What Are Blackheads? Causes, Removal & Prevention

October 8, 2025 6:55 pm

If you have ever looked closely at your skin and noticed small dark spots, especially around your nose or forehead, you have probably seen blackheads. They are one of the most common types of acne, and almost everyone deals with them at some point in life.

Many people try to squeeze them out or use strips to remove them, but to manage them properly, it helps to first understand what blackheads actually are, why they form, and how to treat them safely. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about blackheads, including their causes, prevention, and effective treatments.

 

What Are Blackheads?

Blackheads are small, dark bumps that appear on your skin when a hair follicle becomes clogged with oil and dead skin cells. The dark color that you see is not dirt, as many people believe. It is a natural result of oxidation.

When the clogged pore remains open, the trapped material inside reacts with air and turns dark, forming what we call a blackhead. If the pore were closed by skin, the same buildup would appear white or flesh-colored, forming what is known as a whitehead.

Blackheads are a mild type of acne, but they can still be frustrating, especially when they appear in noticeable areas like the face, back, or chest.

 

What Do Blackheads Look Like?

Blackheads usually appear as tiny dark dots on the surface of your skin. You may notice them more clearly when light hits your skin from the side. They often appear slightly raised but are not usually painful or inflamed.

You can find blackheads on many parts of the body, but they are most common in areas that produce more oil, such as:

• Nose
• Chin
• Forehead
• Cheeks
• Neck
• Back
• Chest
• Shoulders
• Arms

 

How Do Blackheads Form?

Your skin contains tiny openings called pores. Each pore houses a hair follicle that includes a hair and a sebaceous gland. This gland produces sebum, a natural oil that helps keep your skin soft and protected.

Sometimes, these pores can become clogged. The process usually happens as follows:

1. Oil and dead skin cells build up inside a pore.
2. The opening of the pore remains open, allowing air to reach the trapped oil.
3. The oil oxidizes (reacts with oxygen in the air), turning it dark.
4. This creates the visible black dot known as a blackhead.

It is important to note that this oxidation process is what makes blackheads black. It has nothing to do with poor hygiene or dirt.

 

What Causes Blackheads?

There are several reasons why blackheads can develop. The most common causes include:

1. Excess Oil Production

If your skin produces more oil than usual, it can easily mix with dead cells and clog pores. People with oily or combination skin types are more prone to blackheads.

2. Hormonal Changes

Hormones play a major role in blackhead formation. During puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, or while taking certain medications, hormone levels can increase oil production, which may lead to clogged pores.

3. Improper Skincare Routine

Using products that are too heavy, not removing makeup before bed, or skipping exfoliation can lead to clogged pores over time.

4. Environmental Factors

Pollution, humidity, and even sweating can contribute to oil buildup on the skin, especially in warm climates.

5. Certain Medications

Drugs that contain corticosteroids, androgens, or lithium can increase the likelihood of developing blackheads.

6. Genetic Factors

If your parents had acne or blackheads, you might have inherited the tendency to develop them as well.

 

Who Gets Blackheads?

Blackheads can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or skin type. However, they are more common during the teenage years because of increased hormone activity that boosts oil production. Adults can also get blackheads, especially women due to hormonal fluctuations related to menstrual cycles or pregnancy.

Men may experience blackheads more frequently on the nose and forehead, while women often get them on the chin and around the mouth.

 

Are Blackheads and Pimples the Same?

Blackheads and pimples are both forms of acne, but they are not exactly the same. Blackheads are non-inflammatory acne, meaning they do not involve swelling, redness, or pain. Pimples, on the other hand, are inflammatory acne. They occur when bacteria infect a clogged pore, leading to irritation and sometimes pus formation.

In simple terms:

• Blackheads: clogged pores that stay open, dark due to oxidation.
• Whiteheads: clogged pores that stay closed, white or skin-colored.
• Pimples: clogged pores that become infected or inflamed.

 

How to Remove Blackheads Safely

It might be tempting to squeeze or pick blackheads, but doing so can irritate the skin, spread bacteria, and even cause scarring. Instead, use safe and effective methods to treat them.

1. Cleansing

Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Choose one that removes excess oil and dirt without drying your skin. Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which help to dissolve dead skin cells inside the pores.

2. Exfoliation

Regular exfoliation helps prevent the buildup of oil and skin cells that can clog pores. Use a mild exfoliant two to three times a week. Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can damage the skin.

3. Use Non-Comedogenic Products

When choosing skincare or makeup products, look for the term non-comedogenic on the label. This means the product will not block pores.

4. Topical Treatments

Products with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids are very effective in treating blackheads. These ingredients help clear out pores, reduce oil, and promote skin turnover.

5. Clay Masks

Clay masks help absorb excess oil and pull impurities from the pores. Using them once or twice a week can reduce the appearance of blackheads.

