# How to clear blackheads: what works, what doesn't, and how long it takes URL: https://dermalguide.com/articles/how-to-clear-blackheads/ Part of: https://dermalguide.com/acne/ Published: 2026-10-18 ยท Updated: 2026-10-23 > A step-by-step blackhead routine using adapalene, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, plus the truth about oil cleansing, scrubs, pore strips and extraction. ## Short answer To clear blackheads, use a product that stops pores clogging rather than one that pulls plugs out. Dermatologists recommend a topical retinoid (adapalene 0.1% gel is sold without a prescription in the US), often with a benzoyl peroxide wash. Salicylic acid at 0.5โ€“2% is an OTC alternative. Give it six to eight weeks. Don't scrub or squeeze; if blackheads persist, a dermatologist can extract them safely. ## What this means for you ### Start with what you notice Choose something that stops pores clogging, rather than something that pulls the plug out. ### The ingredient names, translated Blackheads are clogged pores. The products that work best stop pores from clogging in the first place, and they take about two months to show results. Scrubbing, squeezing and pore strips give a quick, temporary result and can irritate your skin. ### How to decide - Confirm they are blackheads: a dark plug open to the surface, not a flat grey filament. - A topical retinoid is the first choice, and it is judged over six to eight weeks. - Salicylic acid is the gentler route if a retinoid does not suit your skin. Do not stack it with one. - Do not squeeze, scrub, or use pore strips as your plan. Those give a temporary result. ### What to expect Expect six to eight weeks before clear improvement, and expect new blackheads to keep forming while the cause stays. If they persist regardless, a dermatologist can extract them safely, which is not something to do at home. General guidance, not a test of these products: [How to treat different types of acne (American Academy of Dermatology)](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/diy/types-breakouts); [Pimple popping: why only a dermatologist should do it (American Academy of Dermatology)](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/popping); [Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris (J Am Acad Dermatol, 2024)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017); [OTC Monograph M006: Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use (FDA)](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/omuf/Order/Final%20Administrative%20Order%20OTC000013_M006-Topical%20Acne%20drug%20products%20for%20OTC%20Human%20Use.pdf); [Galderma: FDA approves Differin Gel (adapalene 0.1%) for over-the-counter use (July 2016)](https://www.galderma.com/news/fda-approves-galdermas-prescription-strength-differin-gel-over-counter-use-treatment-acne-us); [Sebaceous filaments (Cleveland Clinic)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24571-sebaceous-filaments); [Comedonal acne (DermNet)](https://dermnetnz.org/topics/comedonal-acne). Each product's label source is linked on its product page. ## Steps 1. **Check they're really blackheads:** Flat, evenly spaced grey or tan dots on the nose are usually sebaceous filaments, which are normal and can only be made less visible. True blackheads are darker, often slightly raised, and come with other comedones on the forehead or chin. 2. **Cleanse gently, twice a day:** Use a mild cleanser and lukewarm water morning and night. Don't scrub: blackheads aren't dirt, and the AAD warns scrubbing can make acne worse. 3. **Add one pore-clearing active:** Choose adapalene 0.1% gel (a retinoid, sold OTC in the US for ages 12 and up) or a salicylic acid product (0.5โ€“2%). Start adapalene every other night, then nightly as your skin tolerates it. Use one active at first, not several. 4. **Add benzoyl peroxide if you also get pimples:** The AAD pairs a retinoid with a benzoyl peroxide wash for blackheads and whiteheads. A wash at the low end of the 2.5โ€“10% range is a gentle place to start. It can bleach towels and pillowcases. 5. **Moisturise and protect:** Use a non-comedogenic moisturiser to offset dryness from actives, and follow the sun precautions on your product's Drug Facts label. 6. **Stop squeezing and strip-pulling:** Squeezing pushes material deeper and can cause inflammation, marks and infection. Pore strips mostly remove sebaceous filaments, which refill within about 30 days. 7. **Give it six to eight weeks:** Keep going every day for at least six to eight weeks before judging the result. Once clear, keep using the active to stop new blackheads forming. 8. **See a dermatologist if they persist:** If blackheads remain after six to eight weeks, a dermatologist can prescribe a stronger retinoid or perform comedo extraction with sterile instruments. ## Are they really blackheads? Before you start, check what you're treating. Most of the small grey or tan dots on the nose are **sebaceous filaments**: a normal part of every pore that you can make less visible but never get rid of. True blackheads (open comedones) are darker, often slightly raised and less uniform. See [blackheads vs sebaceous filaments](https://dermalguide.com/articles/blackheads-vs-sebaceous-filaments/) for a side-by-side comparison. Either way, the routine below helps both. Just set your expectations: filaments will look smaller, not disappear. ## What actually clears blackheads?
