Blackheads: What They Are, Why They Form & How to Remove and Prevent Them - Expert Guide

In this article:

• What blackheads are and how they form
• What causes blackheads and clogged pores
• Blackheads vs clogged pores: what’s the difference?
• Ingredients that remove and prevent blackheads
• How to prevent blackheads from coming back
• Can blackheads be removed permanently?
• Dr Sebagh’s recommended routine for blackhead-prone skin

Blackheads - At a glance

What it is	Blackheads are a form of non-inflamed acne caused by oil and debris trapped in open pores that oxidise on contact with air.
Best for	Oily, combination, acne-prone and congested skin types.
Ideal if	You experience visible dark pores, congestion on the nose or T-zone, uneven texture or frequent clogged pores.
Not ideal if	Skin is severely inflamed, broken, or undergoing aggressive dermatological treatment without professional advice.
Key benefits	Clears congested pores; refines skin texture; reduces excess oil; minimises the appearance of pores; helps prevent recurrence.
Key ingredients	Salicylic acid (BHA), clay, zinc, sulphur, niacinamide, retinol.

What are blackheads and how do they form?

Blackheads are a type of non-inflamed acne. They form when excess oil (sebum), dead skin cells and debris become trapped inside a pore. When the pore remains open, this material oxidises on contact with air and turns dark, creating a blackhead.

Blackheads most commonly appear on the nose, chin and forehead, where oil production is higher.

What causes blackheads?

Blackheads develop due to a combination of internal and external factors, including:

• Excess sebum production
• Dead skin cell build-up
• Pore congestion
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Environmental pollution
• Inadequate cleansing
• Heavy or comedogenic skincare products

These factors disrupt normal exfoliation, allowing oil and debris to accumulate inside pores.

Are blackheads the same as clogged pores?

Not exactly. A clogged pore is any pore blocked by oil and dead skin cells.
A blackhead is a specific type of clogged pore where the blockage is exposed to air and oxidises, turning dark. All blackheads are clogged pores, but not all clogged pores become blackheads.

What ingredients help remove or prevent blackheads?

Effective blackhead treatments contain ingredients that dissolve oil, refine pores and regulate cell turnover:

• Salicylic acid (BHA): penetrates and clears oil inside the pore
• Clay: absorbs excess sebum and draws out impurities
• Retinol: increases cell turnover and prevents pore blockages
• Niacinamide: helps regulate oil production
• Zinc and sulphur: calm congestion and refine texture

Consistent use of these ingredients helps minimise blackheads and prevent recurrence.

Discover more about retinol, how it works and how to use it safely in our expert guide: Retinol 101.

How do you prevent blackheads from coming back?

Blackhead prevention depends on maintaining pore clarity over time. An effective routine includes:

• Gentle daily cleansing
• Regular exfoliation (without over-stripping)
• Oil-balancing treatments
• Non-comedogenic moisturisers
• Ingredients that support healthy skin turnover

Consistency is more effective than aggressive treatment.

Can blackheads be removed permanently?

Blackheads cannot be removed permanently because pores naturally produce oil. However, they can be significantly reduced and controlled with a consistent, targeted skincare routine.

Is it safe to squeeze or extract blackheads?

No. Squeezing blackheads can cause inflammation, scarring, enlarged-looking pores and post-inflammatory pigmentation. Chemical exfoliation and pore-refining treatments are safer and more effective.

Do blackheads get worse with age?

Yes. As skin ages, cell turnover slows and elasticity decreases, making pores appear larger and more prone to congestion.

Why do I have blackheads even though my skin is dry?

Dry skin can still develop blackheads when dead skin cells trap oil inside pores. Gentle exfoliation combined with lightweight, non-comedogenic hydration helps prevent congestion without compromising the skin barrier.

Dr Sebagh Solutions for Blackhead-Prone Skin

Dr Sebagh recommended products

Dr Sebagh’s blackhead-targeting formulations are designed to purify pores while maintaining skin comfort:

Breakout Powder (AKA Blackhead powder)
A zinc-based, oil-balancing powder that helps purify pores and prevent daily congestion and banish blackheads.

Skin Perfecting Mask (Nicknamed the Vacuum Cleaner for a reason…)
A deep-cleansing clay and exfoliating mask that draws out impurities and refines pore appearance.

Breakout Cream
An oil-free targeted acne treatment moisturiser that addresses active breakouts, reduces inflammation and helps maintain clearer skin.

Skin Perfecting Cream
A lightweight, non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturiser that helps balance sebum levels and keeps skin mattified.

Retinol
A vitamin A derivative that supports skin renewal, helps prevent pore congestion and improves overall skin texture over time.

Dr Sebagh 2-Step Skincare Prep
A professional exfoliation and preparation system designed to optimise skin receptivity and support long-term pore clarity when used alongside active treatments.

Explore Dr Sebagh’s expert guide to multi-masking in Two-Step Skin Prep: Inside Dr Sebagh’s Indispensable Multi-Masking Routine.

Suggested routine for blackhead-prone skin

• Daily: Breakout Powder (AM/PM)
• Weekly: Deep Exfoliating Mask followed by the Skin Perfecting Mask
• Daily moisturiser: Skin Perfecting Cream
• Evening (long-term prevention): Retinol

Are Dr Sebagh products suitable for daily use?

Yes. Dr Sebagh’s formulas are designed for regular use and deliver professional-grade results without over-drying or irritating the skin when used as directed.

What makes Dr Sebagh’s blackhead treatments different?

Dr Sebagh combines medical expertise, pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and advanced delivery systems to treat blackheads at the source while protecting skin health. The result is clearer pores, refined texture and long-term results rather than short-term stripping.

Conclusion

Blackheads are a common form of congestion caused by excess oil, dead skin cells and slowed skin turnover. While they cannot be eliminated permanently, they can be effectively minimised with a consistent, targeted routine that keeps pores clear and balanced.

Understanding the difference between blackheads and general clogged pores, using proven ingredients such as salicylic acid, clay and retinol, and avoiding aggressive extraction are key to maintaining clearer, smoother-looking skin. Long-term prevention depends on regular exfoliation, oil control and lightweight, non-comedogenic hydration.

For best results, follow an expert-led routine designed to address congestion at the source, support healthy skin renewal and maintain pore clarity over time.