Use gentle cleansers designed for sensitive skin to prevent further irritation. For the best skin health, it’s best to wash your face twice a day. This removes dirt and debris that could stretch your pores out.

Use a gentle exfoliant designed for sensitive skin. This way, your pores are less likely to get irritated. If you need recommendations for a good product, ask your dermatologist.

For the best results, moisturize your skin right after splashing it with cold water to prevent dryness.

Also look for labels like “oil-free” or “won’t clog pores. ” These indicate that they won’t make your blackhead holes look larger. This goes for cleansers, moisturizers, and creams as well as makeup. Stick with products that will keep your pores open.

If your skin is damaged or you’re trying to close up blackhead holes, then wear sunblock every time you go out, even if it’s cloudy or cold. There are still UV rays bouncing around, and even small exposure can damage your skin. This is also good advice for preventing skin cancer and long-term skin damage. Continue wearing sunblock after your blackhead holes heal.

The hole won’t completely disappear because it’s actually a pore, and you need those pores open. The space should get smaller, though. If you have loose skin, especially after turning 40, then the holes may not fill in as well on their own.

Retinol could irritate or dry your skin. If this happens to you, wash your face first and then apply retinol 30 minutes later. Retinoids are available without a prescription, but your dermatologist may also prescribe a stronger type.

Washing your face with salicylic acid is also an important way to treat and prevent acne. Keeping your acne under control will prevent more blackhead holes from forming.

There are also prescription AHA creams that you can only get from your dermatologist.

One of the best ways to prevent acne is washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and bacteria. Your dermatologist might recommend some topical or oral medications to control persistent acne. They might also tell you to make some lifestyle changes like following a different diet.

A laser treatment might be a little painful, but your dermatologist will apply analgesic gel to numb your skin. You might have to take some pain relievers for a few days while your skin heals. Laser treatments can stimulate collagen growth to tighten your skin or get rid of damaged skin around scars. Your dermatologist will fill you in on the exact procedure.

This type of surgery is quick and very simple. It shouldn’t take too long, and then you can go home to recover. Surgical procedures also have a risk for scarring, so your dermatologist will probably only try these as a last resort.