Blackheads in Men: Why They’re More Common and How to Treat Them

Blackheads can be a persistent issue, especially when they develop on the face. While both men and women are prone to them, men are more likely to develop them. The good news is that you can manage them with the right treatment, but the approach depends on what is causing the clogged pores in the first place.

What Are Blackheads?

Blackheads are a form of acne that develops inside a hair follicle. When excess sebum (the oil produced by your skin) and dead skin cells build up inside the follicle, they can clog it. Understanding the causes of comedonal acne can help explain why these blockages keep returning.

What happens next determines whether you get a blackhead or a whitehead. If the opening of the pore remains exposed, the clog comes into contact with air and appears dark, forming a blackhead. If the opening stays closed, the same kind of buildup forms a whitehead instead.

What Causes Blackheads?

There is more to blackhead formation than simply having oily skin. Sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands) are connected to hair follicles throughout the skin, and the sebum they produce helps keep your skin protected from moisture loss and environmental damage.

The issue arises when there is too much oil production, too much dead skin cell buildup, or both inside a follicle. Several factors can contribute to this process:

• Excess sebum production

• Excess production of androgen hormones, such as testosterone

• Irregular production of keratin (the building block of skin cells)

• Bacterial activity on the skin.

Why Are Blackheads More Common in Men?

Blackheads are more common in men because men naturally have higher testosterone levels and larger pores on the skin. Lifestyle factors such as excessive sweating, outdoor exposure, and pollution can further contribute to clogged pores and make blackheads more likely to appear.

Here’s a closer look at how these factors cause blackheads in men:

• Higher Testosterone Both men and women produce the androgen hormone testosterone. But the production is considerably higher in men. This becomes a major differentiating factor because the changing levels of testosterone increase the production of sebum.

When your skin produces more oil, there is more of it available to mix with dead skin cells and collect inside pores. The regular sweating, heat, and humidity only make things worse.

• Larger and More Visible Pores on the Skin Studies comparing male and female skin consistently show that men have larger pores on the skin, which is associated with high sebum production and makes men more prone to blackheads.

• Lifestyle Factors Men tend to sweat more than women on average, and frequent workouts, time spent outdoors, or an inconsistent cleansing routine can all let oil, sweat, and pollution sit on the skin longer than they should. That combination is often enough on its own to clog a pore.

Rough shaving techniques and skipping post-shave care can also irritate the skin’s surface, which makes it easier for follicles to become blocked.

Where Do Men Generally Get Blackheads?

Men usually get blackheads around areas where sebum production and activity are high, such as the nose and forehead. They can also appear in places where sweat and oil tend to remain trapped between the skin and clothing. The guide to blackheads on the nose explains why this area is particularly prone to congestion.

Knowing where blackheads tend to show up can help you understand what may be contributing to them.

What Do Blackheads Look Like?

A blackhead usually looks like a small dark spot on the skin. It may feel slightly raised, although some blackheads sit almost level with the surrounding skin. You may also notice a slightly rough or uneven texture when you run your fingers over the area.

Blackheads can vary in size, but they are generally small enough to look like tiny dots across the skin.

Initially, they may look like dirt, so many assume scrubbing harder will get rid of them. It will not. Aggressive scrubbing can instead irritate the surrounding skin.

What Are Some Common Blackhead Removal Methods for Men?

Some common blackhead removal techniques include exfoliation, using pore strips, and salicylic acid treatment. Physically pulling out the blackheads is never recommended, since it can inflame the skin.

Here are a few simple methods of blackhead removal that can work for men:

• Exfoliation Exfoliation can effectively remove some of the dead skin cells sitting on the surface of your skin. But when you have blackheads, scrubbing (physical exfoliation) does not necessarily work better. It can irritate the skin if the exfoliant is too harsh or used too often.

If you choose to exfoliate, use a gentle product and avoid pressing or rubbing aggressively over blackhead-prone areas. Chemical exfoliants (Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Beta Hydroxy Acid, and Polyhydroxy Acid, or AHA, BHA, and PHA) can be a better option for some people with clogged pores.

Use the exfoliant once or twice a week, particularly on blackhead-prone areas, such as the nose and the cheeks.

• Salicylic Acid Treatment Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), a type of exfoliating ingredient that is particularly useful for oily and congested skin. This compound is oil-soluble, which means it penetrates deep into the skin and helps loosen the buildup inside clogged pores.

That makes it especially useful for blackheads and whiteheads. It is available in different formulations, including cleansers and leave-on products, so the right option depends on your skin and how much treatment you need. Comparing the best ingredients for blackheads can help you choose an option suited to your skin.

If you are new to salicylic acid, consult with a dermatologist before picking a product. It is also recommended to perform a patch test before using the solution on your face.

• Pore Strips Nose strips, also called pore strips, are a popular remedy among men and women for removing blackheads. They work by extracting some of the material sitting inside open pores. They are also less harsh than squeezing or pulling blackheads out with your fingers or nails.

Using pore strips can make the skin look smoother immediately, which is probably why they remain popular. That said, the improvement is generally temporary. Learn how nose strips for blackheads work before adding them to your routine.

Pore strips do not address why the pore became clogged in the first place, so the blackheads can return.

What Are Some Home Remedies for Blackheads?

A few simple at-home practices, such as using DIY scrubs made of sugar and salt, can make your skincare routine more blackhead-friendly. However, it is essential to be careful about the ingredients you use, especially if you are trying those methods for the first time.

Some popular DIY remedies may exfoliate the skin, but that does not necessarily make them suitable for regular use.

