Should you remove blackheads with tweezers?

Why tweezers are the wrong tool

A blackhead is a small plug of excess oil and dead skin in the opening of a pore, also called an open comedone. The blockage is inside the pore rather than something sitting loose on the surface.345

Trying to force a blackhead out can leave part of the plug behind or push material deeper into the skin, causing painful irritation. Picking can also introduce bacteria and increase inflammation. Digging and squeezing can make pores more noticeable, not less. A stubborn blackhead is a reason to change approach, not apply more pressure.146

What to do instead

1. 1Wash gently with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Cleanse no more than twice a day, and avoid scrubbing or trying to squeeze the pore empty.
2. 2Consider a salicylic acid cleanser once a day. Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Ask a pharmacist to help choose a suitable product.
3. 3If the salicylic acid cleanser dries or irritates your skin, use a mild cleanser in the morning and reserve the salicylic acid cleanser for bedtime. Choose a lower strength if needed.
4. 4Use moisturizer regularly. If your skin is dry, choose a fragrance free, water based moisturizer. Choose skincare and makeup labelled noncomedogenic, meaning less likely to block pores, and remove makeup before bed.
5. 5Continue the routine without picking between washes. Treatment addresses clogged pores over time; repeatedly trying to empty them can delay clearing.

What if salicylic acid is not enough?

Retinoids, medicines related to vitamin A, help break up blackheads and prevent clogged pores. Adapalene is available without a prescription in some markets; tretinoin is a prescription option. Retinoids can cause peeling or changes in skin colour, and using them every other day or alongside moisturizer can reduce these effects. A treatment plan can combine a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning with a retinoid at night. For sensitive skin, azelaic acid is a milder option, although it is less potent against blackheads than salicylic acid or retinoids.46

If you choose a skincare product containing retinol or retinyl palmitate, apply it before bed. Waiting 30 minutes after washing can reduce irritation. Do not use either ingredient during pregnancy or breastfeeding.1

Can a professional remove the blackhead?

Yes. A dermatologist can remove blackheads using sterile instruments and proper extraction technique. A comedone extractor has metal loops that apply even pressure; deep blackheads belong in professional hands. Extraction is usually considered when other acne treatment has not cleared the skin, rather than as the first step. Blackheads can return after extraction, which makes removal a clear out rather than a retirement ceremony. Continue treatment to help prevent new plugs.24

When to stop and get help

If you have already been tweezing, stop picking or squeezing. See a doctor if the area becomes hot, swollen or red, which can signal infection; redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Seek help for deep painful lumps, scarring or acne that affects your mental health. If treatment shows no improvement after 4 to 6 weeks, a dermatologist can help adjust the plan. Acne treatments can take up to 3 months to work, so that review point does not mean you should expect complete clearing within six weeks.257