There’s nothing quite so unsightly or uncomfortable as a blackhead in your ear. But if you’ve discovered one of these nasty pimples in your ear, don’t pick at it, and don’t panic! Blackheads are treatable with proper care, all you need is a little know-how.
What causes blackheads in ears is a build-up of sebum in the skin of the ear. When an excess of this natural oil starts clogging up pores, it leads to the development of acne, but when sebum is exposed to oxygen, it visibly darkens and becomes what is known as a blackhead. While blackheads are a fairly mild form of acne, they can still feel and look irritating on the delicate skin of the ear.
To do away with blackheads, it’s all about balance. The production of oil and ear wax inside the ear can be upset by a number of factors, and it’s important to maintain proper cleanliness. Read on to find out more about how you can banish blackheads in just a few easy steps and the products that can help.
Tips to eliminate blackheads in ear
Keep your hands off
Try to touch your ears as little as possible throughout the day, and definitely don’t pick or squeeze at the blackheads. You may be gaining momentary satisfaction at the risk of infection and inflammation. Squeezing the blackhead can drive bacteria and pus even deeper into the pore, exacerbating the problem. You could even develop a scar or boil, so whatever you do, fight the urge to squeeze.
Exfoliate your ears
The same exfoliators you use on your face can fight acne on your ears, too. Look for ingredients like retinol and salicylic acid, which are highly effective at exfoliating and purifying pores. Benzoyl peroxide is another effective acne treatment that can be found in exfoliants, cleansers, and body washes.
Cleanse daily
Use a gentle clarifying cleanser on your ears, ideally once or twice a day. For best results, cleanse right after you take a shower to take advantage of your skin’s rosy, warm and hydrated state. You can use a facecloth or cotton ball to carefully pat your ears dry. In a few weeks, you should be able to notice a reduction in the size and severity of your blackheads.
Use gentle products
Limit yourself to lotions and sunscreens formulated to clarify, or at least not to clog, pores. The same applies to any hair care products, as long hair can get in the ears and rub off oils onto the vulnerable skin there. Products specially made for sensitive skin types are also ideal, so look for ingredient lists free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and other irritants.
Apply warmth
Gently hold a warm compress to your ear to soften and loosen small blackheads in ear. Heat will cause pus to rise to the surface of the pimple and help it drain out. Just don’t apply any force and don’t push it if nothing happens. If pus does seep out, however, quickly sop up the liquid with a cotton ball and wash thoroughly to avoid spreading the bacteria.
Consult a dermatologist
If the blackheads in your ear are lingering or painful, seek help from a professional. A dermatologist will be able to determine if the pimples and bumps are blackheads or another type of acne and take steps to resolve the problem. If the issue really is blackheads, they can then extract them with non-invasive tools designed especially for the purpose. Fear not – the procedure is simple, quick, and involves little pain. You may also be recommended treatment with antibiotics, topical medications, or systemic drugs to ward off future breakouts.
Keep contact clean
Anything that touches your ears in the course of a day, from earbuds and headsets to pillowcases, should be cleaned frequently. This will keep debris and impurities from getting into your ears and disrupting their natural sebum production. So keep a pack of antibacterial wipes with you at all times to wipe down your phone and audio equipment before and after use. And wash your sheets and pillows frequently to save both your face and ears from the discomfort of acne.
4 proven remedies for blackheads in ear
1. Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
2. PCA SKIN Acne Cream
3. Christophe Robin Clarifying Shampoo With Camomile and Cornflower
4. Chantecaille Pure Rosewater
