Can you remove blackheads with tweezers?

Why tweezers are the wrong approach

A blackhead is a small plug in the opening of a pore, also called an open comedone. The blockage contains excess oil and dead skin cells. The dark appearance is not dirt, so scrubbing harder is not the answer.234

The general advice against picking and squeezing applies to using tweezers to pull at that plug. Home extraction can leave part of a blackhead behind or push material deeper into the skin, causing painful irritation. Picking can also introduce bacteria and cause inflammation, permanent scars or dark marks. If a blackhead resists removal, stop rather than applying more pressure.35

What to do instead

1. 1Wash gently morning and evening. Use a gentle cleanser rather than scrubbing, which can irritate skin and worsen acne. Remove makeup at the end of the day.
2. 2Choose one treatment aimed at clogged pores. Salicylic acid unclogs pores and exfoliates skin, making it useful for blackheads. Adapalene, a retinoid, also helps clear blackheads and prevent clogged pores.
3. 3Use the treatment as its label directs. For a leave on acne medication, apply a thin layer across the affected area rather than only to visible blackheads. Treating the area helps prevent the next breakout as well as treating existing spots.
4. 4Keep that treatment consistent for 6 to 8 weeks rather than adding another active product during the trial. Use moisturizer regularly and choose skincare and makeup labelled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores.

A salicylic acid wash can be used once daily; if it dries your skin, choose a lower strength. Retinoids can cause peeling or changes in skin colour. Using a retinoid every other day or alongside moisturizer can reduce these effects. Azelaic acid is a milder option for sensitive skin, although it is less effective at targeting blackheads than salicylic acid or retinoids.35

If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, speak to a dermatologist before starting acne treatment yourself. Some treatments available without a prescription are not safe during pregnancy.7

How long does treatment take?

Acne treatment is not an overnight fix. With an effective treatment, fewer breakouts can appear in 4 to 8 weeks, with clearing around 16 weeks. Blackhead treatment can take several weeks to months to produce worthwhile improvement, and continued use is often needed to keep pores clear. Some shallow blackheads disappear on their own; deeply embedded ones are less likely to.47

Can a professional remove them?

A dermatologist can remove blackheads with sterile instruments and proper extraction technique. Deep blackheads should be removed by a medical professional, who can use a comedone extractor with rigid metal loops to apply even pressure. Professional extraction is a procedure, not a tweezer technique with a more impressive job title. Extraction is usually considered when other acne treatment has not cleared the skin, rather than as the first option.1

Extraction can clear existing blackheads, but it does not include a cancellation policy for future ones. Blackheads can return after removal, so continue a skincare and treatment plan that helps prevent new blockages.1

When should you get medical help?

See a doctor if acne is not improving with treatment, spots are deep or painful, or scars are developing. After picking, hot, swollen or red skin needs medical attention because these can be signs of infection. Redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin.6