Blackheads: Editor's Review of the Most Popular Acne Treatment + 4 Recommended Removal Methods

Blackheads are one of the most common skin concerns—especially among teenagers going through puberty. Not only do blackheads affect self-confidence, but they also make pores look larger and leave the skin feeling rough. That’s why many people try to squeeze them out manually—but this habit can actually do more harm than good. Not only does it fail to remove blackheads effectively, but it can also cause pores to stretch even further. So, how should blackheads be properly treated? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about blackheads and teach you the right way to get rid of them.

1

What Are Blackheads?

Also known as open comedones, blackheads are a common skin condition caused by excess oil in the pores. Normally, this oil is transparent or slightly yellowish. When it reaches the surface of the skin and is exposed to air, it undergoes oxidation. Over time, this oxidized oil hardens and forms a yellow-white plug that becomes stuck at the pore opening.

As the oxidation continues, the plug becomes darker in color—eventually turning black and forming what we recognize as a blackhead. Blackheads most commonly appear on the nose. Their appearance resembles tiny dark dots on the skin, making the complexion look rough and dirty. When the nose is covered in densely packed blackheads, it’s often referred to as a “strawberry nose.”

2

Blackheads vs. Whiteheads—What’s the Difference?

Not all visible clogged pores are blackheads. There are actually two types of comedones: blackheads and whiteheads. Both are caused by excess oil and dead skin clogging the pores. The main difference lies in oxidation: blackheads are open comedones that are exposed to air, while whiteheads are closed and sealed off by dead skin.

If the pore isn’t completely blocked, oxygen can reach the sebum and cause oxidation, which leads to blackheads. However, if the pore is fully blocked, no oxidation occurs, and the clog remains white—this is a whitehead. Also known as closed comedones, whiteheads are often found on the forehead, cheeks, and chin. They tend to contain more bacteria than blackheads and can easily develop into pimples or acne.

3

What Causes Blackheads?

To effectively tackle blackheads, you need to understand their root causes:

i. Excess oil production

Our skin contains countless sebaceous glands that secrete oil to protect against dryness. However, when these glands are overactive, the excess oil can clog pores and lead to blackheads. This is especially common in people with oily skin.

ii. Skin dehydration

Surprisingly, dry skin can also trigger blackheads. When skin lacks moisture, it signals the sebaceous glands to produce more oil to compensate—causing similar pore-clogging issues. Over-cleansing can also strip the skin of its natural oils, prompting the same response.

iii. Thick stratum corneum (outermost skin layer)

Dead skin cells normally shed in a cycle of about 28 days. But when the renewal process slows down, dead skin builds up, forming a thick stratum corneum. This buildup clogs pores, encourages blackheads, and hinders skincare absorption—resulting in dull and problematic skin.

iv. Enlarged pores

Large pores remain open, making it easier for oil, dead skin, and dirt to accumulate—leading to blackheads. The presence of blackheads can further stretch pores, creating a vicious cycle. That's why pore-tightening steps are crucial in daily skincare routines.

v. Incomplete makeup removal

If makeup isn’t thoroughly removed, residue mixes with oil and dirt in the pores, forming blockages that lead to blackheads. This also applies to makeup-like sunscreen formulas. Proper removal using cleansing oils or micellar water is essential.

4

Which Acids Help Remove Blackheads? Different Acids, Different Effects

i. Salicylic Acid (BHA)

Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate deep into pores and dissolve sebum buildup. It’s ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, as it regulates oil and treats breakouts.

ii. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

These water-soluble acids can’t reach deep into the pores but are excellent at exfoliating dead skin on the surface. AHAs help renew the stratum corneum, reducing blockages and improving dull or uneven skin tones.

iii. Mandelic Acid

Similar to AHAs, mandelic acid gently exfoliates dead skin and clears pores. It also helps brighten dull skin and reduce blackheads, making it a great option for those dealing with both congestion and pigmentation.

5

Dermatologist-Approved Blackhead Removal Steps

Step 1: Makeup removal and cleansing

Always start with clean skin. Use makeup remover followed by a facial cleanser to ensure all impurities are gone.

Step 2: Open the pores

Apply a warm towel to the blackhead area or use a facial steamer to open the pores. This helps soften the blackheads and makes extraction easier.

