Blackheads are always unsightly, but having them on your back is particularly annoying. Focus on removing those currently present using products designed to unclog pores. These products help remove blackheads and dead skin cells. To keep pores from becoming clogged again, wash your back daily to remove oil, sweat, and dead skin cells.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using Skin Care Treatments
Step 1. Wash your back with salicylic acid and glycolic acid cleansers
Buy an over-the-counter acne cleanser that contains salicylic or glycolic acid. Squeeze a dab of product onto a soft bath sponge and massage it onto your back. Try to massage it for at least a minute so that the cleanser can get into your skin, then rinse.
- It is easier to wash your back in the shower.
- Wash your back with the cleanser twice a day, unless it dries the skin. If it is excessively dry, wash it only once a day.
Step 2. Massage your back with a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week
Buy an over-the-counter exfoliant and squeeze it onto a soft bath sponge. Massage it into your back for at least a minute, then rinse it off. Gentle exfoliants help remove blackheads from the back.
- To clean your entire back more easily, try using an exfoliating brush with a long handle.
- Many products meant to exfoliate blackheads also contain salicylic acid.
Step 3. Massage over-the-counter retinoid cream or gel after washing your back
Apply the product once a day. Read the directions on the packaging of the retinoid cream or gel to make sure it contains 0.1% adapalene. This will help clear your pores, making it easier for you to get rid of blackheads and prevent more from appearing at the same time.
- If you have hard-to-reach blackheads, ask someone to help you spread the cream or gel.
- Massage the product on your back after the shower or before going to bed.
Did you know that?
If acne doesn't respond well to an over-the-counter product, you can ask your dermatologist to prescribe a tretinoin cream.
Step 4. Avoid using products containing benzoyl peroxide
You've probably seen many acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide, which works to fight inflammation and treat acne-causing bacteria. Since blackheads aren't caused by bacteria and don't cause inflammation, you won't need benzoyl peroxide to remove them.
If your back has a form of acne characterized by pimples, cysts or pustules, benzoyl peroxide will help remove the bacteria responsible for the impurities
Step 5. Talk to a dermatologist to learn more about microdermabrasion
If you have a lot of blackheads that don't respond well to any skin care product, see a dermatologist about microdermabrasion. During this treatment, the doctor will pass a small device on the back, which will spray tiny crystals through the skin. This same machine will suck up the crystals and dead cells from the epidermis.
After microdermabrasion the skin will become smoother and softer
Method 2 of 2: Preventing Blackheads on the Back
Step 1. Choose non-comedogenic skin care products
To prevent blackheads from returning, wash and moisturize your skin with products that don't clog pores. Non-comedogenic products contain no dyes, chemical additives or natural ingredients (such as coconut oil) that tend to clog pores.
These products can also be defined as "non-acnegenic" or "oil-free"
Step 2. Shampoo and moisturize your hair before washing your back
If you have a habit of washing your back before shampooing and applying conditioner, change your routine. Tilt your head to the side as you rinse off the shampoo and conditioner. This will help get residue from hair products to flow to the side rather than to the back. You can then wash your back to make it perfectly clean.
Blackhead treatments are most effective when the skin is clean and free of greasy residue
Step 3. Buy a clay or charcoal mask
Look for masks that clean pores thoroughly, so they don't get clogged with dead skin cells. Choose one made from clay, charcoal, or sulfur, as these active ingredients help remove blackheads on your back.
You can also buy all-natural ingredients to make a homemade mask
Step 4. Do a back mask once a week
Take a shower and wash your back well. Turn off the tap and massage the product into your skin. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes for the ingredients to penetrate the pores. Rinse and pat the skin to dry it.
To retain moisture, apply a specific moisturizer for your skin type after drying your back. For example, if you have sensitive skin, choose a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer
Step 5. Keep your skin dry and clean throughout the day
If you work out or sweat, take a shower as soon as possible and wear a clean shirt. It is important to prevent sebum and sweat from sticking to the back, as they can clog pores and cause blackheads.
Wear soft-fitting cotton clothing when exercising so sweat doesn't get trapped on your back
Advise:
if you can't shower after a workout, wipe a non-comedogenic washcloth on your back, then wear a clean shirt.
