Skin Care

How to Ditch Blackheads for Good

Follow this step-by-step guide to rid your skin of stubborn blackheads and get clear skin — finally

by Molly Roemer, Mary Squillace

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Try These Cleansers to Prevent Blackheads Like getting rid of plain old pimples, your first line of defense against blackheads is properly cleansing your skin. In the mornings, wash your face with a physical or chemical exfoliating face wash, such as a salicylic acid-based cleanser, recommends Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.

"[Salicylic acid] penetrates skin and sebaceous follicles well," says Gohara. To boot, it acts as an antibacterial and an anti-inflammatory. Try Dermalogica MediBac Clearing Clearing Skin Wash, $36. We also like CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser, $11.99.

If salicylic acid is too much for your skin, Gohara suggests using a mild cleanser that has exfoliating properties but won't irritate. She likes Dove's Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Bar, $10.79 for six, and Glytone's Mild Gel Wash, $32.

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Older comments

I bought the Citrus Clear Grapefruit Spot Treatment to reduce the oil on my combination skin and to get rid of some of my blackheads. Yes! You can use the Citrus Clear spot treatment as a mask as well! My dermatologist told me this, and I am so happy about it! I rinse with lots of warm water to open my pores and then use the Citrus Clear Grapefruit Spot Treatment. About half of my blackheads go away each time I use it! It's a fantastic product and I'm addicted.

by vivian_westwood Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 08:35PM Report as inappropriate

Steam will loosen blackheads so that these other tips work more effectively. There will be no scarring or damage from it, either.

by GigiSD Friday, April 26, 2013 at 09:31PM Report as inappropriate

I have the most difficulty resisting the urge to pick. I needed reminders about that, and steam treatments and vitamin B3.

by Helmi Friday, April 26, 2013 at 12:18PM Report as inappropriate

I fight blackheads all the time. :(

by yestfl Friday, January 4, 2013 at 02:20PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks

by EricaC123 Friday, December 28, 2012 at 05:11PM Report as inappropriate

nice tips!

by aishak55 Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 06:29PM Report as inappropriate

my hubby suffers from blackheads and this article is very helpful. Thx.

by lilas Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 12:35AM Report as inappropriate

Great tips!

by heidihannibal33 Monday, September 3, 2012 at 08:22PM Report as inappropriate

I am constantly fighting blackheads so these tips have been insightful. I have used masks with kaolin and I agree that they help draw out the impurities and blackheads from the skin. I only wish the effects lasted.

by HeathRene Monday, August 20, 2012 at 01:09PM Report as inappropriate

Definitely good tips. Mine really cleared up when I added a mask using a Thai clay and lemon juice. I also scrub with sugar and coconut oil.

by asiagirl4ever Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 02:00AM Report as inappropriate