Is It Okay to Remove Blackheads at Home?

Blackheads — those little dark dots that typically can be found on your nose, forehead, or chin — are a common skin care concern shared by people of all ages. No matter how diligent you are with your skin care routine, there’s still a chance that those undesirable black spots could pop up. It raises the question of how one should go about trying to remove blackheads. We’ve all been tempted to squeeze a blackhead once or twice, maybe even acted on it but there are better ways to manage them. 

Below, we’re sharing everything you need to know about blackheads, including what causes them, how to reduce your chances of getting them, whether or not you should remove them on your own, plus a skin care routine for preventing blackheads. Consider this your ultimate guide to blackheads.

What Are Blackheads?

Before delving into skin care products to help address and manage blackheads, it’s important to understand why people get blackheads. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), blackheads can be a sign of a mild form of acne. 

Per the AAD, blackheads occur when oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria build up on the surface of your skin and clog your pores. If your pores stay open after they’ve become clogged, it can cause bumps with a blackish tint — hence the name blackheads.