Blackheads are one of the most common skin concerns – small, dark bumps that tend to show up around the nose, chin, or forehead. While they’re harmless, they can be persistent and affect the overall appearance and texture of your skin.
Whether you’re dealing with the occasional blackhead or more frequent congestion, understanding the causes and the right treatment approach can make all the difference. From targeted at-home solutions to professional treatments designed for lasting clarity, here’s what you need to know.
What Exactly Are Blackheads?
Despite popular belief, blackheads aren’t caused by dirt. Medically referred to as open comedones, they occur when a pore becomes blocked with a mix of sebum (oil) and dead skin cells. Because the top of the pore stays open, the contents are exposed to air, which causes oxidation and turns the blockage dark.
Unlike whiteheads, blackheads don’t have a layer of skin over them. Because the top of the clogged pore stays open, the trapped debris is exposed to oxygen, oxidises, and turns dark – hence the name blackhead.
Why Do They Form?
There’s no single cause for blackheads. Several factors can contribute:
- Excess oil production – Oily skin types are especially prone.
- Dead skin build-up – When your skin doesn’t shed properly, it can clog pores.
- Hormonal changes – Think puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy.
- Genetics – If your family has acne-prone skin, you might too.
- Comedogenic products – Heavy creams and makeup can block pores.
- Lifestyle triggers – Stress, diet (especially high-glycaemic or dairy-heavy foods), and friction (like from hats or helmets).
One important thing to remember: scrubbing harder won’t solve the problem. In fact, it can make things worse by irritating your skin and triggering more oil production.
How To Treat Blackheads From Home?
There are plenty at-home options for treating blackheads like salicylic acid to unclog pores, adapalene to regulate skin turnover, or clay masks to absorb excess oil. These over-the-counter ingredients can make a real difference when used consistently and correctly. But while they’re great for mild cases and maintenance, they often fall short for more stubborn blackheads or when deeper cleansing is needed. That’s where professional treatments like extractions, microneedling, chemical peels, or facials is effective. They not only offer more intensive results but also reduce the risk of irritation or scarring that can happen with DIY attempts.
What about pore strips? Yes, they’re oddly satisfying – but they only remove the surface of the blackhead, not the root cause. Overuse can irritate your skin and potentially stretch pores.
Professional Treatments to Reduce Blackheads
Home treatments don’t always do the trick and aren’t as effective. Professional options offer deeper, longer-lasting results compared at-home options. From manual extractions done safely by a skincare expert to light chemical peels that exfoliate and decongest, there’s a range of ways to target blackheads more effectively. We also offer bespoke facials tailored to your skin’s needs, which can be combined with microneedling for a powerful boost, helping to refine pores, improve texture, and promote clearer, healthier-looking skin.
Know Your Skin Type
Different skin types need slightly different approaches:
- Oily skin: Can usually handle stronger actives and benefits from clay masks.
- Dry skin: Needs hydration and gentle exfoliation (lactic acid is a good choice).
- Sensitive skin: Start slow with lower concentrations and patch test everything. Look into sulfur or mandelic acid.
