What are blackheads and why do they form? Blackheads are one of the most common skin problems that many people struggle with, regardless of age or skin type. Although they are often associated with teenage acne, they can also occur in adults, especially those with combination, oily, or dehydrated skin.

There are two basic types of blackheads:

• open comedones (blackheads) – these are small lesions with a dark center that are caused by the oxidation of sebum and dead skin cells accumulated in the opening of the sebaceous gland,
• closed comedones (white lumps) – visible as tiny bulges under the skin, formed when the opening of a pore becomes blocked by excess sebum and calloused epidermis.

The main causes of blackheads include:

• overproduction of sebum (oil),
• disorders of epidermal keratinization (i.e. excessive accumulation of dead cells),
• improper care – too aggressive or too heavy,
• the influence of external factors such as smog and oxidative stress,
• as well as a diet rich in simple sugars and dairy products.

In the rest of the article, as a cosmetologist, I will advise you on how to effectively care for skin prone to blackheads and what products – especially from the Orientana Tremella series – can help reduce imperfections.

Effective blackhead treatment – ​​step by step

Blackheads – both open (blackheads) and closed – are one of the most common problems of combination and oily skin. Although they are not always related to acne, their presence may indicate impaired sebaceous gland function, insufficient cleansing or overly aggressive care. How to effectively care for your skin to limit their formation? Learn 4 key steps!

Cleansing – the basis of the fight against blackheads

Effective cleansing is the first and most important step in daily care. It is about thoroughly removing sebum, impurities and makeup residues without damaging the hydrolipid barrier. Too strong detergents can lead to skin dryness, which paradoxically increases sebum production and worsens the problem of blackheads.

Recommended product:

Orientana Natural Facial Cleansing Foam
– a light formula based on mild cleansing substances, gently removes impurities and unclogs pores without irritation. Ideal for daily use in the morning and evening.

Exfoliation – removal of dead skin cells

Dead skin cells clog the sebaceous glands, which promotes the formation of blackheads. Instead of using harsh mechanical peels, which can micro-damage the epidermis and spread bacteria, it is better to reach for gentle PHA acids or enzymes.

Recommended product:
Orientana Enzymatic Peeling Kali Musli
– based on natural enzymes, smoothes the skin, brightens it and cleanses pores without the risk of irritation. Safe even for sensitive skin.

Moisturizing – the key to skin balance

Dry skin can react by overproducing sebum, which in turn increases the problem of blackheads. That's why even oily skin needs moisture - light, non-comedogenic and well-absorbed.

Featured products:

• Orientana Serum-ampoule Moisturizing
  – contains a plant alternative to hyaluronic acid (Tremella fuciformis), deeply moisturizes and restores balance without weighing down the skin.

• Orientana Serum Elixir Tremella Exosomes
  – advanced formula with plant exosomes supports regeneration and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier.

• Orientana Tremella Sebum Regulating Cream
  – the perfect day cream that moisturizes while reducing skin oiliness thanks to adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Regulation and protection - prevention of blackhead formation

To limit the formation of new changes, it is worth introducing ingredients with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin pH-normalizing effects. This is not only support for problematic skin, but also effective prevention.

Recommended product:
Orientana Tremella Mask for Imperfections

– has antibacterial, soothing and regulating effects. Restores the skin's proper pH, minimizes blackheads and reduces the risk of their formation. Ideal for use 2-3 times a week as an element of complementary care.

Effective blackhead care is not about aggressive cleansing, but a smart, multi-step strategy:
✔ gentle cleansing,
✔ gentle exfoliation,
✔ proper hydration,
✔ skin regulation and protection.

With consistent care, you can notice a visible improvement in your skin texture, less oiliness, and a reduction in blackheads – without any drying or irritation.

Ingredients that Orientana uses to fight imperfections

Orientana cosmetics have been developed with the idea of ​​effective and at the same time gentle care for problematic skin. The brand combines natural plant ingredients with modern active complexes that act on the causes of imperfections: excessive sebum secretion, clogged pores, post-inflammatory discoloration and micro-inflammations and blackheads. Here are the most important ingredients used in Orientana formulas:

Pore ​​OuT Complex

An advanced herbal complex that:

• regulates sebum secretion ,
• cleanses the outlets of the sebaceous glands ,
• reduces the visibility of pores ,
• prevents the formation of new blackheads .

It works on multiple levels, supporting skin detoxification and restoring its healthy structure. Regular use of Pore Out™ products helps reduce the number of imperfections and improve the overall condition of oily and combination skin.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3)

Multi-tasking active ingredient with proven effectiveness:

• normalizes sebum production ,
• tightens enlarged pores ,
• relieves inflammation ,
• lightens acne discolorations .

Niacinamide also has an anti-aging effect and strengthens the hydrolipid barrier, which is why it is also effective in the care of sensitive and mature skin.

Lactic acid (AHA)

One of the gentlest alpha hydroxy acids that:

• exfoliates dead skin cells ,
• lightens acne discolorations ,
• supports cell renewal ,
• moisturizes the skin .

