Blackheads on your face? Don't pop them. Here's the skincare that really makes a difference.

Have you ever leaned in close to a mirror, maybe under bright light, and noticed those blackheads on your nose, chin, or forehead? We all get them at some point in our lives. And often, once you spot them, the same temptation arises: to squeeze them. The truth is, that doesn’t work—on the contrary, it often makes things worse. Here, we’ll show you how to remove blackheads from your nose, chin, and other areas of the face using the right skincare routine.

What are blackheads (and why do they form?)

Blackheads, scientifically called open comedones, are pores clogged by a buildup of sebum and dead skin cells that, when exposed to air, oxidize and take on that characteristic dark color. That oxidation is what creates the dark hue: it is not dirt, despite this common misconception. There are also blackheads under the Skin, which are not actually "black" yet: these are closed comedones, covered by corneal cells, with no contact with air, so they do not oxidize. The key difference between visible blackheads and blackheads under the Skin is exactly that exposure to air.

They mainly form on the so-called T-zone (nose, chin, forehead), where sebaceous glands are most concentrated. The leading cause of blackheads forming on the Skin is testosterone levels, which stimulate sebum production. That is why blackheads often appear during adolescence, but they can persist even into adulthood. Other contributing factors include genetic predisposition, stress, pollution, UV exposure, and comedogenic cosmetic products.

The pairing of oily skin and blackheads is the most common, but this issue also affects Combination skin, and less frequently, Dry skin: people who have Dry skin but still get blackheads do exist, and this is usually a dehydrated Skin that produces sebum as a reaction, or a Skin with a genetic predisposition to comedones in the T-zone.

Does popping blackheads work? The uncomfortable truth

We get it: the urge to squeeze a blackhead is universal, and for many people it is also quite satisfying. But our advice is not to do that, for very concrete reasons.

Squeezing blemishes at home means applying pressure to a clogged pore without knowing how to do it properly. The risk is that you will push the pore’s contents inward rather than drawing them out, creating new inflammation that was not present before. This can cause micro-traumas that lead to post-inflammatory dark spots, and in the worst cases, small scars. Often the original blackhead does not even disappear—it turns into something far more serious.

There’s another important thing to keep in mind: even when it looks like you’ve removed it, the pore is still there. If you don’t address the underlying cause (excess sebum, leftover dead skin cells, poor habits), the blackhead will reform in the exact same spot within just a few days.

💡 Skin First Tip If you simply can’t resist popping blemishes, the least harmful option is to have it done by a beauty therapist specialized in extractions. Never attempt this at home with your fingers or makeshift tools. And never squeeze an inflamed or red blackhead: in that case, leave it alone and treat the area with a targeted spot gel.

The same applies to nasal strips and at-home manual extraction tools: they seem like a quick fix, but the harsh adhesive on strips can irritate the Skin and damage the skin barrier, while using extraction tools at home without experience causes more harm than good. What’s more, the blackhead will re-form within a few days because its root cause remains unaddressed.

How to prevent blackheads

Prevention matters more than treatment, and it works on three fronts.

1. A targeted cleansing, twice a day. Cleansing is the first step to fight blackheads, as it removes excess sebum, leftover makeup, and impurities that would otherwise remain trapped in pores. For anyone with Impure skin, oily or combination skin, the Purifying Cleansing Mousse It is formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid and Polylysine, a prebiotic that fights the overgrowth of bacteria responsible for pimples and skin impurities. In the evening, if you have worn makeup or SPF, it must be paired with double cleansing using theOil-to-Milk Cleansing Makeup Remover Oil.

2. Chemical exfoliation, use two or three times a week. This is the step that makes the biggest difference for blackheads. Thchemical exfoliation with salicylic acid removes dead cells that have accumulated in pores and prevents the formation of new comedones. Further down, we go into detail about the active ingredients and products.

3. A the right facial cream for your Skin type. Using the wrong cream can worsen blackheads instead of preventing them. A cream that is too heavy on Impure skin creates an occlusive film that clogs pores. It is best to choose lightweight, fast-absorbing formulations. For anyone who has Skin with active pimples and blackheads, the Purifying Face Creamit is the most suitable choice: it has a lightweight texture and sebum-regulating active ingredients. If, on the other hand, you have blackheads but no active breakouts, and you are looking for a lightweight moisturization that also helps prevent the first signs of aging, you can opt for the Preventive Face Cream, formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and peptides, which is always fast-absorbing.

4. Non-comedogenic SPF, for daily use. Over time, exposure to UV rays can impact pore size and sebum production. Daily sun protection is a key part of prevention, even for those with Impure skin. I SPF 30 Face Fluid and SPF 50 They feature a lightweight, fluid texture, designed to layer under makeup without weighing your skin down.

5. Clay mask, use once or twice a week. Clay has an absorbent effect on excess sebum: when applied as a mask to the T-zone, it helps reduce the amount of sebum that gets trapped in pores, the main trigger of new blackhead formation. Be careful with your choice, though: an overly harsh clay mask can dry out the Skin and damage the skin barrier, causing the Skin to respond by producing even more sebum. ThePurifying Face Mask It is formulated with balanced clay boosted with Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, and Olive Oil: it absorbs excess sebum without compromising skin hydration.

💡 Skin First Pro Tip You’ll often read that steam or sudden temperature shifts "open and close pores." That is not true: pore size does not depend on temperature. Steam can help loosen sebum before a professional cleansing, but it does not "open" pores. The same applies to cold water used at the end of your cleansing routine: it does not "close" them either.

The most effective active ingredients for blackheads

Not all cosmetic active ingredients work the same way on blackheads. There are some with targeted, scientifically documented effects that are worth getting to know.

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): it is the gold-standard active ingredient for fighting blackheads. It is a lipid-soluble beta-hydroxy acid, and this quality is its greatest strength: because it bonds well with sebum, it is able to penetrate pores and dissolve excess sebum trapped inside them. Other exfoliating acids, like AHAs (glycolic, mandelic), only work on the skin’s surface. Salicylic acid works deep inside pores. It is effective for both prevention and treatment. You can find it in the Purifying Cleansing Mousse (at 2%), in the Skin Perfecting Toner (at 2%) and in the Purifying Toner.
• Niacinamide: it is a sebum-regulating active ingredient: it helps normalize sebum production, reducing the appearance of enlarged pores over time. It also evens skin tone, making it ideal for anyone with residual post-inflammatory marks. The Niacinamide + Azeloglycine Booster Pair niacinamide with azeloglycine, a stable form of azelaic acid with purifying properties.
• Retinol: it stimulates cell turnover, helps normalize sebum secretion, and has an antioxidant action that counteracts the very oxidation process that gives blackheads their dark color. The Retinol Booster should only be used at night, because it can make the Skin more sensitive to UV rays. Introduce it gradually: start with three nights a week on alternate days, and increase frequency over time.
• Argilla: it is not an active ingredient in the strict sense, but a substance with a specific effect on blackheads: it absorbs excess sebum. It works well as a mask, applied to the T-zone where blackheads are concentrated. The key is to choose a balanced formulation that does not dry out the Skin.

In conclusion

Blackheads cannot be removed in a single night, and they cannot be squeezed away. They require patience, and a skincare routine built around what the Skin actually needs: targeted cleansing, exfoliation with salicylic acid, and consistent long-term use. There are no products that can eliminate blackheads in three days; rather, there are products that, when used consistently, truly improve their appearance over time.

The Skin does not ask for miracles. It asks for care.