How to Naturally Remove Blackheads (Steam and Towel Method)

Co-authored by Lisa Bryant, ND

Blackheads are little bumps that appear on the skin when your hair follicles get clogged with oil, makeup, or dirt. Though annoying, they’re a non-threatening skin condition and can be easily removed with some steam and towels.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Steaming Your Face

1
Wash your face thoroughly. Steaming helps to relax and open the pores in your skin, which can help to clean them, but it also opens them up to more inflammation and can lock in any dirt already on your face. Before you steam your face, you need to wash it with room temperature water thoroughly, getting any dirt, grime, make-up, and oils off of your skin before you start. Never steam your face before cleaning your face.
2
Fill a sink or bowl with hot water. You can steam your skin in any clean bowl, sink, or another water basin. It's usually done by draping a towel over your face and the sink creating a tent to trap the steam and heat inside, softening your skin and opening your pores.>
- Make sure you clean the surface of the water basin thoroughly with soap and rinse it out before you attempt to steam your face. In the past, it was thought that antibacterial soap would be helpful, but newer studies have shown that antibacterial soaps can cause superbugs, that is why ordinary detergent or soap is recommended. This will remove germs stuck to the bottom of your sink and you can be reassured that you will not vaporize germs.
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3
Hold your face over the steam for 5-10 minutes. Relax and breathe deeply, enjoying the effect of the steam. This is a common feature of spa treatments, helping also to relieve sinus problems and other respiratory issues.
- It's important that you do this for no more than 5-10 minutes at a time, and no more than once or twice a week. Over-steaming your face can eventually dry it out, which can eventually result in your skin over-producing oil to try to make up for the lack of moisture in your skin.
4
Wash your face with cold water. To close your skin back up, rinse your face with cold water^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Keeping Your Face Clean

1
Only use gentle cleaning techniques. If you want to remove blackheads naturally, it's important to separate the astringent cleaners from the gentle cleaners to keep your skin as healthy as possible. It's likely you'll want to avoid harsh, alcohol-based cleaners, as well as chemical-based commercial cleansers.^{[2]
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- It's also important to be gentle with your skin as you wash. Don't pick at your blackheads, or scrub your skin vigorously. Only use gentle scrubbing, even if you're exfoliating. You don't need to dig at your skin to keep it clean.
2
Consider using home remedies to cleanse your skin. Done properly and applied in the correct way, home remedies can be crafted using a wide variety of ingredients that are effective at tightening, soothing, and exfoliating your skin, making your skin more inhospitable to blackheads.
3
Use natural moisturizers. Using natural-based moisturizers is essential to healthy skin. While many associate oiliness with blackheads, it's true that using excessive products that dry out your skin will actually end up making your skin oilier in the long run. Remember to moisturize regularly with natural plant-based oils and moisturizers to keep your skin healthy.
4
Never squeeze your blackheads. Again, this can't be overstressed. Do not squeeze, strip, or pick at your blackheads. They cannot be removed entirely or permanently, and attempting to do so is bad for your skin. However, skin specialists may sometimes use a comedone remover, which is available in surgical supply stores; this applies pressure only around the comedone with minimal pressure, so the rest of the skin does not get damaged.
5
Try an oil cleanse to clear out your pores. There are many types of oil you can use, such as olive, avocado, or almond oil. Pour 1–2 teaspoons (4.9–9.9 ml) of the oil into your hand and gently massage it into your skin for 1-2 minutes to remove dead skin, makeup, or dirt. Use a warm, damp cloth to wipe the oil off your skin to keep your face hydrated without it looking greasy. When you’re finished, pat the area dry with a clean towel.^{[3]
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- Mix a few drops of essential oil into the oil if you want to make it scented.
6
Eat a diet free of dairy products and sugar. It has been known for decades that only people in civilized countries come down with comedones and acne. In native populations of Brazil and Japan where food is eaten containing no milk products, sugar, and starchy foods, there is no acne.^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

When to Seek Medical Care

1
Talk to your doctor if more blackheads appear. If your blackheads persist despite treating them, talk to your doctor about the problem. They may prescribe prescription medication or topical cream that will help you get rid of the blackheads.^{[5]
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- If your blackheads don’t go away or increase in number after 2 weeks of treatment, make an appointment to see your doctor.
2
Seek medical attention if a blackhead becomes infected. Squeezing, picking, or attempting to remove blackheads can cause bacteria to get into the clogged pores. This can sometimes lead to an infection, which can turn serious if left unchecked. If you see signs of an infection, see a doctor for treatment.^{[6]
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- If the area around the blackhead is red and painful to the touch, it could be infected.
- Red streaks around the blackhead are a sure sign of an infection.
- Pus oozing out of the blackhead means that the pore is infected and needs treatment.
3
Get medical care if you have an allergic reaction to a natural remedy. Herbal medicines and natural treatments can cause reactions in some people. If you try to use a natural treatment to get rid of your blackheads and you have an allergic reaction, you need to go to an urgent care clinic or an emergency room to make sure the reaction isn’t too serious.^{[7]
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- Signs of an allergic reaction include itchy eyes, ears, or mouth, difficulty breathing, hives or a rash on the skin, swollen tongue or lips, and nausea or vomiting.
- If you’re unable to drive yourself to seek help, call an ambulance.
4
See a psychiatrist if you become depressed or anxious. Acne and blackheads can be frustrating and difficult to cope with. If you experience anxiety or depression because of your blackheads, make an appointment to see a psychiatrist so you can treat the problem.^{[8]
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- Mental health is nothing to be embarrassed about. If you’re having trouble dealing with your blackheads, talk to a psychiatrist.
- Symptoms of anxiety include feeling nervous, panic, increased heart rate, trouble sleeping, and difficulty controlling worry.
- Depression can manifest in various ways, but common symptoms include irritability, anger, agitation, lethargy, sleepiness, and a loss of enjoyment in your usual activities.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Will Lemons Make Them better Or Worse?

Lisa Bryant, ND
Licensed Naturopathic Physician
Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.

Lisa Bryant, ND

Licensed Naturopathic Physician

Expert Answer

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Some people will use lemon juice topically to reduce redness from scarring or inflammation.
Question

Is it bad to pop blackheads?

Lisa Bryant, ND
Licensed Naturopathic Physician
Dr. Lisa Bryant is Licensed Naturopathic Physician and natural medicine expert based in Portland, Oregon. She earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and completed her residency in Naturopathic Family Medicine there in 2014.

Lisa Bryant, ND

Licensed Naturopathic Physician

Expert Answer

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Yes, popping your blackheads can cause more scarring and inflammation in the area.