Thanks to its high tolerance, it is recommended for skin prone to irritation and as an alternative to more irritating AHA and BHA acids.

Azelaic acid

A versatile ingredient with anti-acne and depigmenting properties.
It helps:

• reduce the formation of pimples ,
• lighten post-inflammatory discolorations ,
• has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects ,
• evens out skin tone .

Particularly recommended for acne with accompanying redness and skin with symptoms of rosacea.

Tamanu oil

Natural oil with strong therapeutic properties:

• has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects ,
• supports the healing of skin lesions ,
• soothes irritations ,
• accelerates the regeneration of the epidermis .

It is non-comedogenic and well tolerated even by oily skin, making it suitable for the care of skin with imperfections.

The Most Common Mistakes in Blackhead Skin Care

Blackheads, or clogged pores, are one of the most common aesthetic problems in both young people and adults. Although many people reach for specialist cosmetics, they often make mistakes that, instead of improving the condition of the skin, worsen the problem. Below are the most common sins in the care of skin prone to blackheads.

Too aggressive cleaning

It seems that since blackheads are the result of clogged pores, the stronger the cleansing, the better the effect. Unfortunately, this is a myth. Excessive use of strong gels, mechanical peels or sonic brushes can damage the skin's hydrolipid barrier. The effect? ​​The skin becomes irritated, dehydrated, and in response to aggression, it begins to produce even more sebum - which only deepens the problem of blackheads.

Washing your face too often or using cosmetics with a high concentration of alcohol can also lead to excessive drying of the epidermis, which over time begins to flake and additionally clog pores. Instead of cleansing the skin to a "squeaky" clean, it is better to focus on gentle cleansers, e.g. based on gluconolactone, low concentration salicylic acid or plant extracts with anti-inflammatory effects.

Giving up moisturizing

Many people with oily, acne-prone skin are wary of moisturising, wrongly believing that creams can make the skin oilier and worsen the problem. This is a big mistake! Moisturising is a key element of healthy skincare – even for problem skin.

Lack of proper hydration leads to dehydration of the epidermis, which in turn triggers a compensatory mechanism: the sebaceous glands begin to produce more sebum to compensate for the deficiencies in the protective layer. This reaction paradoxically increases the shine of the skin and promotes the formation of more blackheads. Light moisturizing creams, e.g. based on hyaluronic acid, trehalose, panthenol or ceramides, will be suitable, which do not clog pores and at the same time support the regeneration of the skin barrier.

Using comedogenic cosmetics

Blackhead-prone skin requires special attention when choosing cosmetics – both skincare and makeup. Unfortunately, many people unknowingly use products containing comedogenic ingredients, which can clog pores and promote the formation of imperfections.

The most comedogenic ingredients include coconut oil, lanolin, and some silicones and synthetic waxes. It is worth analyzing INCI compositions using available applications and databases. A good choice will be cosmetics with light emollients (e.g. squalane, jojoba oil, ) and sebum-regulating and anti-inflammatory substances, such as niacinamide or green tea extract.

Irregular use of care

Blackheads can only be defeated by being systematic. Unfortunately, many people reach for cosmetics only when the problem is worse, neglecting their daily care routine. The skin needs constant support, and the effects of active ingredients such as acids, retinoids or adaptogens are visible only after a longer period of use.

Irregular cleansing, exfoliation and moisturising disrupts the skin regeneration process and imperfections reappear. Equally problematic is changing cosmetics frequently before they have time to work – the skin needs time to respond to a specific treatment. That is why it is worth creating a simple but consistently applied skincare routine – preferably based on the needs of your skin, not on momentary trends.

My advice as a beautician: what to use on blackheads to see results?

Blackheads are a common problem that requires conscious and consistent care. Here are three pillars of effective action:

1. Regular but gentle care

Over-cleansing and aggressive exfoliation can only worsen your skin condition. Opt for:

• mild cleansing gels or foams , e.g. with gluconolactone,
• tonics with niacinamide or almond acid , which regulate sebum and unclog pores,
• enzymatic peelings once or twice a week.

2. Products matched to your skin type

Blackheads don't only appear in oily skin. That's why:

• For oily/combination skin, the Tremella series will work well
• for dry/sensitive skin – formulas with emollients, e.g. Kali Musli series
• H10 retinol serum - helps with exfoliation and regulation of keratosis without irritation

3. Patience and systematicity

The effects come after a few weeks of regular use. Do not change cosmetics too often - the skin needs time to adapt. Also remember to:

• sun protection SPF 30–50 – especially when using acids and retinoids,
• moisturizing , even with oily skin – dehydrated skin can produce more sebum.

In summary: The key is gentle cleansing, active ingredients that regulate sebum and skin keratinization, and persistence. Blackheads don't disappear overnight - but well-maintained care can work wonders.

Żaneta Pasierkiewicz - Oriental cosmetologist