.
3. Rinse your face thoroughly with warm water.

After loosening your pores and applying a mask, you can try extracting deep blackheads yourself.

Here’s how:

1. Sterilize your extractor tool with rubbing alcohol.
2. Press the loop face down on the edge of the blackhead you’re trying to remove. Just avoid pressing directly down in the middle of the blackhead, as this can irritate your pore.
3. Once you’ve got the head of the tool in place, make a gentle sweeping motion to the other side of your pore.
4. Repeat up two more times if you don’t get the plug out the first time — any more than this can irritate or damage the surrounding skin.

Always sterilize your tool between uses to prevent the transfer of dirt and bacteria between pores.

After extracting debris from your pores, it’s important to soothe your skin to prevent inflammation. You can do this with a cooling gel mask or face serum.

When choosing a mask or serum, opt for anti-inflammatory ingredients such as green tea, vitamin E, and almond oil. Apply a small amount in an even layer.

Learn more about the benefits of face serums.

If you’re using a gel mask, rinse after use and follow up with the rest of your skin care routine.

Squeezing out a blackhead might feel tempting, especially if you can’t safely extract it the first time around.

But the advice you’ve probably heard before is true: You really shouldn’t pinch, poke, or squeeze out a blackhead, since this can potentially lead to:

• irritation
• pores that appear larger
• scarring

Although a quick internet search might reveal dozens of “home remedies” for blackhead removal, none have been proven to work.

In fact, some of these purported remedies might even make your acne worse.

If you do decide to try a home remedy, exercise extreme caution. Performing a patch test by applying the substance on your forearm first and waiting overnight can help you gauge how your skin will react.

Home remedies that can be harmful

Certain everyday ingredients recommended as blackhead “remedies” can do more harm than good.

These include:

• apple cider vinegar
• baking soda
• Epsom salts
• lemon
• toothpaste

Many people believe these ingredients help absorb oil and get rid of dead skin cells. The problem is, they may be too drying, so using them can lead to irritation, swelling, and more breakouts.

Home remedies that might not be effective

Some purported remedies aren’t necessarily harmful — they just might not always work.

These include:

• egg whites
• green tea
• honey
• yogurt

You’ll often find these ingredients in recipes for homemade masks because of their antioxidant and hydrating properties — but these benefits won’t do anything for deep blackheads.

Unless you’re experiencing severe pain or swelling, professional removal usually isn’t necessary.

If you’re not getting the results you want at home, consider making an appointment with a dermatologist or aesthetician to talk about your concerns.

They may recommend one of the following removal techniques:

Professional extraction

After making a small hole in the clogged pore, your dermatologist or aesthetician will remove the plug with a looped-end metal extractor tool.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion offers deeper exfoliation than OTC options, like scrubs.

A dermatologist or aesthetician will use a crystal-emitting handpiece to gently spray fine crystals onto the skin. The device will rub and suction off the outer layers of dead skin. They may also use a diamond-tip handpiece to exfoliate more sensitive areas, such as around your eyes.

This technique may also help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

Chemical peels

A professional chemical peel removes the entire top layer of skin, reducing blackheads and other debris.

Just keep in mind that your skin may be more prone to sunburn during the recovery process. When spending time outdoors, you’ll want to take extra caution to protect your skin from the sun — sunscreen is essential, but a hat can’t hurt, either.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy is sometimes used on breakouts that don’t respond to other treatments.

For deep blackheads, dermatologists use photopneumatic therapy. The process involves a combination of intense pulsed light lasers and a hand-held vacuum.

Using these together allows your dermatologist to get deep into your pores to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum.

For best results, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends one or two follow-up sessions per year.

Deep blackheads can take time to remove safely and effectively. Once you’ve got the gunk out, the strategies below can help prevent them from coming back.

• Use noncomedogenic products. Noncomedogenic is code for “non-pore-clogging.” Also look for oil-free sunscreens and lotions to help prevent clogged pores.
• Remove makeup before bed. Cleansing at night helps remove makeup, but sometimes residue is still left behind. Consider adding a pre-cleanser to remove all your makeup.
• Wash your hair regularly. Not only will your locks stay healthy and soft, but you’ll also get rid of oils and dirt that can get on your face and clog your pores.
• Be sure your hands and nails are clean. Keeping your nails clean can help minimize dirt and oil transfer.
• Wash your pillow cases and bedding. Aim to wash these once a week to get rid of any dirt and oil on your sheets.
• Add salicylic acid to your skin care routine. Salicylic acid dries out dead skin cells that accumulate in your pores, thereby decreasing the chances of blackheads. Try a face wash, toner, or moisturizer that contains salicylic acid to get these benefits.
• Consider glycolic acid. Regular use can help your skin shed dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores. You can find glycolic acid in moisturizers and OTC peels.
• Ask a dermatologist about prescription retinoids. Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A. While primarily recommended for inflammatory acne, they may also help control excess oils that contribute to blackheads.
• Avoid overusing acne products. Combining several products that contain salicylic acid, sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, and other acne-treating ingredients can dry out your skin. Ironically, this can cause more blackheads, because overly dry pores may end up producing more sebum to help hydrate your skin.
• Eat a balanced diet. Certain foods and nutrients — including dark green and yellow vegetables and fruits, omega-3 fatty acids, and whole grains — can promote overall skin health. Drinking plenty of water can also help balance out sebum and aid in skin cell turnover.

Getting rid of blackheads often proves something of a challenge, but it’s definitely possible — one or more of the home removal techniques mentioned above could make a difference.

That said, if you don’t see improvement within 6 weeks, consider making an appointment with a dermatologist or aesthetician to learn more about your options for professional treatment.