How to Prevent Blackheads

Last Updated: April 8, 2021 Approved

Blackheads are blemishes that can appear on any area of your skin, though they are often found on the face. ^{[1]
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Mayo Clinic
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Go to source} These sometimes painful and unsightly blemishes have many causes such as excess oil, dead skin cells, clogged pores, and bacteria. ^{[2]
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Mayo Clinic
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Go to source} Although you can easily treat blackheads, the best way to avoid complicated treatments is to prevent blackheads from forming in the first place.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Keeping Your Skin Clean

1
Cleanse your skin regularly. Although blackheads are not actually caused by dirt, gently wash your skin regularly to remove excess dirt and oil. This can help prevent blackheads from forming or clogging pores. ^{[3]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Use a gentle cleanser with a neutral pH. ^{[4]
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source} You may also look for cleansers with salicylic acid, which can be very helpful in keeping pores clean and preventing breakouts. ^{[5]
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  Mayo Clinic
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- Most grocery stores and pharmacies carry skin cleansing products that avoid irritating skin. Look for products labelled "gentle on skin", "for sensitive skin" and such.
- If your skin is very oily, consider using an oil-free cleanser. Likewise, if your skin is dry, try using a glycerine or cream-based cleanser. ^{[6]
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- Don’t use bar soaps as their ingredients may clog pores. ^{[7]
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- Use lukewarm water to wash your skin. Water that is too hot can strip your skin of oils and irritate it. ^{[8]
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2
Avoid overwashing skin. Just as it’s important to wash your skin, it’s also important to not overwash it. Cleansing too often or too vigorously can irritate your skin, strip its oil, and actually lead to further breakouts. ^{[9]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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- Washing acne-prone areas twice a day is sufficient to help keep it clean and prevent blackheads. ^{[10]
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3
Remove makeup before bed. Going to bed with makeup or cosmetic products on your skin can clog your pores. Remove all makeup or cosmetics with a gentle cleanser or makeup remover before you hit the pillow. ^{[11]
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- You can use a specific makeup remover, especially if you use waterproof products, or your gentle cleanser before bed. Most cleansers are effective at removing makeup. ^{[12]
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- Every month, you may want to consider cleaning your makeup applicators or cosmetic sponges with some soapy water to remove bacteria that can clog pores. ^{[13]
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4
Shower following vigorous activities. If you are a very active person, shower after strenuous activities. Sweating can lead to excess bacteria and oil on your skin that could cause blackheads. ^{[14]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Avoid washing your blackhead prone areas with harsh soaps. A gentle, pH-balanced skin wash will suffice. ^{[15]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Using Other Preventative Measures

