6 Ways to Get Rid of Blackheads, According to Experts

Use Antioxidant-Rich Products to Prevent Blackheads

Contrary to popular belief, those teensy dark spots (which tend to show up on the areas of the face most prone to oil—nose, chin, T-zone, etc.), aren’t actually the dirt-clogged pores we always assumed them to be. According to Rouleau, “Blackheads are large, open pores containing hardened sebum, or oil, that has oxidized from the air causing it to turn dark gray in color.”

She goes on to note that antioxidant-rich skincare products can help keep blackheads at bay. “Antioxidants used in skin care products have many benefits such as encouraging collagen production, lightening discoloration, and slowing down the production of skin-damaging free radicals, but one surprising benefit is their ability to prevent oil from oxidizing, hence the name ‘antioxidants.’”

A powerful matcha-infused face cream like this one from Byrdie fave brand Peach & Lily can help prevent the formation of blackheads while still being gentle and moisturizing on skin.

Use Salicylic Acid Products to Keep Pores Clear

We know and love salicylic acid for treating acne, but the wonder ingredient can also help with blackheads (and whiteheads, too!). To keep blackheads at bay, both Sperling and Rouleau suggest using products with salicylic acid to keep pores clear, as it works to fend off dead skin cells and oil, both of which can be contributing factors to the onset of blackheads. “Once the pores are clean, it’s important to use products in your routine that use acids, such as AHA’s and BHA’s, to absorb directly into the pores and keep them cleaned out, as well as preventing the oil from filling back up so quickly," she says. Sperling adds that the benefits of salicylic acid are to help unclog pores and overall, make the surface cleaner for blackhead-free skin.

Get the best of both worlds (AHA's and BHA's) with this peeling solution. Fair warning though, it's strong, and should only be used by experienced users.

Apply Retinoids to Shrink Pores

While there’s no magical cure to get rid of blackheads completely, if you're dealing with severe acne in addition to blackheads, retinoids may be the answer. Rouleau says that the use of retinol or prescription retinoids can tighten the pores so they appear smaller, which in turn, keeps blackheads virtually invisible. Sperling adds that "retinols work to increase the turnover of cells and promote new cell growth and collagen production," not to mention they can make the other products in your skincare regimen more effective since they will be able to penetrate deeper without being blocked by clogged pores.

We recommend this serum from Overt, which contains 2.5 percent retinol to even out the skin tone and increase cell turnover for smooth, blackhead-free skin.

Clear Out Pores With a Mask

If you have oily skin, you're likely a user of clay masks (PSA: if you're not, you may want to look into them). Though clay masks are meant to draw out dirt, oil, and other impurities from the skin, some formulas can also work to clear out and unclog pores. Opt for a kaolin clay-based one meant to balance oils and give pores a major detox.

Like clay masks, charcoal-based face masks are meant to rid the skin of toxins, dirt, and oil. Because these types of masks can make the skin feel parched, Sperling recommends using them about once a week to avoid excess dryness. And always be sure to follow up with a heavy-duty moisturizer post-masking.

A favorite in the Byrdie office, you'll definitely feel the glow after using this mask from GlamGlow, which contains six exfoliating acids and activated charcoal to give you the cleanest pores.

Exfoliate Regularly To Maintain Clean Pores

"Blackheads are caused by clogged pores from oils in the skin, makeup or moisturizers used on the skin, and bacteria," says Sperling. "AHA's, such as glycolic acid, and BHA's, such as salicylic acid, work well to exfoliate the skin. BHAs penetrate deeper into the skin and have both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties so they are good for treating blemishes in acne-prone skin." Exfoliants can help rid the skin of blackhead-causing sebum and product build-up, but because they can also strip the skin of moisture, Sperling recommends using them once a week.

Not only does this scrub from Tula smell delicious, but it also fights off blackheads, minimizes pores, and gives you smooth skin.

Use a Non-Comedogenic SPF to Avoid Clogging Pores

When dead skin cells mix with excess oil on the skin, a clogged pore can rear its ugly head, and cause a comedo (aka a blackhead). That's why choosing non-comedogenic products (meaning, products that don't contain pore-clogging ingredients) is essential for everyday wear, especially if you're a heavy makeup wearer or prone to breakouts. Generally speaking, most non-comedogenic products will also be oil-free, making them useful for those with oily skin to begin with. And because sunscreen is something that should be worn daily (seriously—please protect your skin every day), it's crucial to opt for a non-comedogenic formula for the sake of your pores.

We like this SPF 30 from Everyday Humans because it won't clog your pores and works great for those with sensitive skin.