Blackheads are open comedones, a type of acne. They occur when pores become clogged with oil. The oil oxidizes when it is exposed to air, turning it black and causing unsightly black dots on the skin. They are common on the face, back, shoulders and buttocks but can occur anywhere on the body. Blackheads are common during periods of hormonal changes that cause excess oil production, such as puberty and pregnancy. Knowing how to spot blackheads is the first step for removing them.
Step 1
Examine your body, looking for pores that appear large. Pores are hair follicles that can become clogged. Check in areas where you are prone to getting acne, such as your face and back.
Step 2
Look closely at your pores. If you are looking at your face, you may want to try using a mirror that magnifies your image because blackheads can be difficult to find.
Step 3
Determine if your pores appear to be white or black. Many blackheads start off white before turning black when exposed to the air. If your pores appear to be clogged with a white or black substance, you likely have blackheads on your skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Blackheads can be removed by using a blackhead extractor found at beauty supply stores. They will also go away eventually after thorough daily cleansing. Some skin cleansers are made specifically for blackhead removal. You can prevent blackheads by cleansing your skin often, which keeps excess oil from clogging pores. However, cleansing your skin too often can stimulate your skin to produce excess oil and cause blackheads. Try to clean your skin only once or twice a day.
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