There are many ways to treat and prevent blackheads, but generally speaking, you want to “consistently use medicated cleansers or treatment products that help break up the debris within your pores, regardless of whether the blackheads are on your cheeks or back. Here are 10 ways:

1. Try salicylic acid.

First, seek out active ingredients like salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that is ideal for removing blackheads. “Because it’s oil soluble, it is able to deeply penetrate the pores and oil glands to break up the debris and sebum. She recommends using it in a daily cleanser.

2. Use benzoyl peroxide to get to the root of the issue.

Another effective and slightly more powerful option for blackheads is benzoyl peroxide, also popular in cleansers like CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells above the top of the pimple, helping to open it up. not be overzealous and use more than is recommended on the product packaging instructions, as doing so can dry out and irritate skin.

3. Give powerful retinoids a try.

If all else fails, retinoids and retinol (a milder version), both vitamin A derivatives, can also be extremely effective in treating blackheads. Retinoids change the way your skin cells develop from the inside out, to prevent the clogging of pores and acne formation. Retinoids are available both in over-the-counter and in prescription strength. (Bonus: They also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.)

4. Use steam to nix blackheads instantly.

Start by steaming your face to open up your pores. Then “use two cotton swabs or a comedone extractor to gently press on the sides of the blackhead. Do not use your hands, as this can introduce bacteria and lead to infection.”

5. Get rid of blackheads overnight with a two-step process.

To disappear blackheads by morning, a two step process: Use a pore strip first and follow by applying a salicylic acid gel before bed.

Do you ever notice small, dark spots on your legs after you shave? Turns out they’re actually clogged pores, not unlike a blackhead. Sometimes mistaken as dirt, these dark dots resemble the seeds on the skin of strawberries (hence the informal term “strawberry legs”) and are more noticeable on some skin types than others.

“Strawberry legs describes the appearance of dark spots in the skin occurring in a pattern that corresponds to hair follicles or pores,” Causes vary but include when shaven hairs are darker (and therefore, more visible) than skin color, enlarged hair follicles, clogged pores, and keratosis pilaris, she adds.

Murphy-Rose compares the dark spots to a blackhead on the face or body. “Enlarged pores can become clogged with buildup (keratin debris, oil, and bacteria) that oxidizes and darkens when exposed to air. Dermatologists call blackheads ‘open comedones’ because they are open and exposed to the air, causing the black dot we see.” But luckily you can help to prevent them from forming by changing the way you shave (among other things). We tapped Murphy-Rose and Ali Tobia to find out how.

Below, we’ve rounded up all the tips that truly help prevent and treat strawberry legs. Keep reading to learn more.

Dry-Brushing

Preventing strawberry legs actually starts a day or two before you shave. To help with the exfoliation process, vigorously brush legs with a soft dry brush in circular motions prior to your bath or shower. Then, soak skin in warm water for five to 10 minutes before you shave—this helps draw out impurities and loosen dead skin cells trapped inside the pores.

Physical Exfoliation

Don’t forget to exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. Regular exfoliation helps keep these dark pores at bay as do proper shaving methods, shaving tools, and a good skincare regimen. It’s recommended that you exfoliate your legs on a regular basis with a glove or body scrub that polishes away dead skin cells.

“Exfoliation can be very effective in preventing strawberry legs because it helps to soften the skin and loosen up the dirt and oil that’s already in your pores, which obviously helps to prevent that dirt and oil from getting trapped in your pores when you shave,”

“If you are using a scrub to exfoliate, make sure to use a mild product, and use a gentle motion when you do the actual scrubbing,” advises Tobia. “Sometimes we think that scrubbing harder cleans better, but the truth is that all it adds is irritation to the top layer of skin,” she explains.

Chemical Exfoliation

Exfoliation can also include chemical varieties, which just so happen to be Murphy-Rose’s preferred prevention and treatment method since “speeding up the shedding of dead skin cells with regular exfoliation will make someone less prone to clogged pores.” Her favorite products contain AHAs and salicylic acid, “a beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates dead skin cells to make it harder for pores to clog. Unlike many other hydroxy acids, salicylic acid travels down into follicles to keep skin exfoliated and clean deep inside the pores,”

“Salicylic acid can be found in at-home chemical peels, body washes, lotions, and saturated pads. Most acid-containing body washes (Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash) and lotions (Cerave SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin) can be used one to two times daily,” instructs Murphy-Rose. “Saturated pads should be used three times a week and then gradually increased to daily use if not causing irritation or noticeable skin peeling/flaking.” Since salicylic acid is not recommended for pregnant women, she suggests products containing lactic acid or glycolic acid as an alternative. Tobia highly recommends Environ’s Body Essentia Derma-Lac Lotion, which has “lactic acid in the formulation to exfoliate your skin without abrasives.”

Moisturizing

Following exfoliation, you should always moisturize, emphasizes Murphy-Rose. “Keeping your skin well-hydrated will help dead skin cells to shed off naturally and appropriately,” she explains. For those with dry skin, she recommends using products with rich moisturizers like shea butter and ceramides. She tells us, “Many swear by Gold Bond Rough & Bumpy Skin, which is great for dry skin and gentle enough to be used—and should be used—twice a day). Glytone’s Kp Kit includes an AHA body wash and lotion. You can also try chemical peels at your board-certified dermatologist’s office.”

