Should You Squeeze Blackheads?

Quick summary: Avoid squeezing blackheads at home—it can easily lead to inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. For safe and effective removal, have a dermatologist perform the extraction using sterile instruments.

Blackheads are a highly common type of acne, particularly on the nose and the sides of the nose—areas where sebaceous glands are most active. When blackheads become visible, it is easy to reflexively want to squeeze them out immediately. However, this is one of the most common mistakes in at-home acne care—and here is why.

What are blackheads?

Blackheads form when pores become clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, while the pore opening remains exposed to the air. When this plug of sebum and skin cells is exposed to oxygen, it oxidizes and turns black or dark brown. This is not accumulated dirt as many believe, but rather the natural oxidation of sebum—meaning no matter how thoroughly you wash your face, blackheads will not disappear through surface cleansing alone.

Blackheads differ from whiteheads, which have a thin layer of skin covering the pore opening, preventing the trapped sebum from contacting the air and changing color. While both are forms of non-inflammatory acne, they require different, targeted approaches to be treated effectively.

Why you shouldn't squeeze blackheads yourself

Squeezing blackheads at home carries significant risks. It is difficult to ensure your hands and standard extraction tools are completely sterile, making it easy to introduce bacteria into the vulnerable skin. Furthermore, applying improper pressure can tear or stretch the hair follicle, leading to permanently enlarged pores—the very outcome you want to avoid.

Squeezing too hard can also push the clog deeper into the skin rather than extracting it, triggering inflammation and leading to inflammatory acne at the site. Common consequences of improper self-extraction include persistent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots), visibly enlarged pores, or in severe cases, atrophic (pitted) scarring—issues that are far more difficult to treat than the original blackheads.

How should you treat blackheads properly?

Instead of self-extraction, start with a proper and consistent cleansing routine to minimize sebum buildup. It is best to use products tailored to your skin condition as recommended by a dermatologist, rather than choosing products based on advertisements or online reviews. While some people use pore strips or over-the-counter extraction tools, these only remove the superficial part of the blackhead and fail to address the underlying congestion. Consequently, blackheads often return quickly without a proper, comprehensive skincare regimen.

For severe or persistent blackheads, the safest and most thorough approach is professional extraction by a dermatologist using specialized tools and sterile protocols in a clinic setting. At BonBoz, our acne treatment protocol consists of 3 steps:

1. 1Clinical examination to accurately assess your skin condition.
2. 2Targeted, professional treatment as prescribed.
3. 3Post-treatment restorative care to minimize recurrence.

During treatment, please keep the following in mind:

• Limit sweets and dairy products.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
• Apply sunscreen regularly.
• Do not use any additional skincare or cosmetic products unless prescribed.

When should you see a doctor instead of continuing self-treatment?

If you have tried various methods but your blackheads persist, or if you notice signs of redness and inflammation after self-extraction, it is time to consult a dermatologist. An in-person consultation provides an accurate diagnosis of your skin condition and a tailored treatment plan, saving you from relying on online guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will blackheads go away on their own if left unsqueezed?

With proper skincare—including appropriate cleansing and excess oil control—blackheads can gradually diminish over time. However, if you have highly active sebaceous glands, they are likely to recur unless you maintain a consistent skincare routine.

Is it safe to use blackhead pore strips?

Pore strips can extract the superficial part of the blackhead, but they do not address the root cause of the blockage and can cause skin irritation if used too frequently. They are not a substitute for a proper skincare regimen or professional dermatological care.

Is professional blackhead extraction at a spa safer than doing it at home?

It is safer only if the spa or clinic you choose guarantees sterile instruments and employs trained professionals. You should prioritize medical facilities where a dermatologist evaluates your skin beforehand, rather than extraction services with unverified sterilization protocols.

How do blackheads differ from under-the-skin acne?

Blackheads have an open pore where the trapped sebum oxidizes and turns black, whereas under-the-skin acne (closed comedones) lies completely beneath the skin's surface with no visible head or color change. This is why these two types of acne require entirely different treatment approaches.

BonBoz Aesthetic and Dermatology Clinic — 66–68 Võ Văn Tần, Phường Xuân Hòa, TP.HCM.

Content compiled and reviewed by the medical specialist team at BonBoz Clinic.