Products with salicylic acid work well. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). BHAs, in addition to exfoliating the top layer of skin, brighten dull skin and clean out clogged pores by getting into the oil glands and breaking down dead skin cells to target blackheads. Facials are another way to treat blackheads. A facial cleans, exfoliates and nourishes the skin.