8 best blackhead treatments for achieving smoother skin
According to Dr Hiba Injibar, consultant dermatologist and founder of Dermasurge Clinic, blackheads are 'a type of acne caused by clogged pores filled with excess sebum, dead skin cells, and debris. Unlike whiteheads, which are closed, blackheads remain open, and the oxidation of trapped oil gives them their dark appearance. They usually develop in areas with high oil production, such as the nose, chin, and forehead.'
Despite how tempting it can be to squeeze blackheads and watch others doing so – #blackhead has one million views and counting on TikTok – it's actually one of the most damaging things you can do for your skin. Consultant dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips told me: 'Squeezing blackheads can damage the skin and put you at risk of infection, scarring and hyperpigmentation. You can also push the debris deeper into the pores, making the situation a lot worse.' Instead, he recommends a well-formulated skincare routine.
To tackle blackheads, Dr Injibar advises incorporating ingredients into your skincare routine that help exfoliate and unclog pores. 'Salicylic acid is excellent for dissolving excess oil and dead skin, while retinoids help regulate cell turnover and prevent blockages. Niacinamide can reduce oil production and inflammation. You could also use clay masks to help absorb excess oil.' Many of these ingredients can be found across cleansers, masks, serums and moisturisers.
Alongside this, Dr Phillips suggests using a retinoid serum in your evening skincare routine to gently exfoliate and remove oxidised sebum, which will unclog pores and therefore reduce the appearance of blackheads and whiteheads. Taking the advice of the experts on board, I've spent weeks testing products that aid the reduction of blackheads to find out which ones are worth your money. Read on for my full review.
How I tested
I've tested a myriad of products, including cleansers, serums, masks and moisturisers, narrowing it down to the top eight. I examined everything from texture, finish and absorption, as well as ease of application, value for money and, of course, how effective each one was on my oily combination skin.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Louise Whitbread has spent years working in the beauty industry and has tested countless skincare products and solutions, having suffered from acne for many years. From an expert-led feature on minimising acne scarring to her pick of the best skincare for acne-prone skin, Louise knows what to look for when it comes to finding skin solutions that actually work.
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Telegraph
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EXCLUSIVE People are amazed as grandmother reveals astonishing results of £10k: 'Insane transformation'
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Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Other Mounjaro users were thankful for Vic's advice and eagerly raced to the comments to express this. One person said: 'Great advice thank you. I am six weeks in and not lost this week so [I'm] not happy, trying to get some tips.' Another added: 'This is spot on advice!! Pork is another difficult food to digest that can be really awful.' A third commented: 'Been on it a year, five stone off and 10.2mg now and totally agree with the fried foods.' Meanwhile, someone else gushed: 'Thank you! You've helped beyond measure!!' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club 5 Vic claimed that steak is now is a 'no-go' for her Credit: Getty