6. Professional Extraction

If blackheads are severe or persistent, a dermatologist or licensed esthetician can perform a safe extraction. They use sterile tools to remove blackheads without damaging the skin.

7. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use mild acids like glycolic acid or salicylic acid to remove dead cells and promote smoother skin. This treatment helps minimize clogged pores and blackheads.

8. Microdermabrasion

This is a non-invasive procedure that gently removes the top layer of skin using fine crystals or a diamond tip. It can help unclog pores and reduce blackheads.

 

How to Prevent Blackheads

Preventing blackheads requires consistency and good skincare habits. Here are some simple but effective tips:

1. Cleanse regularly – Wash your face every morning and night to remove oil and dirt.
2. Avoid over-washing – Too much washing can dry your skin, causing it to produce even more oil.
3. Moisturize daily – Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin balanced.
4. Remove makeup before sleeping – Makeup left on overnight can clog pores easily.
5. Use sunscreen – Protect your skin from UV damage with a non-comedogenic sunscreen.
6. Maintain a healthy diet – Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit sugary and greasy foods.
7. Stay hydrated – Drinking enough water helps your skin stay healthy and flushes out toxins.
8. Avoid touching your face – Your hands carry oil and bacteria that can clog pores.
9. Change pillowcases and towels regularly – Dirty fabrics can transfer oil and bacteria to your skin.

 

Common Myths About Blackheads

There are several myths about blackheads that can make treatment confusing. Let’s clear up a few of the most common ones.

Myth 1: Blackheads Are Caused by Dirt

Blackheads are not dirt trapped in pores. The dark color is caused by oxidation of oil and dead skin cells, not poor hygiene.

Myth 2: You Can Scrub Them Away

Scrubbing too hard will not remove blackheads and can actually make your skin worse by causing irritation.

Myth 3: Only Oily Skin Gets Blackheads

While oily skin types are more prone to blackheads, anyone can get them, even people with dry or sensitive skin.

Myth 4: Pore Strips Cure Blackheads

Pore strips can remove the surface debris temporarily, but they do not treat the root cause of blackheads.

 

When to See a Dermatologist

If your blackheads do not improve with regular skincare or if you experience other acne symptoms such as painful pimples or cysts, it is best to see a dermatologist. A professional can assess your skin type, recommend stronger topical treatments, or perform specialized procedures to clear your pores.

A dermatologist can also check if there are underlying hormonal issues or conditions that may be contributing to acne.

 

FAQs About Blackheads

1. Can blackheads go away on their own?

Sometimes, mild blackheads can clear on their own as the skin naturally sheds dead cells. However, most blackheads remain until they are removed or treated because the material inside the pore does not come out easily without help.

2. Do blackheads get bigger over time?

Yes, if left untreated, blackheads can enlarge as more oil and debris accumulate in the pore. Over time, this can stretch the pore and make it more noticeable.

3. Are blackheads contagious?

No, blackheads are not contagious. They are caused by clogged pores and oxidation, not bacteria or viruses that spread from person to person.

4. Does diet affect blackheads?

A diet high in sugar, dairy, and processed foods can increase oil production and inflammation in some people, which may make blackheads worse. Eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help support clearer skin.

5. Can stress cause blackheads?

Stress itself does not directly cause blackheads, but it can increase hormone levels such as cortisol. This can trigger excess oil production, leading to more clogged pores.

6. Are blackheads permanent?

No, blackheads are not permanent. With proper cleansing, exfoliation, and consistent skincare, blackheads can be removed and prevented from returning.

7. Can you remove blackheads with toothpaste?

No, toothpaste is not a safe or effective treatment for blackheads. It can irritate and dry out the skin, making the problem worse. It is better to use products made for acne care.

8. Do blackheads leave scars?

Blackheads themselves rarely cause scars, but picking, squeezing, or using sharp tools can damage the skin and lead to scarring or dark spots.

9. Are blackheads more common in certain seasons?

Yes, blackheads often become more noticeable during warmer months when heat and humidity increase oil and sweat production. However, they can appear year-round depending on skin type and habits.

10. Is it okay to use makeup if you have blackheads?

Yes, you can wear makeup, but it is important to choose non-comedogenic or oil-free products. Always remove makeup before bed to avoid clogging pores and making blackheads worse.

 

Conclusion

Blackheads are a natural part of how your skin works. They happen when oil, dead skin cells, and air combine inside your pores. While they are not harmful, they can be annoying and affect how your skin looks.

The good news is that blackheads can be managed effectively with a proper skincare routine, patience, and the right products. Cleansing gently, exfoliating regularly, and keeping your pores clean are the keys to clear, smooth skin.

Understanding what blackheads are and how they form helps you make better choices for your skin. With the right habits, you can reduce their appearance, prevent new ones from forming, and enjoy healthier skin every day.