The Best Way To Get Rid Of Blackheads

Nobody likes to look in the mirror and see blackheads staring back at them. When you were younger, you may have tried to get rid of your pimples by smearing them with toothpaste. It is a fairly common home remedy, but is it really effective? And if not, what is?

It can't be denied that there are indeed some ingredients in toothpaste that could potentially shrink acne. However, the risks of this remedy outweigh any potential benefits. "I have seen more patients have problems from applying toothpaste to their face than to have ever successfully treated their blackheads," dermatologist Manjula Jegasothy told Self.

The chemicals and ingredients in toothpaste can irritate the skin, potentially resulting in burns and rashes (via Healthline). While this remedy for blackheads may have been utilized for decades by teenagers and adults alike, it is really not worth the risk, especially when there are viable alternatives.

According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, the most effective ingredient against blackheads is salicylic acid (via Health). This ingredient relieves the skin of excessive oil, thereby clearing the pores and vanquishing blackheads. Neutrogena Acne Proofing Daily Facial Scrub, which contains salicylic acid and boasts a 4.1-star rating, is one of Dr. Zeichner's top choices and it typically retails under $10.

Topical retinoids can also be useful. Amazon's Choice for blackhead relief is Proactiv Adapalene Gel, which sells for $36. As dermatologist Rachel Nazarian told Health, the gel should be used several times per week, and always paired with moisturizer. If you opt for other products, it would be wise to choose ones that are free of oil. Moreover, take note that if a topical contains comedogenic ingredients, it could clog pores and exasperate blackheads (via Today).

Salicylic acid and topical retinoids can both be part of your toolkit against blackheads, but should never be layered on top of one another. Instead, one product can be used in the morning and the other can be used in the evening. Don't forget to use your products regularly; consistency is key to both eliminating your blackheads and preventing them from returning (via Health).