How to Get Rid of Blackheads Safely: Blackheads vs Sebaceous Filaments
Close-up of blackheads and clogged pores on the forehead seen through a magnifying mirror
Get Rid of Blackheads: What Actually Works (in Clinic & Home Care Tips)
Blackheads are one of the most common skin concerns. However, many people are aggressively treating something that either isn’t a blackhead at all or doesn’t require forceful removal.
If you struggle with visible dark dots, clogged pores, or pores that never seem to look smooth, this guide explains what blackheads really are, how they differ from sebaceous filaments, and what genuinely improves pore clarity and skin quality both at home and in clinic.
What Are Blackheads? (They’re Not “Trapped Dirt”!)
Blackheads, medically known as open comedones, form when sebum (oil) and dead skin cells become trapped inside a pore.
When this material is exposed to oxygen, it oxidises and turns dark at the surface. This is what creates the characteristic black or grey appearance, not dirt or poor hygiene.
This is why harsh cleansing, scrubbing, or over-washing often makes blackheads worse rather than better.
Side-by-side comparison of blackheads and sebaceous filaments on facial pores
Blackheads vs Sebaceous Filaments: What’s the Difference?
One of the biggest sources of confusion is mistaking sebaceous filaments for blackheads.
Sebaceous Filaments
Sebaceous filaments are:
A normal anatomical feature of the skin
Made up of sebum lining the pore
Usually light grey, yellow, or flesh-coloured
Most visible on the nose and central face
They help oil travel from inside the pore to the skin’s surface. Everyone has them.
Sebaceous filaments refill quickly after extraction because they are part of normal skin function, they cannot be permanently removed.
Blackheads
Blackheads are:
A form of acne congestion
Darker in colour due to oxidation
Firmer and more compact
More likely to persist and worsen over time
Unlike sebaceous filaments, blackheads benefit from targeted treatment and can be significantly reduced with the right approach.
Many people damage their skin trying to “remove blackheads” when they are actually treating sebaceous filaments too aggressively.
Why Blackheads and Pores Become More Noticeable With Age
Although often associated with teenage skin, blackheads are extremely common in adult women, particularly from the mid 30s onwards.
Contributing factors include:
Slower cell turnover as we age
Hormonal changes, especially during perimenopause and menopause
Loss of collagen around the pore, reducing structural support
Dehydrated skin, which causes oil to become thicker and more likely to block pores
As collagen declines, pores stretch and congestion becomes more visible, particularly across the nose, cheeks, and chin.
What Doesn’t Work (And Often Makes Pores Worse)
Many popular blackhead “solutions” provide temporary results while compromising skin health.
Pore Strips
Remove surface oil only
Do not address congestion deeper in the pore
Can damage capillaries and elasticity
Often make pores appear larger long-term
Harsh Scrubs
Cause micro-tears
Increase inflammation
Trigger rebound oil production
DIY Squeezing and Extraction
High risk of broken capillaries
Can cause scarring and pigmentation
Often pushes congestion deeper into the pore
If pores refill quickly or look worse over time, the approach is usually the problem.
Diagram showing how salicylic acid penetrates the pore to dissolve oil and treat blackheads
A Safe and Effective At-Home Routine for Blackheads
Long-term improvement requires consistent, controlled exfoliation and barrier support, not force!
Ingredients That Actually Help
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate into the pore lining to dissolve congestion. One of the most effective ingredients for true blackheads.
Retinoids (Vitamin A)
Increase cell turnover, prevent dead skin buildup, and improve pore structure over time.
Lightweight Hydration
Dehydrated skin produces thicker oil, worsening congestion. Supporting the skin barrier is essential.
Medical-grade skincare, such as Alumier, allows for targeted treatment without compromising skin health, something many over-the-counter products fail to balance.
Educational graphic showing how tretinoin (Retin-A) improves acne, skin texture and pore appearance
In-Clinic Treatments That Improve Blackheads and Pore Appearance
Home care lays the foundation, but professional treatments accelerate results and address deeper congestion.
Chemical Peels
Loosen compacted dead skin
Improve pore clarity
Brighten and smooth skin texture
Professional Extractions
When performed correctly in clinic, extractions:
Remove true blackheads safely
Minimise trauma and inflammation
Reduce the risk of scarring or pigmentation
Microneedling (For Pore Quality)
Microneedling does not remove blackheads directly, but it:
Improves collagen support around pores
Reduces pore visibility
Enhances overall skin quality
Treatment choice should always be based on skin assessment, not trends.
How Often Do Blackheads Need Treating?
Blackhead management is ongoing rather than one-off.
For most people:
Professional treatments (chemical peels) every 4–8 weeks
Combined with appropriate home care
deliver the most consistent results.
Maintenance & prevention is key!
Image showing the progression of acne lesions
When Blackheads Are Part of Acne (Not Just Congestion)
Sometimes blackheads indicate a wider acne process rather than isolated congestion.
Signs include:
Regular breakouts alongside blackheads
Inflammation or jawline acne
Hormonal flare patterns
In these cases, treatment must address oil regulation, inflammation, and skin barrier health, not just pore clearing.
Why a Skin Consultation Makes the Difference
Blackheads and sebaceous filaments can look similar but behave very differently depending on:
Age
Hormonal status
Skin sensitivity
Current skincare use
A professional consultation allows us to:
Correctly identify what you’re seeing in your pores
Prevent over-treatment and damage
Create a realistic, long-term plan
Recommend only what your skin actually needs
Ready to Improve Pores and Congestion Safely?
If visible pores or blackheads are affecting your confidence, expert guidance makes all the difference.
A personalised skin consultation at Fresh Aesthetics & Skin will help you understand:
Whether you’re dealing with blackheads or sebaceous filaments
Which treatments are appropriate
How to maintain results long-term without damaging your skin
Book a consultation and take the guesswork out of blackhead and pore management.
