How to Get Rid Of Blackheads on the Inner Thighs
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Isn’t it frustrating that sometimes the blackheads you see on your face aren’t the only annoying spots on your skin that you need to deal with?
There are times when blackheads on the inner thighs pop up too. If they’ve become an issue for you, you may think that they’re embarrassing — a secret you should keep well hidden.
But the truth is it’s actually quite a common problem that a lot of us have!
In this article, we will talk about what those blackheads on your inner thighs are and what causes them.
We’ll also give you effective solutions for the removal of inner-thigh blackheads. We hope this will guide will help you choose the right remedy for your problem.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Are Blackheads?
- 2 Where Do Blackheads Often Appear?
- 3 What Causes Blackheads to Appear On Your Inner Thighs?
- 4 How to Get Rid of Blackheads on the Inner Thighs
- 5 3 Great Products for Removing Blackheads on Inner Thighs
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
- 7 Say Goodbye to Annoying Blackheads On Your Inner Thighs
What Are Blackheads?
Have you noticed those small, circular, dark bumps on your skin? Those are blackheads.
Blackheads are formed when hair follicles get clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
Now each follicle in the body comes with a pore, which is an opening in the skin. The appearance of a blackhead stretches out the pore and opens it up further.
This is why doctors also call blackheads “open comedones” or “open pores.”
But most people call them blackheads because of the way the “head” of the clog protrudes from the pores.
Of course, they also get their name from their black color. But why are they dark in the first place?
Since pores with blackheads remain open, they allow air to get in and oxidize the clogged particles, which causes them to turn black.
Blackheads don’t cause or signal serious health problems. They also don’t hurt, but they can still make you feel uncomfortable with how they look on your body.
Blackheads are often confused with other forms of acne like whiteheads and pimples. Let’s take a look at how blackheads differ from these two skin issues below.
Blackheads vs. Pimples
While they are considered mild cases of acne, blackheads aren’t pimples.
The difference is that blackheads are caused by a clog that occurs at the skin’s surface, while pimples are caused by oil gland inflammation that occurs deep within the pore.
Moreover, blackheads typically don’t appear red or swollen as pimples do. Blackheads also won’t cause you pain, unlike pimples.
However, the development of these two types of acne can overlap.
Because pores with blackheads have, so inflammation or infection of the clogged hair follicle may still lead to the development of a pimple.
Blackheads vs. Whiteheads
Blackheads are also different from whiteheads, mainly in terms of color. This is due to the fact that only blackheads get oxidized, which gives them their black color.
Conversely, whiteheads remain inside a closed pore where they aren’t exposed to air, which prevents oxidization from occurring.
Where Do Blackheads Often Appear?
Technically, blackheads can appear on any part of our body with sebaceous glands, which are found in hair follicles. These glands are responsible for producing an oily substance called sebum.
However, blackheads are usually most noticeable on the face, especially around the nose, chin, and cheeks. This is why most blackhead treatments are meant to be used in these areas.
That said, they can also develop in other areas of the body, such as the following:
- Neck
- Chest
- Back
- Butt
- Shoulders
- Thighs
What Causes Blackheads to Appear On Your Inner Thighs?
The development of blackheads in between the legs is generally caused by clogged hair follicles. This occurs when the buildup of dirt, excess sebum, bacteria, dead skin, and other impurities leads to pore congestion.
Clothing may also contribute to the development of blackheads since it can trap heat, sweat, and other impurities on your skin.
The inner thighs are probably among the portions of the body most frequently covered by clothing. So excess oils, bacteria, dead skin, and dirt are more prone to accumulating in the thighs’ pores, leading to blackhead breakouts.
Similarly, one of the causes of blackheads on the inner thighs is when the skin of your inner thighs rub together when you walk.
This rubbing movement creates friction or pressure on the skin’s surface that may lead to the development of blackheads.
This can be further exacerbated when you’re fond of wearing tight clothing like jeans and leggings, which may cause your inner thighs to sweat even more or start chafing, making it easier for your hair follicles to get clogged.
Other factors that may also contribute to the development of blackheads include the following:
- Hormonal shifts. The overproduction of oil by our glands may occur during hormonal changes, leading to the formation of blackheads. These shifts may happen during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy.
- Genes. Unfortunately, your genes may also play a part in the development of blackheads on your inner thighs. This is especially true if you have naturally oily skin or large pores.
How to Get Rid of Blackheads on the Inner Thighs
To address the development of blackheads on the inner thighs, it’s important for you to break the formation or congestion inside the pores.
If you’re not sure how to remove blackheads from between your legs or blackheads on the back of your thighs, don’t worry. Here are some of the options you can try.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
You may try applying topical products in the form of gels, creams, scrubs, or cleansers to get rid of your thigh blackheads.
If you choose this method of treatment, you should look for products that have the following ingredients:
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
AHAs work as chemical exfoliators that can peel away dead skin to reveal the new one underneath. They do this by targeting the glue that binds the skin cells together and breaks them down.
Peeling away dead skin is good for blackheads, as AHAs reduce the incidences of blackheads forming on your skin in the first place.
Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
BHAs are probably among the best acids to use for your blackheads.
BHAs penetrate deep into the skin and dissolve the sebum and dead skin that may lead to acne formation. With this ability, they are able to target and clear up blackheads on your skin.
Salicylic acid is a type of BHA that is very popular for treating skin problems, including acne and blackheads.
This is because salicylic acid gets rid of dead skin cells that are clogging your pores. Hence, if you’re looking for topical products that can treat the blackheads on your inner thighs, consider products with salicylic acid in them.
