Blackheads, also known as black dots on the nose, chin, or forehead, are one of the most common skin imperfections affecting both teenagers and adults. They are not caused by dirt, they don't disappear after a single peel, and they cannot be "squeezed out once and for all."
This is a complex dermatological problem requiring intelligent, regular care, rebuilding the hydrolipidic barrier, and the use of active ingredients with proven effectiveness.
In this guide, I explain:
- why blackheads form,
- how to effectively remove them,
- which ingredients work best,
- what a step-by-step skincare routine looks like,
- which mistakes harm the skin,
- which Orientana cosmetics will help with daily cleansing and sebum regulation.
What are blackheads? Dermatological definition
Blackheads are open comedones, meaning an accumulation of sebum, oil, dead skin cells, and impurities that have oxidized within the hair follicle opening. It is this process that gives them their characteristic dark color - not dirt.
In contrast, white, hard bumps are closed comedones, located deeper and not visible on the skin's surface.
Blackheads are a form of non-inflammatory lesion, but a lack of proper care can lead to inflammatory changes, papules, and pustules.
How do blackheads form? Step-by-step mechanism
Blackheads appear when four processes occur simultaneously:
- Overproduction of sebum - sebaceous glands work too intensely.
- Impaired keratinization - dead skin cells do not exfoliate properly.
- Clogging of hair follicle openings - a plug of sebum and keratin forms.
- Lipid oxidation - contact with air causes darkening.
This most often affects the T-zone: nose, chin, and forehead, where the most sebaceous glands are located.
Types of blackheads
Open blackheads (black dots)
Form on the skin's surface, dark due to melanin and lipid oxidation.
Closed blackheads (white bumps)
Located deeper, hard, white, and not exposed to air.
Both forms require different care, but the common denominators are: gentle cleansing, sebum regulation, exfoliation, and barrier rebuilding.
Most common causes of blackheads
- genetics and skin type
- hormones (testosterone, DHT, androgens)
- stress and cortisol
- overly aggressive cleansing
- comedogenic or too heavy cosmetic formulas
- lack of regular exfoliation
- improper makeup removal
- environmental pollution (PM2.5, smog)
- high-sugar diet
Blackheads do not indicate a lack of hygiene. This is a problem of keratinization and seborrhea that needs to be regulated, not "scrubbed away."
How to get rid of blackheads? Truly effective methods
Proper cleansing - the absolute foundation
Excessive drying and mattifying only stimulates the skin to produce more sebum.
Cleansing should:
- have a pH close to the skin's,
- remove excess sebum without disrupting the barrier,
- not leave a feeling of tightness.
Cosmetics without alcohol are ideal, because with blackheads, regulating hydration, not drying, is key.
Recommended: gluconolactone gel
Exfoliation – the key to unclogging pores
The best results come from:
BHA (salicylic acid)
Penetrates hair follicle openings and dissolves sebum plugs.
Azelaic acid / azeloglycine
Has antibacterial, brightening, and anti-inflammatory properties. Perfectly complements retinoid-based skincare.
PHA - gluconolactone
Extremely gentle, moisturizing, and safe even for sensitive skin.
Sebum regulation - blackheads return without it
The most effective are:
- retinol / phytoretinol
- niacinamide
- azelaic acid
- adaptogenic extracts regulating skin balance
Here are two key Orientana products:
Ashwagandha + CICA + Niacinamide Serum Ampoule
Soothes, has anti-inflammatory effects, tightens pores, and regulates sebum secretion. Ideal for combination and oily skin.
Reishi Retinol Serum

This is a natural, highly tolerable form of retinol that supports cell renewal, smoothing, and blackhead reduction.
The combination of niacinamide (regulation) + retinol (renewal) is the gold standard in anti-blackhead care.
Rebuilding the hydrolipidic barrier
Without barrier rebuilding, the skin responds with sebum overproduction and worsening of the problem.
The best results come from:
- ceramides
- betaine
- trehalose
- adaptogens
- tremella polysaccharides
I recommend:
Cream for combination skin – Tremella, which regulates sebum
Light, moisturizing, yet mattifying formula: ideal for skin prone to blackheads.
