What Really Causes Blackheads And How To Treat Them

Khushi | Dec 05, 2025, 07:02 IST

This article breaks down what blackheads actually are, why they form, and the everyday habits that make them worse. It covers the most effective treatments from proven skincare ingredients to dermatologist-level procedures along with simple prevention tips to keep pores clear. Whether blackheads appear on the nose, chin, or cheeks, this guide explains how to treat them safely and stop them from returning.

Blackheads are the most common issue for most of the common concerns of skin that most people don't actually know about what causes them or why they keep coming back. These tiny dark spots can occur on healthy skin making pores look clogged and uneven.

Why Blackhead Form In The First Place


Impurities

  • Blackheads are generally forms due to when hair follicle becomes clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells and other impurities.
  • The mixture of these impurities lug in the hair follicle. Unlike whitehead, blackhead remains open to the air.
  • The exposure of air causes the trapped material to oxidize and turns it into dark brown, black or grey color.
Factors influencing blackheads:
  • Oily skin is more prone to blackheads as there are more oil to become trapped in the pores.
  • Hormonal changes like puberty, menstruation are also one of the major factors as they can sift the increase of oil production.
  • Using a lot of cosmetic or skincare products containing pore clogging ingredients can contributes to blockages.
  • Some other factors like stress, diet, humidity and pollution can also play a big role.

Best Ingredients At Home Treating Blackheads Effectively.


Homemade mask

Following are some best homemade ingredients to treat blackheads effectively:

  • Mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with water to form a paste like consistency and gently rubbing on the affected area for a minute can help remove impurities and balance skin Ph.
  • Using clay masks made up of clay like kaolin or bentonite to draw out the impurities which absorbs the excess oil.
  • Apply a thin layer of egg white on the skin will help in tightening the pores.
  • Combining two tablespoons of oatmeal with three tablespoons of plain yogurt and a half lemon's juice and create a paste. Apply this for 10-15 minutes and then rinse.
Key Tip: Apply this mask weekly for best results.
Using these remedies consistently for fast and best results.

Discover expert advice and the latest updates in Skin Care, Hair Care, Wellness, Dermatology, and more at Stay Young guide to lasting beauty and holistic health!

Frequently Asked Questions




  1. What is the real cause of blackheads?Comedones occur when a hair follicle/sebaceous gland becomes inflamed. Inflammation can occur as a result of: Increased sebum (oily material produced by the sebaceous gland) production. Abnormal formation of keratin (the protein that helps make your hair, skin and nails).
  2. Why am I getting a lot of blackheads?You have blackheads due to a combination of factors like excess oil production, dead skin cells, and clogged pores. Lifestyle and environmental factors such as hormonal changes, pollution, certain cosmetics, stress, and diet can also worsen them. These factors lead to the buildup of sebum and dead skin cells, which, when exposed to air, oxidize and turn into the dark spots known as blackheads.
  3. Should I squeeze blackheads out of my nose?Avoid picking at blackheads! Attempting to extract will introduce additional bacteria and actually cause the opening to get bigger,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Diane Madfes. “Forcing the contents of the gland deeper and causing scarring.
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