Tea Tree Oil
Using oil to fight a skin problem that’s caused by oil or sebum in the first place? Well, you’ll be surprised how effective this is!
Some oils like castor oil and tea tree oil are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores.
In fact, tea tree oil can unclog pores and control excess oil production, which makes it ideal for combating blackheads.
Retinoid
This vitamin A derivative can break up blackheads and aid in the prevention of clogged pores.
It’s important to note that these topical products take some time before they work and may require you to apply them on your thighs daily before you see any results.
Blackhead Extraction Tools
If you want a more proactive solution for thigh blackhead extraction in the comfort of your own home, you may try blackhead extraction tools.
These gadgets work like little vacuums that suck the blackheads directly out of your skin. Often, they have sensitivity controls to adjust to your skin type.
Some even have built-in cameras to help you see the spots you’re treating clearly.
Exfoliating Scrubs or Sponges
Not sure how to get rid of blackheads on your inner thighs with home remedies? Aside from using over-the-counter exfoliants with AHAs or BHAs, you can also try exfoliating scrubs or sponges.
They offer natural exfoliation by buffing away dead skin cells.
You can use loofahs or even homemade scrubs like salt and sugar or oatmeal and rice to buff away the dead skin cells on your inner thighs.
Dermatologist-Approved Procedures
For a more medical and professional-level approach to the extraction of blackheads on the inner thighs, you may also ask your dermatologist or healthcare provider which solution is best for you.
Depending on the severity of the breakout, they may recommend the following procedures:
- Microdermabrasion. This involves sanding your skin to remove its top layers and addressing the clogs that cause blackheads in the first place.
- Chemical Peels. This involves using a chemical solution to remove the top layers of the skin to reveal smooth, clear skin underneath, which can help fade hyperpigmentation and reduce blackheads.
- Laser Skin Resurfacing. This involves using pulsating beams of light directly at your blackheads. These beams target your sebaceous glands to reduce the amount of oil they produce.
3 Great Products for Removing Blackheads on Inner Thighs
Don’t know where to start looking for the right products that can effectively remove blackheads from your inner thighs? Here are some of our product recommendations!
This liquid exfoliant is popular because it offers fantastic results, especially for problematic skin.
Benefits: Exfoliates dead skin; unclogs pores; combats blackheads
Features:
- Gentle on skin
- 2% BHA works deep in the pores to address skin problems
- Has salicylic acid and green tea
Popular doesn’t need to mean overrated, and Paula’s Choice is a fine choice for an exfoliant.
This exfoliator works by lifting away dead skin cells and clearing pores. So this product doesn’t just get rid of blackheads; it can help stop them before they start!
It also has both salicylic acid and green tea, which are great ingredients to look for in an exfoliator. Salicylic acid combats dead skin cells, while green tea acts to soothe the skin afterward.
With this product in your arsenal, you don’t need to buy another scrub or chemical exfoliator.
A cream meant to address skin problems in targeted areas is always a great one to try.
Benefits: Exfoliates skin; moisturizes skin; acts as a pore treatment
Features:
- Has 2% salicylic acid for treating acne
- Treats both new and existing skin problems
- Cruelty-free
Treat your problem area with the Vanibiss Butt & Thighs Acne Treatment Cream.
This product is used to treat pimples and blackheads on your inner thighs or those on your butt.
This cream has salicylic acid as an active ingredient, which is perfect for dealing with blackheads.
Plus, it works hard to prevent new blackheads from popping up. A great product overall in our book!
Use this product to literally wash away your skin problems, including blackheads.
Benefits: Exfoliates skin; retains skin moisture; calms skin
Features:
- Has salicylic acid
- Contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
CeraVe is a great brand for skin care products, and their body wash is no exception.
This body wash is a fantastic product that cleanses your skin and treats the blackheads on your inner thighs.
It contains salicylic acid that works to smoothen and exfoliate the skin. But the process doesn’t stop there!
Its formula also features hyaluronic acid that helps retain the skin’s moisture to prevent it from drying out. The cherry on top is niacinamide, which calms the skin after treatment.
You can even pair this body wash with the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream with Salicylic Acid to deliver a potent one-two punch to your blackheads!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Avoid Getting Blackheads on Your Inner Thighs?
Taking extra steps to prevent the development of blackheads in the first place may help reduce the chances of them appearing on your inner thighs.
You can try the following practical tips:
- Always cleanse your skin with water-soluble soap.
- Practice proper hygiene and maintain a healthy skin regimen.
- Exfoliate your inner thighs regularly to get rid of dead skin cells.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes like tight jeans and leggings.
Is It Okay to Squeeze Out Blackheads?
Once you see blackheads, squeezing them out of existence with either your fingers or Q-tips is very tempting.
However, squeezing out blackheads may just cause trauma to your skin. There’s also a chance that picking on your skin may lead to inflammation, especially if you cannot remove each blackhead entirely.
Doing this may also lead to scarring.
Do Blackheads Go Away Naturally?
If you leave your blackheads alone, they may go away naturally on their own.
It depends on how close they are to the skin’s surface. The closer they are, the more likely they’ll get resolved without needing intervention.
However, if they are deeply embedded inside your skin, it’s possible that they won’t go away on their own.
For guaranteed success, ask your dermatologist about how to remove deeply embedded blackheads.
Say Goodbye to Annoying Blackheads On Your Inner Thighs
Blackheads on the inner thighs aren’t something you have to deal with on your own.
Now that you know how they develop and how they can be treated at home or in the doctor’s office, you’ll be better equipped to deal with them in the future.
So stop picking on them with your fingers, and start treating this problem safely and effectively!
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