When you hear the word “blackhead,” what do you think of? Probably your face, right?
Most people think blackheads pop up only on the face, but they can show up on other areas of the body, including your buttocks and thighs.
The inner thighs are a common place for blackheads to form, especially during the summer months when you’re enjoying the great outdoors.
In this article, we’ll share some of the best tips and tricks to get rid of blackheads on the inner thighs. You can finally say goodbye to your pesky blackheads!
Why Do Blackheads Form on Inner Thighs?
Here’s the lowdown on how blackheads form:
Blackheads are a type of acne that occur when your pores become clogged with dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria.
Sweating, tight clothing, and shaving are common culprits that cause blackheads. Hormonal changes and genetics can also cause the pores to produce more oil and become clogged.
Blackheads leave the appearance of dark marks—and if they show up on your inner thighs, they might make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. (We’ve been there!)
Luckily, we’re here to save the day. Here are our tips and product recommendations on how to treat and prevent blackheads on your inner thighs:
How To Treat Blackheads on Inner Thighs
Fortunately for us (and unfortunately for the blackheads), there are a few ways to get rid of blackheads on your inner thighs:
- Cleanse
It’s important to keep your inner thighs clean and free of dirt and bacteria, especially after strenuous exercise or sweating during the summer months. Make sure to wash your inner thighs with a blackhead-safe cleanser every day.
We recommend using CLEARSTEM’s GENTLECLEAN – Vitamin Infused Calming Wash. Although it’s primarily used as a facial wash, it also works great as a body cleanser.
- Exfoliate
One of the best ways to get rid of blackheads on your inner thighs is to exfoliate regularly. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells and other build-ups that can clog pores and lead to blackheads.
Try using a gentle exfoliating scrub 2-3 times per week. Our favorite gentle face/body cleanser is CLEARSTEM’s VITAMINSCRUB – Antioxidant-Infused Scrub Cleanser.
Be sure to avoid any scrubs that are too harsh. Certain chemicals can irritate the skin and make your blackheads worse. You can also make your own exfoliating solution at home using ingredients like lemon juice, baking soda, or apple cider vinegar.
- Chemical Exfoliation
There are a few different ways you can chemically exfoliate the skin on your inner thighs to get rid of blackheads. One popular method is using an over-the-counter product like Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA.
Chemical exfoliants use acids (AHAs or BHAs) to get rid of dead skin cells and reveal a fresh layer of skin. They can unclog pores, minimize the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles, and give your skin a gorgeous glow.
- Spot Treat
After cleansing and exfoliating the area, it’s a good idea to use a spot treatment 2-3 times per week.
Spot treatments kill bacteria that may be contributing to your blackheads. FAB Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment reduces the appearance of post-acne marks and soothes skin with aloe.
We also like Murad’s Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment for reducing the appearance of blackheads quickly.
A big misconception about blackheads is that they can be treated with waxing strips. In reality, this does more harm than good. Learn the risks of removing blackheads with wax.
How to Prevent Blackheads on Inner Thighs
By now, you’ve gotten rid of the blackheads on your inner thighs. Great!
But how can you prevent them from showing up in the future? Here are a few tips:
- Start by keeping the area clean and free of dirt and debris.
- Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells and promote new cell growth.
- Use a mild soap or cleanser so as not to irritate the skin.
- Apply an antibacterial ointment or cream to the area.
- Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing that will prevent sweat and bacteria from becoming trapped in the pores.
Top Products for Blackheads On Inner Thighs
Here are the best ingredients and products to look for on your next shopping trip:
- Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. It is available in over-the-counter products in strengths of 0.5% to 2%. Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA is a great choice.
- Benzoyl peroxide
This is an antibacterial agent that helps kill the bacteria that causes blackheads. Paula’s Choice CLEAR Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide absorbs excess oil and prevents the appearance of breakouts.
We recommend starting with a product at a low strength and increasing if needed, so you don’t excessively dry out your skin. Benzoyl peroxide is available in over-the-counter products in strengths of 2.5% to 10%.
- Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil with natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It comes in over-the-counter products with strengths of 5% to 10%. ZitSticka’s SilkShake™ probiotic cleanser for breakout-prone bodies is one of our favorite cleansers with tea tree oil. You can also apply the oil directly to the skin as a treatment.
We recommend The Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution.
Could It Be Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) a chronic, recurrent skin condition that causes large, painful bumps and nodules to form in the armpits, groin, and other areas where the skin rubs together.
Blackheads on the inner thighs can be a symptom of HS, so it is important to look out for other indications that you may have it.
If you experience symptoms like painful lumps beneath the skin, we recommend checking with your dermatologist to see if you have HS.
Typically a course of treatment is given, which may include medication and surgery.
Medications
When you’re choosing an over-the-counter medication, make sure it has the ingredients we listed above. If OTC methods don’t work for you, your dermatologist might suggest stronger topical or oral medications for the blackheads on your inner thighs.
Your best choice is to find a gel or cream with salicylic acid. These prescriptions are available at all major pharmacies.
A popular acne medication, Accutane, often works well for severe cystic acne, but we recommend keeping it as a last resort when it comes to inner thigh blackheads.
Natural Treatments
There are plenty of simple, effective, and natural treatments that you can try at home.
One of the simplest treatments is to mix equal parts of baking soda and water, and then apply the mixture to your blackheads using a cotton ball. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
Another option is to make a mask out of 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder. Apply the mask to your blackheads and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! Extractions can temporarily solve the problem. Blackheads need consistent treatment because they can continue to come back. Monthly extractions can help clean your pores. If you choose to get an extraction, make sure it is done by a professional. You can cause acne scarring by trying this at home.
A comedone is basically a clogged pore. Bumps on your skin form when oil and dead skin cells block hair follicles. Whiteheads are closed comedones with the follicle completely blocked. After an open comedones comes into contact with oxygen, it appears black and creates the dreaded blackhead.
