Blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores

Blackheads and whiteheads form when a pore fills with oil and dead skin cells. A blackhead is open at the surface, and its dark color comes from the plug reacting with air and the way it reflects light, not from dirt. A whitehead is closed under a thin layer of skin, so it looks like a small white or skin-colored bump.

They are the earliest form of acne and are common on the nose, chin, forehead and cheeks. Some people want a medical plan to stop new clogs, some want their pores cleared and skin refreshed, and many do both. We offer both under one roof.

What causes them

• Extra oil, often from hormones during the teen years, around periods or pregnancy, or with conditions like PCOS
• Dead skin cells that don't shed evenly and plug the pore
• Heavy or oily skincare, makeup, sunscreen or hair products
• Squeezing or scrubbing hard, which can push the plug deeper and irritate the skin

Look-alikes we can check

• Sebaceous filaments: small gray dots on the nose that are a normal part of the pore and refill on their own
• Milia: hard white bumps, often near the eyes, that don't come out by squeezing
• Sebaceous hyperplasia: soft yellowish bumps with a small dip in the center, common in adults

Medical treatment

• Prescription treatments: topical retinoids like tretinoin, and azelaic acid, to keep new clogs from forming
• A skincare plan: a gentle cleanser, an oil-free moisturizer and sunscreen, and products with salicylic acid or a retinoid
• Acne care: if you also have pimples or deeper bumps

Cosmetic treatment

• HydraFacial: cleanses, exfoliates and uses gentle suction to clear pores, with no downtime
• Chemical peels: exfoliate and help loosen clogs. Salicylic acid peels are often chosen for oily, congested skin.
• Extractions: a provider or aesthetician clears blackheads and whiteheads with sterile tools, with less risk of marks than squeezing at home
• Custom facials and microdermabrasion: exfoliation and extractions planned around your skin
• Medical-grade skincare: products chosen for your skin to keep pores clear between visits

Available treatments vary by office.

Which should I start with?

Medical care works on why pores clog, so fewer come back. Cosmetic treatments clear what is there now and leave skin smoother right away. Many patients combine them: a prescription or routine at home, with a HydraFacial or peel every so often.

What to expect

Extractions and HydraFacial clear pores right away. Retinoids and other skincare usually take 8 to 12 weeks to show a clear change. Pores refill without ongoing care, so in-office treatments work best alongside a home routine. Your provider will suggest how often to come back.

Where it is offered

Blackheads Q&A

Related care

• Acne
• HydraFacial
• Chemical peels
• Custom facials
• Milia
• Medical-grade skincare