How to get rid of blackheads (and stop them coming back)
How to get rid of blackheads on your nose and face: what causes them, blackheads vs sebaceous filaments, the best ingredients and why not to squeeze.
By the Green Point editorial teamUpdated 5 min readKey takeaways
- Blackheads are pores clogged with oil and dead skin; the dark color comes from exposure to air, not dirt.
- Salicylic acid and retinoids such as adapalene are the most effective ingredients for clearing and preventing them.
- Many "blackheads" on the nose are actually sebaceous filaments, which are normal and always come back.
- Pore strips and squeezing give a quick result but don't stop blackheads returning, and squeezing can scar.
- Give a treatment six to eight weeks; stubborn blackheads can be extracted by a dermatologist.
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To get rid of blackheads, use a product with salicylic acid or a retinoid such as adapalene for six to eight weeks, wash gently twice a day and choose non-comedogenic products. Blackheads are open pores clogged with oil and dead skin cells, so scrubbing won't remove them. Squeezing can cause scars, and pore strips only clear the top temporarily.
What causes blackheads?
A blackhead (an open comedone) forms when sebum and dead skin cells build up in a pore that stays open at the surface. The plug's top darkens as it is exposed to air, which is why blackheads look black or brown. That is also why dermatologists say not to scrub them: the black dot isn't dirt, and scrubbing just irritates your skin.
Blackheads are most common where oil glands are busiest: the nose, chin and forehead. Oily skin, hormonal changes, heavy or oily skincare and makeup, and not removing makeup at night all make them more likely. They are a mild form of acne, so the guide to what causes acne and what helps applies here too.
Blackheads vs sebaceous filaments
If you have small gray or tan dots evenly spread across your nose that fill back up a few days after a pore strip, they are probably sebaceous filaments. These are a normal lining of oil and cells that helps move sebum to the skin's surface. Everyone has them; they are just more visible in oily skin and large pores.
| Blackheads | Sebaceous filaments | |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Dark brown or black | Gray, tan or yellowish |
| Feel | Can feel slightly raised or rough | Flat and smooth |
| Pattern | Scattered, different sizes | Even, similar size across the nose |
| After squeezing | A firm plug comes out | A thin, soft thread, which refills in days |
| Can you get rid of them? | Yes, with treatment | You can make them less visible, not remove them |
The same ingredients help both, but with sebaceous filaments the goal is to make them less noticeable. Our guide on how to minimize large pores covers that.
Best ingredients for blackheads
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that dissolves in oil, so it can get inside the pore and loosen the plug. It is the classic ingredient for blackheads on the nose and works in cleansers, toners and leave-on gels. Start with a few times a week. Read more in how salicylic acid helps your skin.
Retinoids
Retinoids speed up cell turnover so pores are less likely to clog. Adapalene is a retinoid sold without a prescription in the US (it needs a prescription in many other countries); cosmetic retinol is a gentler option. Use them at night, start every other night and expect some dryness at first.
Clay masks and niacinamide
Clay masks absorb surface oil and can make blackheads and pores look less obvious for a while, but they don't treat blackheads on their own. Niacinamide may help reduce oiliness and is gentle enough to combine with the ingredients above.
How to get rid of blackheads on your nose: a routine
- Wash your face morning and night with a gentle cleanser and warm water, using your fingertips.
- In the evening, use a salicylic acid product or a retinoid (not both on the same night when you are starting).
- Moisturize with a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer, even if your skin is oily.
- Wear a non-comedogenic sunscreen every morning, especially if you use a retinoid.
- Remove all makeup before bed, and keep hair products off your face.
- Keep it up for six to eight weeks before deciding if it works.
Why you shouldn't squeeze blackheads
Squeezing pushes some of the contents deeper into the skin, which increases inflammation, and your hands can introduce bacteria. The result can be a red, sore spot, an infection, a dark mark or a permanent scar. Metal extractor tools used at home carry the same risks.
For stubborn blackheads, a dermatologist can perform comedo extraction with sterile instruments. It is usually offered when other treatment hasn't worked, and blackheads can return afterwards, so you still need a routine to prevent new ones.
Frequently asked questions
Do pore strips work?
Pore strips pull out the top of blackheads and sebaceous filaments, so your nose looks smoother for a few days. They don't stop pores from clogging again, and they can irritate sensitive skin or skin using retinoids. Occasional use is fine if your skin tolerates it, but ingredients like salicylic acid give longer-lasting results.
Can blackheads go away on their own?
Some do, as the plug slowly works its way out and the skin renews itself, but in oily skin new ones keep forming. A consistent routine with salicylic acid or a retinoid clears existing blackheads faster and prevents new ones from forming in their place.
Does toothpaste or baking soda remove blackheads?
No. These DIY remedies are not made for facial skin and can irritate it, causing redness, dryness and more visible pores. Baking soda is alkaline and can disrupt the skin barrier. Stick with products formulated for the face, such as a gentle salicylic acid cleanser.
Why do I get blackheads on my nose but nowhere else?
The nose has many large, active oil glands, so it produces more sebum than most of the face. That makes clogged pores, blackheads and visible sebaceous filaments more likely there. You can apply your salicylic acid product only to the nose and other oily areas if the rest of your face is drier.
Sources
- How to treat different types of acneAmerican Academy of Dermatology
- Pimple popping: Why only a dermatologist should do itAmerican Academy of Dermatology
- AcneNHS
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. If you have a skin, allergy or health concern, talk to a doctor, dermatologist or dietitian. Green Point scores and Skin Scan results are informational and are not a diagnosis.