Hello Daktyl Vitamin Cream-Mask
Great as night regeneration after retinol and niacinamide. Supports the barrier and prevents dehydration, which can worsen blackheads.
Blackheads on the nose – why are they the most stubborn?
The nose has the most sebaceous glands and the thickest sebum biofilm. Blackheads on the nose:
- form faster,
- are deeper,
- are darker due to strong lipid oxidation.
Regularity helps:
- gentle daily cleansing,
- BHA 2–3 times a week,
- retinol 3–4 times a week,
- azelaic acid mask (HydroTremella) 1–2 times a week.
Blackheads on the chin and forehead - other causes
Often indicate:
- hormonal imbalances,
- touching the face,
- resting head on hands,
- wearing scarves, turtlenecks, masks, phone against skin.
Blackhead skincare - step by step
MORNING
- Gentle gel with polyhydroxy acid
- Niacinamide serum (Ashwagandha Serum)
- Light sebum-regulating cream (Tremella Cream)
- UV filter (essential – retinol + acids = increased sensitivity)
EVENING
- Oil cleanser or emulsion
- Gentle gel with polyhydroxy acid
- 3–4 times a week: Reishi Retinol serum
- Other days: Ashwagandha + Niacinamide Serum
- Hello Daktyl Cream-Mask – regeneration and rebuilding
2 times a week or daily
-
Tremella mask with azelaic acid
- PHA/BHA peel (alternating)
Professional treatments for blackheads
- Oxybrasion
- Acids (salicylic, pyruvic, ferulic)
- Medical retinoids
- Hydrafacial
- Manual extraction (performed exclusively by a cosmetologist)
Mistakes that worsen the blackhead problem
- Overly aggressive cleansing gels
- Removing with "blackhead strips"
- Too frequent mechanical exfoliation
- Lack of UV filter when using retinol
- Using overly rich formulas without proper cleansing
- Constantly changing cosmetics (lack of stability)
Diet and blackheads
Modern research indicates that blackheads can be exacerbated by:
- high glycemic index,
- dairy (especially A1 casein),
- lack of omega-3,
- zinc, selenium, and vitamin D deficiencies.
Helps:
- a diet rich in antioxidants,
- drinking water,
- probiotics.
Can blackheads be removed once and for all?
No, because blackheads are a consequence of skin type and the biology of sebaceous glands.
But they can be:
- limited,
- minimized,
- kept under control,
- their visibility reduced to a minimum.
The key is regular, intelligent skincare and a balance between cleansing and regeneration.
Most frequent questions about blackheads
1. Are blackheads dirt in pores?
No. It's sebum + keratin + lipid oxidation.
2. Can blackheads be removed in one day?
No. They can be lightened, but the process takes weeks.
3. Is squeezing blackheads safe?
No, it leads to scars, inflammation, and broken capillaries.
4. What works best for blackheads?
Retinol, salicylic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid.
5. Does retinol remove blackheads?
Yes, it regulates keratinization and unclogs pores.
6. Does niacinamide shrink pores?
Yes, it regulates sebum and improves texture.
7. Why do I have blackheads despite good skincare?
Perhaps a lack of regularity, acids, retinol, or UV protection.
8. Does diet affect blackheads?
Yes, especially sugar and dairy.
9. How to get rid of blackheads on the nose?
Acids + retinol + regular cleansing.
10. Do blackheads disappear on their own?
No, skincare action is needed.
11. How often to exfoliate?
1-2 times a week.
12. Are blackheads contagious?
No.
13. Do blackheads during pregnancy require different care?
Yes, without retinol and salicylic acid.
14. Do SPF creams cause blackheads?
No, only improperly removed filters.
15. Can pores be permanently reduced?
Their appearance can be improved, but their number is genetic.
Summary
Blackheads are not a problem of dirt, but of keratinization and seborrhea. The most effective approach is synergistic care:
- gentle cleansing,
- sebum regulation,
- cell renewal,
- hydration and barrier rebuilding,
- azelaic acid mask.
Regularity ensures clean pores, smooth skin, and significantly reduced blackhead visibility.
Want to effectively get rid of blackheads and stabilize your skin? Try skincare based on natural adaptogens and active ingredients from Orientana.







