Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and retinoids can reduce oil and dead skin ...

If you do use a comedone extractor, you should clean the tool with alcohol before use and apply alcohol onto the skin before and after removing any blackheads to prevent infection, says Burke.

We spoke to board-certified dermatologists about the best blackhead-fighting ingredients, how to safely and effectively remove blackheads at home and which over-the-counter products they suggest.

They'll remove the blackhead using a comedone extractor. Although these tools are available for purchase and use at home, trying to remove your own blackheads runs the risk of scarring and infection.