What Are Blackheads—and What’s The Best Way To Deal With Them?

Blackheads are among the most common pore concerns, and “What are blackheads?” is a question almost everyone has wondered at some point. These tiny dark dots love to settle around the nose, chin, and forehead, and even the most diligent skincare routine can’t always keep them from showing up. But while the urge to squeeze them is real (we’ve all been there), there are far better ways to manage and minimize them.

Below, we’re breaking down everything you should know about blackheads, including what causes them, how to reduce your chances of getting them, and whether or not at-home blackhead removal is ever okay. Then, we’ll share a few of our top skincare tips for keeping blackheads at bay for clear, even-looking skin.

What Are Blackheads?

First things first: contrary to popular belief, blackheads, also known as open comedones, aren’t dirt trapped in your pores. Instead, they’re a type of blemish that forms when oil and dead skin cells build up inside a pore. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the dark brown or blackish color you see isn’t grime—it’s simply sebum (your skin’s natural oil) darkening as it oxidizes when exposed to air.

As the AAD notes, blackheads are considered a mild form of acne. Anyone can get them, but they’re especially common in people with oily skin. And while they can technically show up anywhere, they tend to form in the oiliest areas of the face, like the nose, chin, and forehead. You can also develop blackheads in your ears, along your lip line, or even on your body.

How To Tell If You Have Blackheads

Blackheads are fairly easy to identify once you know what you’re looking for. A true blackhead appears as a tiny, dark pinpoint on the skin, usually flat or just slightly raised. Because the pore is open, the oil and dead skin inside oxidize when exposed to air, which is what gives the spot its dark color. If the pore were closed, the trapped oil would appear whitish instead—that’s when you’d be dealing with a whitehead.

It’s also common to confuse blackheads with sebaceous filaments, but the two look noticeably different upon closer inspection. Sebaceous filaments are normal and appear as small, uniform dots that sit flush with the skin. They tend to be gray, light yellow, or beige, not dark, and are most visible in naturally oily areas, such as the nose. Unlike blackheads, they aren’t clogged pores; they’re simply part of your skin’s oil-delivery system.

If the spots you’re seeing are darker, defined, and slightly raised, they’re likely blackheads. If they’re lighter, uniform, and level with the skin, they’re probably sebaceous filaments.

Should You Remove Blackheads at Home?

While it may be tempting to squeeze at your skin to remove blackheads, attempting blackhead removal at home can cause an array of concerns, from minor irritation to long-lasting dark spots. If you spot a clogged pore, resist the urge to squeeze it—doing so will only make things worse. Instead, consider scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist. They can safely evacuate the debris without putting your skin at risk for damage.

Still, even professional blackhead removal is only a temporary fix. Ultimately, the best way to get rid of blackheads is to stop them from occurring in the first place. That’s where a dedicated skincare routine comes into play (more on that in a bit).

How To Manage Blackheads

With blackhead home removal off the table, you may be wondering what you can do to improve the appearance of blackheads at home. The answer: Develop a targeted skincare routine.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, skincare products with chemical exfoliants are among the most effective over-the-counter options. Salicylic acid is especially helpful for blackheads because it can dissolve excess oil and dead skin inside the pore. You can find this ingredient in cleansers, gels, lotions, and spot treatments designed to keep pores clearer and reduce buildup.

Progress won’t be immediate, and that’s totally normal. According to the AAD, most people start to see improvement within four to six weeks, but it can take two to three months (or more) for your skin to look noticeably clearer. The most important thing is sticking with your routine—consistency is key.

Editor’s tip: Regular facials with a skilled esthetician can help keep pores clear and visibly reduce the appearance of blackheads. Professional treatments safely cleanse pores and remove stubborn blackheads that are difficult to manage at home, making them a smart addition to your skincare routine.

How Do I Prevent Blackheads?

Prevention is just as important as treatment when it comes to blackheads. A consistent skincare routine can help keep pores clear and reduce the likelihood of new blackheads forming. Below are simple, effective steps to incorporate into your routine for clearer-looking skin.

1. Cleanse twice daily

Cleansing is the foundation of any good skincare routine, and it’s essential if you’re prone to blackheads. In the morning, a quick wash clears away sweat and oil that may have built up overnight, leaving your skin refreshed and ready for the day. At night, cleansing is even more important—it removes makeup, sunscreen, and other debris collected throughout the day, which, in turn, helps prevent clogged pores.

To keep your skin feeling balanced, opt for a gentle, non-stripping cleanser that won’t dry out your skin. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser, which is suitable for all skin types and designed for daily use.

2. Exfoliate regularly

Regular exfoliation can help remove debris that clogs pores, keeping skin smoother and helping to minimize blackheads. Chemical exfoliants are particularly effective because they dissolve dead skin cells without the need for harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your skin.

One of our favorite exfoliants to try—regardless of your skin type—is the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Peel. It’s formulated with a blend of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs and works quickly to help smooth, soften, and refine the skin. With continued use, it also helps diminish the look of dark spots (like the kind that can develop after attempting blackhead removal at home). If you’re new to exfoliation, we recommend incorporating it into your routine once or twice per week, at night, to start. As your skin acclimates, you can gradually increase your usage to four nights per week.

Editor’s tip: Chemical exfoliants can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. To protect your skin from damage, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day—rain or shine.

3. Use a face serum

Using a targeted facial serum can be a great way to address your specific skin concerns. If dark spots are a concern, for example, try a brightening serum, such as the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum. The powerful formula gently exfoliates to help improve the appearance of dark spots, including sun spots and post-blemish marks. Plus, it’s lightweight, non-greasy, and suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. If enlarged pores are an issue—as they often are for those with oilier skin types—you’ll likely benefit from a serum designed to help minimize their appearance, such as the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift 12% Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum. It’s made with salicylic acid (a BHA) and helps minimize the appearance of pores while brightening, refining, and evening the skin tone.

4. Moisturize consistently

It may seem counterintuitive, but according to the AAD, keeping your skin hydrated can also help keep your pores clear. When your skin becomes dehydrated, your body produces more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture. This excess oil can clog your pores, contributing to the development of blackheads, whiteheads, or angry red pimples.

To keep your skin hydrated (without weighing it down), apply a lightweight, water-based moisturizer morning and night. We love the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Vitamin C Glow Moisturizer. The unique formula delivers up to 72 hours of lightweight hydration without weighing down the skin or clogging pores. In just one use, your skin will appear more radiant and refreshed. Continued use, meanwhile, supports brighter, smoother, and more even-looking skin.

5. Use non-comedogenic products

Selecting non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing new blackheads. These formulas won’t clog your pores, so they’re ideal for anyone looking to keep their skin looking clear and healthy. Choosing non-comedogenic makeup is especially important when it comes to foundation, since it covers your entire face. For customizable coverage with a lightweight, breathable feel, we recommend the L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid for lasting hydration and provides a skin-like finish for a healthy-looking complexion. Just remember that just because it’s non-comedogenic doesn’t mean you can slack off on your nighttime skincare routine—removing your makeup before bed is a must, no matter what products you’re wearing.

Next Up: 5 Glycolic Acid Benefits for Your Skin That Might Surprise You

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris