Skin care

Skin Care Tips: How to Ditch Blackheads for Good

Follow this step-by-step skin care guide to rid your oily skin of stubborn blackheads to have clear skin -- finally

October 26, 2010 | by Molly Roemer | 52 COMMENTS

black-head noun (blak-hed) "Blackheads are basically the same as whiteheads, except for blackheads have an oxidized fatty deposit. And when fatty deposits are oxidized, they turn dark. So they're called blackheads. When they're not oxidized, they're called whiteheads," says Lancer. "Blackheads differ from other pimples because they are open, and not enclosed by a layer of skin like most spots or pimples."

SEE NEXT PAGE: Follow these steps to clear and prevent blackheads:

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products mentioned

Dermalogica mediBac Clearing Clearing Skin Wash

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Astara Blue Flame Purifying Toning Mist

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Glotherapeutics gloClear Healing Gel

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L'Oréal Paris Ideal Skin Genesis Daily...

7.4

Lancer Dermatology Polish Blemish Control

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Glotherapeutics gloClear Refining Mask

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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 EricaF123 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

I think one problem is once you have any pesky blackheads and spend the money on seeing your esthetician to clear them away, without constant vigilance the blackhead will return.

by alictasia Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 04:35PM Report as inappropriate

This is a well-researched article and the list of products to accomplish each step is very helpful. My teenage son has acne that really inflames his skin. Are there any products that could reduce the redness? He also wants everything done with 2 or 3 products at the most. What products would you recommend for a more streamlined acne treatment program?

by jctkrause Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 06:04PM Report as inappropriate

Such good info in this category!

by TBjunkie Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 11:59PM Report as inappropriate

Excellent, informative article! I am looking for my husband & even though I already knew the steps, it was helpful to have products to attach to each step. WONDERFUL!

by jojohnson21 Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 07:39PM Report as inappropriate

Excellent article. Very comprehensive. The pore strips to pull the blackheads and gunk out, but like the article states, if you have sensitive skin it will cause inflammation, redness, irritatin, and minor breakouts.

by robyne00 Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 05:00PM Report as inappropriate

wow i really needed this..blackheads are my biggest problem

by olkrav319 Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 04:14PM Report as inappropriate

Wonderful tips....

by powerwoman033 Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 08:50PM Report as inappropriate

I will definitely be trying all of these tips at home!

by mrselliott08 Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 10:44AM Report as inappropriate

good advice and good article :))

by peaches095 Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 09:22AM Report as inappropriate

I wish the products mentioned weren't so expensive

by sportimonki13 Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 05:44PM Report as inappropriate

Microdermabrasion & something to shrink the pores!

by ArmenianGal Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 05:17PM Report as inappropriate

so hard to stay away from french fries :(

by janellelora Monday, September 5, 2011 at 12:46AM Report as inappropriate

great advice!!

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 02:28AM Report as inappropriate

Good article!

by WiccanLady Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 03:33PM Report as inappropriate

That product is $50.00, so I don't think I will be trying it.

by MissPurple Friday, July 15, 2011 at 03:17PM Report as inappropriate

One article says to use toner for flawless skin and then another artile says to skip it?

by Only1KimmieD Friday, July 15, 2011 at 09:22AM Report as inappropriate

Good advice. There are a few things that helped me TREMEDOUSLY with my blackheads and clogged pores. A good BHA (salicylic acid) the right moisturizer, and regular exfoliation. That's it! For BHA, you can't just look for any product that has salicylic acid - there is a specific range, apparently, that is effective. My favorite ones are Paula's Choice - especially the CLEAR Anti Acne toner. The regular strength one absorbs into your skin like water, I use it every day under makeup, no problem. The extra strength takes much longer to sink in, but is great for night time. I believe the Stridex pads are also the correct pH, for a cheaper option. A good moisturizer - I notice I break out even MORE when my skin is even slightly dry. Dry skin doesn't seem to turn over as well, and dead skin will clog your pores - giving you blackheads, of course. It's tough though - some moisturizers weren't moisturizing enough, others were too heavy and never seemed to totally sink in. Trial and error, for sure! There are a few I like that I have in rotation right now though. Exfoliation - scrubs are nice (Neutrogena has some good ones - also love the Fresh Soy exfoliator) but ever since I got a Clarisonic Mia, I'm addicted to it. Even my boyfriend loves it! Expensive yes, but worth the money I think.

by dark_beauty Monday, June 13, 2011 at 08:44AM Report as inappropriate

i have the worst blackheads!

