Blackheads are a type of clogged pore (open comedone) where trapped oil and dead skin reach the surface and oxidise, turning dark. They're not dirt, so they can't be scrubbed away — they need to be dissolved and prevented.

Salicylic acid (BHA) is the gold standard — it's oil-soluble, so it gets inside pores to dissolve the oil that forms blackheads. Retinol helps prevent new ones forming.

Use a salicylic-acid cleanser or toner regularly, add a retinol at night, use a clay mask once or twice a week, and protect with SPF. Be patient and consistent — results build over a few weeks.

Yes — it's the most effective ingredient for blackheads because it penetrates oil and helps visibly clear the pore from the inside, while also helping prevent new congestion. See our salicylic acid collection.

Pore strips only remove the very top of a blackhead and don't stop them returning — they can also irritate skin. Salicylic acid and retinol address the cause and are far more effective long-term.

Yes — retinol speeds cell turnover so pores are less likely to clog, helping prevent blackheads over time. It pairs well with salicylic acid. See our retinol collection.

Keep pores clear with regular BHA exfoliation and retinol, don't over-cleanse (which can trigger more oil), use non-comedogenic products, and remove makeup and SPF thoroughly each night.

Avoid squeezing at home — it can damage skin, cause scarring and spread bacteria. Leave extractions to a professional facialist, and let salicylic acid and retinol do the everyday work.

Both are clogged pores — blackheads are open and oxidise dark, while whiteheads are closed under the skin and stay pale. The same ingredients help both. See our clogged pores collection.

They're related — blackheads can stretch and make pores look larger, and clearing them helps refine pore appearance. See our large pores collection.

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