Blackheads On Cheeks: Causes, Home Remedies, & Preventive Tips

What Causes Blackheads On Your Cheeks?

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Common causes of blackheads on your cheeks could be:

1.  Clogging of hair follicles by dead skin cells
2.  Production of excess sebum (oil)
3.  Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy (they might affect sebum production) (1)
4.  Excess sebum production triggered by medications like lithium, steroids, and anticonvulsantsⁱ  XA type of drug that is used to prevent or treat seizures (uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain). (2)
5.  Exposure to sunlight and humid weather (3)
6.  Stress (4)
7.  Unhealthy diet (foods rich in animal products, and fatty and sugary foods) (5)

Trivia

The bacteria associated with frequent acne and blackhead breakouts is called Propionibacterium acnes.

Home Remedies To Reduce Blackheads On Your Cheeks

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1. Egg White Face Mask

Egg whites are high in nutrients and may help tighten pores temporarily. An egg white mask not only replenishes your skin with nutrients but may also help remove blackheads. Though the benefits of egg whites for skin have no scientific backing, they are a popular DIY skin care ingredient.

What You Need

•  3-4 eggs
•  3-4 tissue papers
•  A bowl

How To Use

•  Cleanse and wipe your face dry.
•  Separate the egg white from the yolk.
•  Apply the egg white to your skin, place tissue paper on the top, and let it dry.
•  Apply a second layer of egg white to the tissue and gently press it down (you can continue to apply 3 to 4 layers, but make sure each layer is dried before you move on to the next).
•  Remove the tissues and wash your face.
•  Apply a moisturizer after patting your face dry.

2. Sugar Scrub

Sugar is abrasive and works as a natural exfoliating ingredient (6). It helps clear clogged pores on the skin while also eliminating dead skin cells. Add any skin-friendly oil (like coconut, olive, almond, or jojoba oil) to sugar to make the scrub. This scrub may also boost and preserve skin moisture.

What You Need

•  1 cup of white/brown granulated sugar
•  3 tablespoons of any skin-friendly oil

How To Use

•  Mix the white/brown granulated sugar with the skin-friendly oil.
•  Scrub for a few minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.

3. Tea Tree Oil

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Tea tree oil helps dry out blackheads. Its antimicrobial qualities may fight acne-causing germs (7).

What You Need

•  Tea tree oil
•  Cotton ball

How To Use

•  Wash your face with warm water and a cleanser. Pat your face dry.
•  Dab the oil to the skin with a cotton ball.
•  Rinse off after 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Raw Honey Scrub

Honey is known to prevent microbial growth on the skin (8). It contains humectants, which moisturize the skin and assist in removing blackheads and whiteheads (9), (10). It also nourishes and exfoliates the skin.

What You Need

•  1 spoon sugar
•  1 teaspoon lemon juice
•  1 teaspoon raw honey

How To Use

•  Mix the sugar, lemon juice, and raw honey.
•  Scrub your face and wash off with cold water.

5. Steam

Using hot steam on your face will open up your pores (11). This makes it easier for you to remove the blackheads and whiteheads. Steam also cleanses your pores by removing dirt, germs, oil, and other contaminants.

Note: The key to having smooth and clear skin is to maintain a regular facial cleansing routine. Cleanse your skin every day and exfoliate once or twice a week.

Keep in mind that simple skin cleansers may not be able to remove blackheads. Look for salicylic acid in creams, lotions, or gels (12).

What if your blackheads don’t clear away despite trying these home remedies for several weeks? Seek professional treatment from a dermatologist. Here are some of the professional treatment options for blackheads.

Professional Treatment Options For Blackheads On Your Cheeks

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1. Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a popular technique used to treat several skin conditions, including acne and acne scarring (13). This treatment involves using a handheld abrasive device. The device exfoliates the skin using a stream of fine crystals and a vacuum to remove dead skin cells from the face. This procedure might help open up blocked pores and remove blackheads.

2. Chemical Peeling

Chemical peeling is another widely used procedure in the management of acne and acne scars (14). It involves the application of exfoliating chemical solutions like salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid to the affected skin areas. These chemicals help remove damaged skin cells and regenerate new ones.

3. Comedone Extraction

Blackheads are medically known as open comedones. Your dermatologist may consider extracting the comedones gently using an instrument called a comedone extractor. Since this is done at a doctor’s clinic, you can be sure that the instruments are sterilized and free of bacteria. Your dermatologist may prescribe topical preparations containing retinoidsⁱ  XA class of medications derived from vitamin A that helps reduce the look of discoloration and fine lines. to prevent further appearance of blackheads.

Quick Tip

Prescription medications to treat blackheads may contain Vitamin A, tazarotene, adapalene, or tretinoin.

Tips For Preventing Blackheads On Your Cheeks

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•  Wash your face at least twice a day.
•  Remove all your makeup with appropriate cleansers before going to bed.
•  Use physical exfoliants like sugar or salt scrubs to keep oily skin clean.
•  Avoid comedogenicⁱ  XA substance or skin care product that tends to clog skin pores and encourage blackhead formation or acne. cosmetics and skin products.
•  Use clay or charcoal mask once in a while.
•  Maintain a healthy diet, drink lots of water, and protect your skin from the sun.
•  Avoid smoke and other contaminants.
•  Avoid touching your face unnecessarily.
•  Wash sheets and pillowcases regularly.
•  Use over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to dry out excess oil (15).
•  Avoid squeezing blackheads. Squeezing may aggravate them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do blackheads go away naturally?

It depends on how deep your blackheads are. If the blackheads are closer to the surface, they might go away on their own. If the blackheads are deeply embedded in your skin, you can use natural remedies or medical treatments to reduce blackheads.

Do blackheads leave holes?

Blackheads can leave open and enlarged pores post removal. You can use a toner and gentle moisturizer to keep your skin smooth and hydrated.

Sources

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Dr. Preethi NagarajMD DVL

 

Dr. Preethi Nagaraj is the medical director and senior consultant dermatologist at Twacha Skin and Hair Clinic, Kakkanad, Kochi, India, with 11 years of experience. She completed her post-graduation in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology from the prestigious St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore. She was awarded a training fellowship in pediatric dermatology by the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach. Her passion for and understanding of all things related to skin, hair, and beauty propelled her to pursue a career in writing....more