by monpetitchou Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 12:29AM Report as inappropriate

this I will try some of this

by porsha_coleman_mcdaniels Sunday, June 5, 2011 at 08:17PM Report as inappropriate

judyangel101 I feel your pain,cash makes all the difference...maybe one day:)

by selma Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 03:08PM Report as inappropriate

Bummer how a product they suggest is not rated on Total Beauty by anyone.. makes me wonder

by modinosaur Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 11:32AM Report as inappropriate

i hate how on like every step, somewhere they advertise this website. Annoying`

by tessakinsbeauty Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 03:54PM Report as inappropriate

Too Expensive.

by OSUgirl Monday, April 18, 2011 at 07:06AM Report as inappropriate

thanks for this!

by yckitsmary Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 01:35PM Report as inappropriate

I'm disappointed that so many of the products listed were on the expensive side!

by LipglossandSpandex Friday, April 8, 2011 at 09:14PM Report as inappropriate

Hmm. I don't have many blackheads (that I've noticed), but I think I'm going to try these tips anyway to see if they make a difference!

by mkgx7 Monday, April 4, 2011 at 05:01PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks for sharing about the scarring and capillary issues!

by alictasia Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 06:20PM Report as inappropriate

ewww! lucky i've never had a problem with blackheads!

by volta Monday, March 21, 2011 at 11:51PM Report as inappropriate

Pore strips never worked for me for some reason. I've been doing all these steps (except toning) and blackheads still appear, so I guess it must be due to hormones?

by f3n Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 09:12PM Report as inappropriate

I HATE blackheads but i dont have the $$$$ to buy all those special creams., srubs, masks etc.

by judyangel101 Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 01:26PM Report as inappropriate

The strips never worked for me, I needed to see some better black head treatments and I'm so glad this was posted!

by Bon_Bon Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 05:32PM Report as inappropriate

I'm curious, "Kenya honestly, i was dying to try those blackhead pore strips, but knowing this now makes me not want to buy them". What did you mean? I have used the strips by By Bior, and they work.

by TeresaG5224 Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 11:40AM Report as inappropriate

I have black heads, and I would like to know what is good to use that won't break the bank? I'm willing to spend no more than $20.00.

by TeresaG5224 Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 11:27AM Report as inappropriate

good tips.... hope that you also included cheaper product line... What about for whiteheads?

by babysaffron Monday, January 10, 2011 at 11:58PM Report as inappropriate

I'm not sure who your esthetician is but I dont know of any one who removes all your black heads for 30 dollars. The cheapest I know of is 50 dollars for black head extraction and cleaning. If it really was only 30 dollars, I think women would go more often, but it is too expensive to go regualary. However, if there really is a place that does this for 30 dollars, I would love to know who it is. Thank you.

by dbvernon Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 11:51PM Report as inappropriate

Great ideas - but hey there's a recession - most of us live paycheck to paycheck - need to keep costs down. Six products @ $40 a whack!!! Can't do it - need to pay the mortgage.

by Redhead55 Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 04:05AM Report as inappropriate

honestly, i was dying to try those blackhead pore strips, but knowing this now makes me not want to buy them.

by kenya Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at 03:02PM Report as inappropriate

good suggestions and steps, but how about suggesting alternatives in lower price bracket? I can't afford to buy 6 products at 40 bucks each thats almost $250 just to get started.

by everythingisart Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 12:43PM Report as inappropriate

Good tip about using steam to open up the pores!

by pynkNymphette Friday, December 3, 2010 at 07:37AM Report as inappropriate

For what it's worth, the Glotherapeutics mask is WAY overpriced. A pound of Aztec Secret kaolin clay only costs 8 bucks and lasts over a year. You can mix it with all sorts of goodies to clear skin, moisturize, firm, tone, etc. It's my definite "must-have" skincare product!

by bionicbeauty Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 09:29AM Report as inappropriate

Great information, but this is just WAY too pricey for most people to afford. You should recommend items like I mention on my blog- the RIGHT natural face mask, mixed at home, will clear up blackheads in only a few weeks without drying the skin. Also washing with plain water, a soft cloth, and following with a slight massage of Jojoba Oil will help dislodge blackheads over only a few days. And it's all CHEAP!! Jami (bionic-beauty.com)

by bionicbeauty Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 09:26AM Report as inappropriate

This a good article however I only gave it 6 stars. It would have been a GREAT article and I would have given it 10 stars if I could afford to purchase any of the products recommend other than the Loreal moisturizer. In this economy, most people are on a limited budget. Isn't it about time that this starts to be factored in by those authoring these articles? As great as many of these articles are, and also the products recommended, if many or most can't afford them, isn't it a waste of time and energy?

by jenn8779 Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 08:39AM Report as inappropriate

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