Fast Answer
Blackheads are small, dark spots or bumps that form when a pore becomes clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. Unlike whiteheads, the pore remains open, allowing the material inside to react with oxygen and appear dark. Blackheads are not dirt, and scrubbing or squeezing them can irritate the skin.
Blackheads are one of the most common signs of acne and can often be managed with a consistent, gentle skincare routine alongside appropriate acne treatments where needed.
What Do Blackheads Look Like?
Blackheads usually appear as small dark spots or slightly raised bumps on the skin. They are particularly common on areas where the skin produces more oil, such as the nose, forehead and chin, although they can occur elsewhere.
The medical term for a blackhead is an open comedone. This means that the pore remains open at the surface of the skin.
The dark colour doesn't mean the pore is filled with dirt. Instead, when the contents of the open pore are exposed to air, a chemical reaction causes them to darken.
What blackheads can look like:
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Tiny black or dark dots
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Small, slightly raised bumps
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Multiple spots clustered around the nose, forehead or chin
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Pores that appear more noticeable
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Usually little or no redness compared with inflamed acne
If you're seeing red, swollen or painful spots, these may be another type of acne rather than simple blackheads.
What Causes Blackheads?
Blackheads develop when a hair follicle becomes blocked with a mixture of sebum (oil) and dead skin cells. If the opening remains exposed, the contents can darken and form a blackhead.
There isn't necessarily one single reason you develop them. Acne can be influenced by several factors, including hormones, oil production, genetics and how your pores become blocked.
If you're interested in the wider picture, read our guide to What Causes Acne? Understanding the Real Reasons Behind Breakouts.
Blackheads vs Whiteheads: What's the Difference?
Blackheads and whiteheads are both comedonal acne, but there is an important difference.
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Blackheads |
Whiteheads |
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Open comedones |
Closed comedones |
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Pore remains open |
Pore is closed |
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Usually appear dark |
Usually appear white or skin-coloured |
|
Contents are exposed to air |
Contents remain beneath the surface |
Both occur when oil and dead skin cells contribute to a blocked pore.
Should You Squeeze Blackheads?
It's tempting, especially when a blackhead is particularly noticeable, but squeezing isn't recommended.
Trying to manually remove blackheads can irritate the surrounding skin and may increase the risk of inflammation, infection or scarring. The NHS specifically advises against trying to "clean out" blackheads or squeezing spots.
Instead, focus on a consistent routine designed to keep your skin clean without stripping or irritating it.
For persistent blackheads, a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist can advise on appropriate acne treatments. Ingredients such as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide may be recommended for acne, depending on the individual and the type of acne present.
How to Care for Blackhead-Prone Skin
A good routine doesn't need to involve lots of products.
1. Cleanse gently
Use a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, makeup and everyday build-up without aggressively scrubbing the skin.
Bragan Skincare's Gentle Cleanser for Acne-Prone & Sensitive Skin is designed specifically for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
2. Don't over-cleanse
Washing your face repeatedly throughout the day won't necessarily give you clearer skin. In fact, excessive washing can irritate acne-prone skin. The NHS recommends washing acne-affected areas no more than twice a day with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water.
3. Keep your skin hydrated
Blackhead-prone skin can still become dry or dehydrated. Keeping the skin comfortable and supported can help you avoid falling into the cycle of repeatedly using harsh, stripping products.
4. Be consistent
Skincare takes time. Constantly changing products because you haven't seen an immediate difference can make it harder to work out what actually suits your skin.
If you're building a complete routine, our guide to How to Build an Effective Acne Skincare Routine is a useful next step.
Can Skincare Get Rid of Blackheads?
Skincare can play an important role in managing acne-prone skin, but it's useful to distinguish between supportive skincare and medical acne treatment.
A gentle cleanser can help keep the skin clean, while moisturising can help support the skin barrier. Certain acne-specific ingredients, such as retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, can target clogged pores and acne itself and may be recommended by a healthcare professional or pharmacist.
At Bragan, we focus on gentle, supportive skincare for sensitive and acne-prone skin rather than claiming that skincare products can cure acne.
When Should You Speak to a Professional?
A few blackheads don't necessarily mean you need medical treatment. However, it's worth seeking professional advice if your acne is becoming widespread, painful, persistent or is leaving scars.
Blackheads can also occur alongside papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. If you're experiencing deeper, painful breakouts, don't assume they're simply blackheads. Moderate or severe acne may require professional treatment.
Final Thoughts
Blackheads are clogged pores, not dirty skin. Their dark appearance comes from the contents of an open pore reacting with oxygen, not from dirt sitting on your face.
The best approach is usually to avoid aggressive scrubbing and squeezing, choose gentle skincare, stay consistent and use appropriate acne treatments when necessary.
And if blackheads are just one part of your skin concerns, explore our Acne hub for more guides on understanding acne, its symptoms and how to care for acne-prone skin.
