How to Spot, Treat and Prevent Blackheads, According to a Skincare Expert (2024)

A few things are certain in life: death, taxes and, er, blackheads. Every man, at some point, is likely to have dealt with blackheads in his life — especially during his formative years.

But, what exactly are they and, more crucially, how can we avoid them and get rid of them in our adulthood? We spoke to a top skincare expert to answer all these questions and recommend the best at-home black head removers.

Unlike blemishes, spots or zits, blackheads are small and dark bumps (hence their name) that appear on your skin, often due to clogged hair follicles. According to the NHS, about 95% of people aged 11 to 30-years-old are affected by acne and blackheads, and boys are the most susceptible between 16 to 19-years-old. Just like the spots and blemishes in your teen years, blackheads are a form of acne that, typically, form on the face. However, they can appear elsewhere on the body.

'Blackheads are essentially a type of acne that can affect most people, usually appearing on the face, neck and back,' explains Harley Street Skin Repair Expert, Lorena Öberg. 'A combination of oils, dirt and keratin clogs the pores and turns dark or black in colour as it oxidises. An open pore differentiates a blackhead from a whitehead, whiteheads are the same but the pore is closed.'

Typically, blackheads look like small, black or yellow bumps that develop on the skin. Despite what you may think, blackheads are not filled with dirt, but rather with the inner lining of a hair follicle. This is what produces the darker colour of the blackhead.

• Face
• Back
• Neck
• Chest
• Shoulders
• Arms

As blackheads originate from hair follicles and sebaceous glands, you can get blackheads anywhere on your body. However, as Öberg explains, you're more likely to get them in certain places over others. 'Sebaceous glands are all over the body as their function is to hydrate and keep the skin healthy. You are likely to get blackheads where your skin is naturally more oily and vulnerable to environmental factors, such as, the T-zone area on your face, neck and back.'

'We get blackheads when a build up of dead skin cells, bacteria and oil clogging a hair follicle or pore causes an opening at the surface of the skin,' says Öberg. Typically, most people will stop experiencing blackheads in their mid-twenties. 'Although, blackheads can occur at any age if someone is still experiencing symptoms – when their pores over-produce oil causing them to become clogged up again.

'Generally speaking, most people don’t feel conscious or worried about the appearance of their blackheads when they reach this age. Most people would also assume more men have blackheads in adulthood but they are often confused with stubble from shaving.'

When it comes to dealing with blackheads, there's two ways to go about it. Firstly, prevention — nixing the risk of blackheads before they appear — and direct treatment, once you notice them appearing on your skin and it's a little too late.

Thankfully, both approaches are simple to undertake, as Öberg explains. 'Twice a day, without fail, you should wash your face with water, cleanse and moisturise. Using a regular exfoliator will also prevent and unclog pores which will stop hair follicles from becoming congested, as the oil, dead skin and bacteria is lifted in the exfoliation process. You should try and stick to a cleansing routine that helps balances and cleans your skin.'

Face Wash for Blackheads

Non-oily Moisturisers for Blackheads

Exfoliators for Blackheads

Alternatives

If you don't want to invest in exfoliators and cleansers, there's a low-tech solution to blackheads that you'll want to give a try. 'A gentle hot steam to relax and open up the pores could be successful in removing some blackheads,' Öberg advises. 'Follow this process with a cleanse and splash of cold water to tighten your pores. Cold water also promotes blood circulation which helps brighten and freshen up your face. Don’t forget to moisturise afterwards to create a protective barrier.'

Blackheads, of course, are not just a male issue — we all experience them at least once in our lives. Men, however, are more likely to experience blackheads. 'Statistically speaking, more men are susceptible to blackheads because their skin is naturally oilier than women’s skin. Men typically have larger pores and sweat more than women do, which results in more blackheads.'

Although it may be tempting, it's best to avoid popping or squeezing blackheads when you begin to notice them emerging. 'Try to avoid picking them. Remember the pore is already open so by removing the sebum will just cause the area to become inflamed and sore,' says Öberg.