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Dangers de percer ses points noirs.

Danger: Popping Your Blackheads.

Different from acne pimples, blackheads are fatty clusters that clog the skin pores. Although they can be bothersome, it is advised not to pop them yourself. We explain why.

Published on June 23, 2021, updated on March 30, 2026, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 4 min of reading

Everything you need to know about blackheads.

Blackheads, or "open comedones", are dark-colored plugs in the pores. The role of pores is to allow sebum and sweat to flow freely. However, if the pores become clogged with impurities, dead cells, or an excessive amount of sebum, a blackhead forms. Indeed, when exposed to air, this unsightly mixture begins to oxidize and turn black, hence its name. They are primarily located in the T-zone of the face, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin.

Several factors can promote their occurrence: hormones, makeup, the use of unsuitable or comedogenic skincare products, the intake of certain medications, etc... Similarly, individuals with combination to oily skin types are more prone to developing these imperfections because they naturally tend to secrete a higher than normal amount of sebum.

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Why should we avoid popping blackheads?

Even though it may be tempting, picking and dislodging blackheads yourself is a bad idea, despite them being unsightly and bothersome. By doing this, you not only risk exacerbating them by infecting them with the germs present on your fingers and nails, which will lead to the formation of an acne pimple that will become superinfected, but you also risk irreversibly damaging your skin by causing scars.

Furthermore, if the treated area has not been disinfected, this can lead to their proliferation on the skin. Additionally, as a general rule, they are either half-emptied or poorly squeezed, which creates an inflammatory phenomenon. Similarly, avoid using patches to remove blackheads on the nose or chin. This method is quite harsh on the skin. If you absolutely want to remove them, we strongly advise you to make an appointment with a dermatologist or a professional to remove them without damaging the skin.

How to get rid of blackheads without popping them?

To remove blackheads or prevent their occurrence, establishing a good daily skincare routine is essential for the skin. Here are some basic steps to adopt on a daily basis:

  • The foundation of clear skin begins with cleansing both morning and evening using a cleansing product that is suitable for your skin type. This will help to remove excess sebum, dead skin cells, and impurities on the surface that can clog pores. In the evening, remember to first thoroughly remove makeup residues and other dirt on your skin with a makeup remover ;

  • Deep Cleanse the pores with the peeling mask containing red fruit acids once or twice a week. Indeed, this treatment not only helps to detach dead cells and increase exfoliation without damaging the skin, but also to clean the inside of the pores;

  • Perform a purifying mask with charcoal andgreen clay once or twice a week to absorb excess sebum and purify the skin. Before applying the mask, remember to dilate the skin pores by doing a steam bath;

  • To conclude this beauty routine, don't forget to hydrate your skin. During the day, rely on a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 to protect you from the sun. Indeed, the latter can promote the secretion of sebum. In the evening, apply a purifying night serum that will help regulate sebum production.

Of course, this basic routine can be supplemented with other treatments such as the use of a purifying toner with salicylic acid which helps to refine the skin texture, remove dead skin cells, and tighten the pores.

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