1
Apply moisturizer daily. Use a skin-type specific moisturizer after you've washed your face. Having properly hydrated skin can help prevent blackheads. ^{[16]
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- Even if your skin is oily, it may need a moisturizer, choose an oil-free and non-comedogenic product. ^{[17]
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- Seek the advice of a dermatologist or skincare professional to help assess what type of skin you have. You can buy products specifically formulated for your skin type and needs at most pharmacies and at many retailers, including department stores. ^{[18]
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2
Exfoliate your skin regularly. Dead skin can clog pores and cause blackheads. Gently exfoliating your skin on a regular basis may help clear dead skin and bacteria and could help prevent blackheads. Do not try to exfoliate active acne or blackhead sites as this will irritate already irritated skin.
- Be aware that an exfoliator will only remove surface skin and not penetrate deeply enough to scrub away a blackhead. ^{[19]
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- Choose a gentle exfoliator with either synthetic or natural beads that are a uniform shape. Harsh scrubs can cause irritation and lead to further blackheads. ^{[20]
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  Research source} A soft washcloth can also gently exfoliate your skin.
- Try adapalene gel (Differin gel), which is a retinoid gel that is available over-the-counter. It can help reduce inflammation and exfoliate the skin.
3
Absorb excess oil. If you have oily skin, use a topical product to absorb excess oil. These preparations can not only help remove oil, but also keep bacteria and dead skin that cause blackheads at bay. ^{[21]
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Mayo Clinic
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- You can use an over-the-counter salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide treatment or have your doctor prescribe one for more severe cases. ^{[22]
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- A weekly clay mask may help absorb excess oil and purify your skin. ^{[23]
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- You can use oil blotting papers to soak up excess oil on your face. ^{[24]
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- Be sure to follow your doctor’s or package directions to help ensure that you don’t overuse the product and further irritate your skin.
- You can purchase most oil-absorbing products at pharmacies and some grocery stores. Online cosmetics retailers also offer these products.
4
Use non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic products. If you use cosmetics or other types of skincare products such as moisturizer or sunscreen, choose non-comedogenic options. These won’t clog your pores and may help prevent further irritation. ^{[25]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Products marked “non-comedogenic” has been tested for acne-prone skin and won’t likely exacerbate existing acne or cause new blackheads. ^{[26]
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  Mayo Clinic
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- Any product marked “hypoallergenic” has been tested for sensitive skin.
- There is a wide range of non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic products available including makeup, sunscreens, moisturizers, and toners. You can purchase them at most pharmacies, large department stores, online retailers, and even some grocery stores.
5
Keep your fingers away from most blackheads. You may be tempted to touch or pick at blackheads, but avoid the temptation to remove them this way. Picking at and touching your skin can spread oil and bacteria and may cause you to break out in more blackheads. ^{[27]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Picking or touching your skin may also cause further irritation. ^{[28]
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6
Remove stubborn or large blackheads. In some cases, you may have a large or stubborn blackhead that won’t disappear. You can safely remove these kinds of blackheads with a comedone extractor, but only use this tool in acute circumstances.
- You can purchase a comedone extractor at most pharmacies and other retailers that sell skincare products.
- Make sure to cleanse your skin before you use the tool so that you minimize the risk of spreading bacteria. ^{[29]
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- Warm your skin with a warm compress for a minute or two before you use the extractor. ^{[30]
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- Don’t force the blackout out of your skin. If it doesn’t come out after the first try, leave it for a few days to help minimize irritation and encourage healing. ^{[31]
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- Follow the instructions on how to use the extractor most effectively.
- If you are unsure of how to do use an extractor or have a lot of blackheads, talk to your dermatologist. She can use an extractor to remove your blackheads much more effectively in her office.
7
Wear loose-fitting garments. Tight clothing can hold in heat and moisture, which can irritate your skin and cause blackheads. Wearing loose-fitting garments can help keep your skin dry and comfortable and prevent blemishes from forming. ^{[32]
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Mayo Clinic
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- Sweat or moisture-wicking garments may help keep your skin dry and blemishes at bay.
- Natural fabrics such as cotton may be a good option if you have sensitive skin. Avoid scratchy fabrics such as wool to help avoid irritation.
- Regularly clean garments, and fabrics such as pillowcases, that come in contact with your skin. Use a mild detergent that won’t clog pores or irritate skin. ^{[33]
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8
Overhaul your diet. There is some evidence that a nutritionally well-balanced diet may affect your skin. ^{[34]
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Research source} Avoiding unhealthy and junk foods may help prevent blackheads and other kinds of acne. ^{[35]
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- Diets high in fat and sugar may slow cell turnover, resulting in more pore clogs that cause blackheads. ^{[36]
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  Research source} Try and not eat too many fried foods or sweets.
- Foods high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, including fruits and vegetables such as raspberries and carrots, may increase cell turnover for healthier skin. ^{[37]
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- Food high in essential fatty acids, such as walnuts or olive oil, may help skin cells stay hydrated. ^{[38]
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- Unhealthy foods also take the place of foods you could be eating that provide the necessary vitamins and antioxidants to promote healthy skin.
- Part of any well-balanced diet is proper hydration. Aim to drink 8 cups of water every day to keep your body healthy, which may help your skin stay healthy. ^{[39]
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9
Talk to your doctor or dermatologist if your blackheads are stubborn or severe. She can advise you on the best products for your skin as well as prescribe special creams if needed such as retinoids, which are excellent for keeping pores clean and acne at bay.
- In addition, she may talk to you about treatments such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels to unclog pores and keep them clean.
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Question

I have oily skin. What cream should I use?

Laura Marusinec, MD
Board Certified Pediatrician
Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.

Laura Marusinec, MD

Board Certified Pediatrician

Expert Answer

If you have oily skin, look for cleansers and creams that are labelled "oil-free" or "noncomedogenic". These will be less likely to cause oily skin or blackheads. Don't use heavy thick creams or ointments like Vaseline.

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Question

What is the easiest way to get rid of blackheads?

Laura Marusinec, MD
Board Certified Pediatrician
Dr. Marusinec is a board certified Pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, where she is on the Clinical Practice Council. She received her M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 1995 and completed her residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Pediatrics in 1998. She is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and the Society for Pediatric Urgent Care.

Laura Marusinec, MD

Board Certified Pediatrician

Expert Answer

Follow the steps in the article that seem the easiest for you. There is no magic treatment. The articles gives you several things to try — choose the methods that seem doable for you.

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Tips

Gently cleaning items that regularly come in contact with your skin, such as telephones, can help prevent blackheads.

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How to Prevent Blackheads

Steps

Keeping Your Skin Clean

Using Other Preventative Measures

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

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