1. Tea Tree Oil Facial Scrub For Blackheads

You Will Need

• 1 tbsp fine sugar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1-2 drops tea tree oil
• A steamer

Prep Time

2 minutes.

Treatment Time

15 minutes.

Method

1. Steam your face for about 5-10 minutes.
2. Combine all the ingredients until you get a coarse mixture.
3. Apply this mixture onto your face and massage gently in circular motions.
4. Massage for a couple of minutes and then rinse your face with cool water.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

This tea tree oil scrub will help exfoliate your face while also unclogging your pores by drying out the blackheads. Ensure that you are using pure olive oil as other variants may end up worsening the condition of your blackheads.

2. Tea Tree Oil Moisturizer For Blackheads

You Will Need

• Non-comedogenic moisturizer
• 1 drop tea tree oil

Prep Time

2 minutes.

Treatment Time

2 minutes.

Method

• Wash your face with warm water to help relax your pores.
• Dispense a pea to coin-sized amount of your non-comedogenic moisturizer.
• To this, add a drop of tea tree oil.
• Gently massage the moisturizer into your skin, paying special attention to the blackhead-prone areas.

How Often?

Everyday.

Why This Works

As your moisturizer seeps into your skin, the tea tree oil in it will make its way into your pores, disinfecting and getting rid of any acne or blackheads. This is one of the simplest ways to ensure that your skin stays hydrated and blackhead-free.

3. Jojoba And Tea Tree Oil For Blackheads

You Will Need

• 1 tsp jojoba oil
• 1 drop tea tree oil
• A steamer

Prep Time

2 minutes.

Treatment Time

10 minutes.

Method

1. Steam your face for a couple of minutes to help relax your pores.
2. Combine the ingredients to create an oil blend.
3. Massage this oil blend into your skin in gentle circular motions.
4. Massage for about 5 minutes and then proceed to wash your face with cool water and a cleanser.

How Often?

Every night before you sleep.

Why This Works

Jojoba oil’s structure is very similar to that of the naturally produced oils in your skin. This allows the oil to easily penetrate your skin, dissolve impurities, and unclog your pores. In combination with tea tree oil, it creates the perfect blackhead combating blend.

4. Tea Tree Oil Cleanser For Blackheads

You Will Need

• One squeeze of an oil-free facial cleanser
• 1-2 drops of tea tree oil

Prep Time

1 minute.

Treatment Time

2 minutes.

Method

• Splash your face with warm water to help relax your pores.
• Dispense a pea to coin-sized amount of your facial cleanser.
• To this, add a drop of tea tree oil.
• Gently massage your face with the cleanser until you work up a good lather.
• After about a minute of massaging, rinse your face with cool water.

How Often?

1-2 times a day.

Why This Works

Not only is this method extremely convenient but it also works wonders. Mixing tea tree oil in your cleanser allows the oil to penetrate your clogged pores, dry them out, and unclog them. Regular use of this remedy will ensure that you’re free of blackheads. Just ensure that you’re using a good non-comedogenic moisturizer after you wash your face.

We almost never know what to do with blackheads. While a lot of sources recommend squeezing and scrubbing, a lot of others don’t. Bet you didn’t know that getting rid of blackheads is actually quite simple. As long as you’re stocked with tea tree oil, you’re good. In this article, I’ve put together a list of the six different ways you can use tea tree oil to get rid of blackheads. But first, let’s look at how tea tree oil helps to get rid of blackheads.

Does Tea Tree Oil Remove Blackheads?

Tea tree oil has excellent disinfecting, soothing, and antibacterial properties. For this reason, it makes for an excellent ingredient when it comes to treating different forms of acne. The oil makes its way under the clogging in your pores by penetrating your skin deeply. It then helps disinfect the pores and dries out the blackhead and unclogs your pores.

Fuller’s Earth And Tea Tree Oil For Blackheads

You Will Need

• 2-3 drops tea tree oil
• 1 tbsp fuller’s earth
• 1 tbsp water
• A steamer

Prep Time

2 minutes.

Treatment Time

25 minutes.

Method

1. Steam your face for 5-10 minutes.
2. Combine the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
3. Evenly apply this mixture onto your face as you would a face mask. Avoid getting too close to your eyes or your mouth.
4. Leave the mask on for about 10-15 minutes.
5. Rinse off with warm water and pat your skin dry.

How Often?

Twice a week.

Why This Works

This face mask helps draw out the excess oils from your face and dries out any acne. It helps disinfect and unclog your pores, while the fuller’s earth nourishes your skin with its high mineral content.

Tea Tree Oil Bath For Blackheads

You Will Need

• A hot bath.
• 1 tsp tea tree oil
• 2 cups Epsom salt

Prep Time

2 minutes.

Treatment Time

30-45 minutes.

Method

1. Draw a hot bath and to it add about a teaspoon of tea tree oil and two cups Epsom salt.
2. Soak in the bath for 30-45 minutes.
3. Step out of the bath and pat yourself dry.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

Why This Works

A hot bath helps open up your pores and unclogs them. The tea tree oil helps dry out the blackheads and get rid of them. The Epsom salt in the bath will help gently exfoliate your skin while cleansing out your pores.