Blackheads: what they are and how to really get rid of them

The short answer: blackheads are oxidized sebum in an open pore, not dirt. Scrubbing hard does not remove them. Careful extraction by a skin specialist clears them, and a gentle home routine keeps them down, with salicylic acid (BHA) as the best known helper. At B&B Elegance a deep facial cleansing with professional extraction costs 20 €.

What blackheads are

Every pore is the opening of a follicle where an oil gland releases sebum, the skin's natural oil. When sebum mixes with dead skin cells and stays in the pore, it forms a small plug. If the pore stays open, the top of that plug meets the air, oxidizes and turns dark. That is a blackhead. The color does not come from dust or from poor washing.

This is why washing more often with harsh soap does not fix them. Skin that is stripped dry often makes even more oil. Blackheads gather in the T zone, forehead, nose and chin, where the glands are most active. If your cheeks feel dry while the T zone shines, you probably have combination skin, which needs different care in each area.

Why they keep coming back

Even after a pore is cleared well, the gland keeps working. A few weeks later the pore fills again. That does not mean the treatment failed. It means your skin produces oil, as it should. The realistic goal is to keep blackheads few and pores looking clear, not to make them disappear for good.

A few habits add to them: hormonal changes, heavy creams that clog pores, makeup left on overnight and touching your face during the day.

Blackheads and enlarged pores

A pore packed with a dark plug looks bigger than it is. Once it is cleared, it usually looks smaller. Pore size itself is largely set by genetics and age, so no product shrinks pores for good. What you can change is how full and how visible they are, and that is where regular cleansing and exfoliation help most.

What does not work

• Squeezing hard: nails and heavy pressure can push the contents deeper, break the skin and leave marks that last for weeks.
• Pore strips: they pull out only the top of the plug and often irritate the skin. The pore refills within days.
• Harsh scrubs: rough grains scratch the surface without reaching inside the pore.

A sensible routine at home

At home, consistency beats force. As general guidance, dermatologists often suggest these steps:

• A gentle cleanse morning and evening, with a cleanser that does not leave your skin tight.
• A product with salicylic acid (BHA). It dissolves in oil, so it gets into the pore and loosens the plug. Start two or three times a week and see how your skin reacts.
• A light moisturizer labeled non-comedogenic, so it does not block pores.
• A clay mask once a week on the T zone only, if your cheeks are dry.
• Sunscreen every day, especially while using acids.

Retinoids are often named as the next step, but talk to a dermatologist about them, because they can irritate. No product clears blackheads overnight. Give a routine several weeks before you judge it.

Deep pore cleansing in the salon

Blackheads that have sat for a long time rarely leave with creams alone. This is where professional extraction helps, done on prepared skin, with clean tools and the right pressure. Biondina starts with a short skin analysis and then chooses the treatment with you.

For most people with blackheads, the starting point is the deep cleansing. If your skin reddens easily, aqua dermabrasion is gentler. A hydrafacial makes sense when you also want hydration and glow, for example before an event. After extraction the skin can stay a little red for a few hours, so do not book it for the day before a wedding.

Does dermaplaning remove blackheads

The honest answer: only partly. Dermaplaning takes dead cells and fine facial hair off the surface, which can make the tip of a blackhead less visible. It does not empty the plug inside the pore. It is a good treatment for smooth skin and makeup that sits well, but it does not replace a deep cleansing. We compare it with aqua dermabrasion in the guide dermaplaning or aqua dermabrasion.

When to see a dermatologist

Blackheads are a cosmetic concern. If you have inflamed spots, painful lumps under the skin or marks that leave scars, that is acne and a dermatologist should see it. The same goes if nothing changes after a few months of steady care. In the salon we do not extract over inflamed or infected skin.

Book a cleansing

If your blackheads keep returning whatever you try at home, a professional extraction gives you a clean start and your routine keeps it that way. Message us on WhatsApp or Viber with a photo of the area that bothers you, taken in daylight, and the names of the products you use now. We tell you which treatment makes sense and find you a time at the salon on Rr. Jakov Xoxa, Monday to Saturday, 9:00 to 18:00.