The BHA Routine: Keeping Blackheads in Check Between Sessions

Extraction is the highlight reel. The routine between sessions is what keeps things calm and manageable. For blackhead-prone skin, the ingredient people ask about most is salicylic acid, also called BHA.

Tools in this guide

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA · CeraVe SA Cleanser · COSRX Snail Essence

Why BHA

Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which is why it’s the go-to exfoliant for oily, blackhead-prone areas. A leave-on liquid like Paula’s Choice 2% BHA keeps working after you apply it.

How we’d start

  1. Cleanse and dry your face.
  2. Apply a thin layer to the nose, chin and forehead with a cotton pad.
  3. Let it absorb, then moisturize.
  4. Start two or three nights a week and build up only if your skin is happy.
  5. Wear sunscreen every morning.

What not to stack

Don’t layer it with other strong acids or a retinoid on the same night, and skip it the night of an extraction session. If you use prescription products, ask your dermatologist first.

Where it fits

Pair it with a gentle cleanser like CeraVe SA Cleanser and a hydrating step like COSRX Snail Essence. Simple and consistent beats complicated.

General information, not medical advice. Our videos show one person’s skin. If something is red, painful or inflamed, leave it alone and talk to a dermatologist. Some links are affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate, Pore Tube earns from qualifying purchases.