• Sugar or Salt Scrubs Sugar and salt are often used as DIY physical exfoliants because their grains can remove surface dead skin cells.

To use these scrubs for blackhead removal, start by washing your face.

• Keeping your face wet, apply a pinch of salt and sugar mixture to the affected area.

• Gently massage for 30 seconds.

• Rinse your face.

• Green Tea Application Green tea contains polyphenols (plant compounds with antioxidant properties) and has been studied for its potential role in supporting skin health.

To remove blackheads, you can try this simple home remedy:

• Take loose green tea leaves and soak them in water.

• Apply the wet tea leaves onto your face.

• Gently massage for 30 seconds.

• Rinse your face.

While these home remedies have been popular, they are not a proven way to remove blackheads in men and may not work for everyone. Moreover, scrubbing with sugar and salt might irritate the skin.

For persistent blackheads, ingredients with established acne benefits, such as salicylic acid or suitable retinoids, are more reliable options for blackhead removal.

Clear Ritual Skin Test

Understand Your Blackhead Pattern

Assess your oiliness, pore congestion, sensitivity, and skincare needs to find a suitable starting routine.

Take the Free Skin Test

When Should You Consult a Dermatologist?

If your blackheads are not improving despite following a consistent skincare routine, it may be time to speak to a dermatologist.

A dermatologist can recommend a suitable blackhead treatment for men, based on their skin type. This may include a topical retinoid (a vitamin A-derived medication that helps keep pores from becoming clogged). Read how retinoids used for acne support cell turnover and help prevent new comedones.

They can also suggest professional comedone extraction (the controlled removal of clogged pores by a trained professional) for stubborn blackheads.

Note that if your blackheads are affecting your confidence or wellbeing, it is a valid reason to seek help too. You do not have to wait for it to become severe before asking a professional about it.

How Can You Prevent Blackheads in Men?

You can’t always prevent blackheads completely, especially if your skin naturally produces excess sebum. But a consistent routine can reduce the buildup of oil and dead skin cells that contribute to clogged pores.

A few everyday habits can make a noticeable difference:

• Shower after workouts or after returning home from work.

• Wash your face regularly.

• Exfoliate once or twice a week.

If you are prone to clogged pores, look for non-comedogenic products (products that are less likely to block pores), and avoid repeatedly picking or squeezing blackheads. Persistent picking can increase the risk of scarring. Understanding the risks of squeezing blackheads can make safer removal choices clearer.

Clear Ritual’s Perspective on Blackheads in Men

Blackheads can be a recurring skin concern. When they keep appearing on your nose, forehead, cheeks, or back, they can become understandably frustrating.

Scrubbing can be an effective remedy to remove them, but it does not address the root cause of blackheads. Your skin has its own balance to maintain, and stripping away too much oil can leave it irritated without addressing why the pores are getting clogged in the first place.

At Clear Ritual, we believe skincare should begin with understanding your skin rather than simply reacting to every new concern. Blackheads can be influenced by oil production, hormones, lifestyle, and the products you use, which is why a routine should be built around what your skin actually needs.

The Clear Ritual Skin Test can help you understand the root cause of your blackheads and make it easier for you to choose products that are tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do men get rid of blackheads?

Men can get rid of blackheads by using a consistent routine that keeps pores clear, with ingredients such as salicylic acid or a suitable retinoid. Avoid squeezing or aggressively scrubbing the skin, and if blackheads continue despite regular treatment, consult a dermatologist for a more targeted approach.

Do blackheads ever fully go away?

Yes, blackheads can go away with consistent skincare and appropriate acne treatment. However, if your skin is naturally prone to clogged pores, new blackheads may appear over time, which is why maintaining a suitable skincare routine can help keep them under control.

How to get rid of blackheads on nose?

An effective tip to properly remove blackheads from the nose is to use a gentle cleansing routine and an acne treatment such as salicylic acid. Using a suitable retinoid can also help keep the pores clear. Avoid squeezing them, as picking at blackheads can irritate the skin and increase the risk of scarring.

Can you squeeze your blackheads out?

It is better not to squeeze blackheads yourself. The pressure from your fingers or nails can irritate and injure the surrounding skin, while picking at the area can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of inflammation or scarring. If a stubborn blackhead needs to be removed, consulting an expert is a safer option.

Can hot water remove blackheads?

Hot water and steam cannot remove blackheads on their own, although gentle warmth can soften surface buildup and make the skin feel easier to cleanse. Use comfortably warm water rather than very hot water, and rely on an appropriate acne treatment to address the clogged pore itself.

References

1. Medanta. Back Acne: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Options. Read reference.
2. Choi Y, Jiang Z, Lu S, et al. A Case-Control Study Exploring the Association Between Cosmetic Use and Acne Risk. View study.
3. American Academy of Dermatology. Skin care habits that can worsen acne. Read guidance.
4. Cleveland Clinic. Blackheads: Appearance, Treatment and Prevention. Read guidance.
5. Mehta M. Ways to Get Rid of Blackheads. Medanta. Read reference.
6. Rahrovan S, Fanian F, Mehryan P, Humbert P, Firooz A. Male versus female skin: What dermatologists and cosmeticians should know. View study.
7. Kim BY, Choi JW, Park KC, Youn SW. Sebum, acne, skin elasticity, and gender difference: which is the major influencing factor for facial pores? View study.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified dermatologist if blackheads persist, become inflamed, cause scarring, or do not improve with suitable skincare.