Three cross-section diagrams of skin: a normal open pore with a hair, a whitehead where the pore is plugged and closed over with pale material, and a blackhead where the plug sits open at the surface and its top has turned dark
Illustration: a normal pore, a whitehead (closed comedone) and a blackhead (open comedone). A blackhead's dark top is exposed oil and skin cells, not dirt.
### Retinoids (adapalene): the first choice The [American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/diy/types-breakouts) says that to unclog pores, dermatologists recommend a **retinoid**. The 2024 [AAD acne guidelines](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.12.017) make a strong recommendation for topical retinoids. **Adapalene 0.1% gel** (sold as Differin and generics) was approved by the FDA for over-the-counter use in 2016. According to [Galderma](https://www.galderma.com/news/fda-approves-galdermas-prescription-strength-differin-gel-over-counter-use-treatment-acne-us), it was the first OTC product with a prescription-strength retinoid. The OTC label is for people aged 12 and over, and it shouldn't be used on damaged skin such as cuts, eczema or sunburn. How to start: - Apply a thin layer to the whole area (not just individual blackheads) once a day in the evening, on dry skin. - If your skin is sensitive, start every other night for the first couple of weeks. - Expect some dryness, redness or peeling at first. [Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24571-sebaceous-filaments) notes this is reduced by using a retinoid every other day or alongside a moisturiser. **Retinol** (in cosmetic serums and creams) is a weaker, non-drug relative of adapalene. It may help, but it isn't held to the same evidence standard as adapalene for acne. See our [retinol ingredient page](https://dermalguide.com/ingredients/retinol/). ### Salicylic acid (BHA): the gentler alternative [Salicylic acid](https://dermalguide.com/ingredients/salicylic-acid/) is a beta hydroxy acid that helps clear dead skin cells from inside the pore. The [FDA acne monograph](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/omuf/Order/Final%20Administrative%20Order%20OTC000013_M006-Topical%20Acne%20drug%20products%20for%20OTC%20Human%20Use.pdf) allows it in OTC acne products at **0.5% to 2%**. The 2024 AAD guidelines give salicylic acid a **conditional** recommendation, weaker than retinoids. It's still a sensible option if you can't tolerate a retinoid, or as a cleanser alongside one. Many people use a leave-on BHA a few evenings a week, or a salicylic acid cleanser daily. > **Skin Realist check:** a 2% BHA isn't "stronger" than adapalene just because the number is bigger. They're different ingredients with different evidence behind them. Compare the active and the evidence, not the percentage. ### Benzoyl peroxide: if you also get pimples The AAD recommends adding a **benzoyl peroxide wash** to a retinoid for blackheads and whiteheads, because it reduces acne-causing bacteria. The 2024 guidelines strongly recommend it. The FDA monograph allows **2.5% to 10%**; starting at the lower end is gentler. A wash is easier on the skin than a leave-on product. Benzoyl peroxide bleaches fabric, so use white towels and pillowcases. ### Azelaic acid: for blackheads plus marks or redness [Azelaic acid](https://dermalguide.com/ingredients/azelaic-acid/) has a conditional recommendation in the 2024 guidelines. It's not the first thing to reach for for blackheads alone, but it can be useful if you also have post-acne marks or redness. [Sunday Riley Peacekeeper](https://dermalguide.com/products/sunday-riley-peacekeeper-acne-treatment-serum/) pairs it with salicylic acid in one leave-on serum. ### Don't stack everything at once The FDA monograph requires US acne drug labels to warn that skin irritation and dryness are more likely if you use another topical acne medication at the same time. Irritated, damaged skin can produce more bumps, not fewer. Start with **one** active. If you add a second after a few weeks, use them at different times of day (for example, a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide cleanser in the morning and adapalene at night) or on alternate nights. ## What doesn't work (or only works briefly)? ### Scrubbing Blackheads aren't dirt. The [AAD](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/diy/types-breakouts) warns that scrubbing them will only make acne worse. ### Pore strips Strips remove the top of the pore contents, mostly sebaceous filament material, which [Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24571-sebaceous-filaments) says refills within about 30 days. They don't stop new blackheads forming. If you use them, do so occasionally and never on skin that's irritated or being treated with a retinoid or acid. ### Squeezing and extraction tools at home The [AAD](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/popping) explains that squeezing often pushes material deeper into the skin, increasing inflammation. That can lead to scars, more noticeable acne, pain and infection from bacteria on your hands. Metal extractors used at home carry the same risks. ### Oil cleansing and "oil gritting" Oil cleansing (massaging a cleansing oil into dry skin before rinsing) is