Step 3: Exfoliate

Use a scrub, AHA, or BHA product to remove excess dead skin, making extraction more effective. Be gentle to avoid damaging the skin.

Step 4: Extract blackheads

Use a blackhead removal tool or wrap your fingers in tissue and gently press around the blackhead. Avoid using excessive force. If it won’t come out, stop—forcing it may damage the skin.

Step 5: Tighten pores

After extraction, the pores are still open and vulnerable. Use toner or a cooling mask to soothe and shrink the pores to prevent infection or re-clogging.

Step 6: Resume normal skincare

Finish your routine with moisturizing and any other usual skincare steps.

6

Other Blackhead Removal Methods

i. Regular exfoliation

Exfoliate 1–2 times a week to prevent buildup of dead skin and reduce blackhead formation. Oily skin types may benefit from weekly exfoliation.

ii. Honey treatment

Apply a thin layer of honey to the blackhead area, leave it on for 5–10 minutes, and gently massage in circular motions before rinsing. For added exfoliation, mix in some white sugar.

iii. Diet improvement

Avoid oily, fried, spicy, and high-sugar foods, as they increase oil production and contribute to blackhead formation and larger pores.

iv. Regulate sebum production

Use cleansers twice daily and choose oil-control products if you have oily skin. Dry skin types should use hydrating products to balance oil production.

7

Clinically Proven Blackhead Solution – Perfect Medical’s Acne Treatment

Blackheads are stubborn, and even with diligent skincare, many people struggle to eliminate them. Fortunately, Perfect Medical offers a professional Acne Treatment that directly addresses blackheads.

This treatment uses vacuum microdermabrasion to gently extract sebum, dirt, bacteria, and dead skin from deep within the pores. It also delivers a proprietary medical-grade essence to hydrate and rebalance the skin. After several sessions, skin’s oil production is regulated, preventing future blackheads and acne. The treatment also stimulates collagen production, improving skin elasticity and minimizing pores for a smoother complexion.

8

Don’t Just Trust the Experts—Try It Yourself!

The Acne Treatment by Perfect Medical is widely praised online and comes with a free first session. Still, I was hesitant to try it. I don’t have severe acne—just small white bumps on my chin and jawline around my period, along with a few painful cystic pimples.

When my acne was constantly flaring up, I really wanted to get treatment. But once my period ended and the acne calmed down a bit, I’d get lazy and put it off… This cycle repeated until one day, a friend saw my bare face under the sunlight and asked why I hadn’t started any acne treatments. She said my face had too much dead skin and acne marks—it looked really bad, very bad. She said my skin was in poor health! That was when I finally made up my mind to try the Acne Treatment.

After my first Acne Treatment, the only word I could use to describe it was “amazing”!

Not only were the stubborn blackheads on my nose cleared out, but the beautician also extracted lots of whiteheads and small pimples from my chin and jawline. She said my chin area was a major problem zone—if I didn’t take care of it, there would be a major breakout! According to her, the combination of fruit acid essence and vacuum microdermabrasion used in the treatment provides deep cleansing in one go, so even during your period, you don’t have to worry about a major acne flare-up. She also told me my skin was really dirty and that oily skin like mine needs deep cleansing at least once a month...

The immediate results were fantastic. But since I’m still a student and don’t have much money, I turned down the consultant’s promotional offer at the time and decided to wait and see how well the treatment would work. Not long after the treatment, my period started… and just as expected, because of the deep cleansing, I didn’t get the usual outbreak of small whiteheads or cystic acne. The deep-cleansing effect was far better than I imagined!

So I gritted my teeth and went back to buy the full package (about 6 sessions). The beauty consultant recommended doing it once a month, preferably before your period, to prevent inflammation and breakouts that could leave behind scars and marks.

I’ve now done three sessions, and my skin condition has remained really stable. I no longer get crazy breakouts before and after my period—just the occasional pimple or two! The best part is that the long-standing acne marks have faded significantly with each vacuum dermabrasion session. Even my friends and family have noticed that my bare face looks so much better and isn’t scary like before!

This is my personal experience. If you’d like to learn more about the treatment or try it for free, visit the Perfect Medical official website or click the link below to book a free trial.