popular on Reddit and TikTok for blackheads. We couldn't find any controlled clinical trial showing it clears blackheads. A cleansing oil is a fine way to remove sunscreen and makeup, and some people find it pleasant, but it **doesn't replace** a retinoid or salicylic acid. If you use one: - choose one that rinses off cleanly (emulsifies into a milky liquid with water) - follow it with your usual gentle cleanser if you feel residue - stop if you notice new bumps > **Skin Realist check:** the little "grits" people show on their fingertips after oil cleansing are usually filaments and residue, not proof that pores have been permanently cleared. ### Clay masks Clay (such as [kaolin](https://dermalguide.com/ingredients/kaolin/)) absorbs surface oil, which can make pores look less obvious for a few hours. We didn't find good evidence that clay masks clear blackheads on their own. Use them as an occasional extra, not the treatment. ## A simple blackhead routine **Morning** 1. Gentle cleanser (or a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide wash, once your skin tolerates your evening active) 2. Non-comedogenic moisturiser 3. Sunscreen, and any sun precautions on your product's Drug Facts label **Evening** 1. Gentle cleanser 2. Adapalene 0.1% gel (every other night at first) **or** a salicylic acid leave-on 3. Non-comedogenic moisturiser From the labels we've checked: for the salicylic acid wash, [CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser](https://dermalguide.com/products/cerave-renewing-sa-cleanser/) is sold as fragrance free. For the gentle evening wash, [CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser](https://dermalguide.com/products/cerave-hydrating-facial-cleanser/) is a non-medicated cream cleanser. We don't list an adapalene gel yet, so any adapalene 0.1% gel with a US Drug Facts label works for that step. The [AAD](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/diy/types-breakouts) advises giving treatment **six to eight weeks** to work. [DermNet](https://dermnetnz.org/topics/comedonal-acne) notes that treatment for comedonal acne often has to continue long-term, sometimes for years, so keep using your active once your skin clears. ## What else can cause blackheads? - **Pore-clogging products.** Heavy creams, some hair products and makeup can contribute. Look for "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free" on labels, and see [forehead acne and makeup](https://dermalguide.com/articles/forehead-acne-makeup/). - **Hair products on the forehead.** Pomades and oils at the hairline are a common trigger for forehead blackheads. - **Smoking.** DermNet notes comedonal acne is more common in smokers. ## When should you see a dermatologist? See a dermatologist if blackheads are still there after six to eight weeks of consistent treatment, if you also have many whiteheads or inflamed spots, or if squeezing has left marks. A dermatologist can: - prescribe a stronger retinoid (such as tretinoin or a higher-strength adapalene) - perform **comedo extraction** with sterile instruments, which the [AAD](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/popping) describes as a safe way to remove blackheads and whiteheads when done by a dermatologist - check whether your bumps are actually something else, such as [fungal acne](https://dermalguide.com/articles/fungal-acne-malassezia-folliculitis/) or [keratosis pilaris](https://dermalguide.com/articles/forehead-bumps-comedones-fungal-acne-or-kp/) ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the best treatment for blackheads? A topical retinoid. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a retinoid to unclog pores, and adapalene 0.1% is available without a prescription in the US. A benzoyl peroxide wash is often added. Salicylic acid is a gentler alternative. ### How long does it take to get rid of blackheads? Expect six to eight weeks of daily use before you see a clear difference, which is the AAD's guidance. Comedonal acne often needs ongoing treatment to stay clear, so keep using your active after the blackheads fade. ### Is BHA or adapalene better for blackheads? Adapalene has the stronger evidence. The 2024 AAD guidelines strongly recommend topical retinoids and give salicylic acid only a conditional recommendation. Salicylic acid is usually gentler, so it can suit sensitive skin or people who can't tolerate a retinoid. ### Does oil cleansing remove blackheads? There's no good clinical evidence that it does. A cleansing oil is fine for removing sunscreen and makeup, but it doesn't replace a retinoid or salicylic acid. Rinse it off thoroughly. ### Can I use salicylic acid and adapalene together? You can, but start with one. US acne drug labels warn that irritation and dryness are more likely when you use more than one topical acne medication at the same time. If you add a second, use them at different times of day or on alternate nights. ### Should I get blackheads extracted? Only by a dermatologist or trained professional using sterile tools, and not as your only treatment. The AAD says extraction is usually offered when other treatment fails, and blackheads can return afterwards. Amazon links on this site are affiliate links. This is general information, not medical advice.