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How to reduce blackheads

Where Blackheads is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline
Illustration: Where Blackheads is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline

Short answer

You can reduce blackheads with gentle cleansing and a suitable pore-clearing treatment, while avoiding squeezing that can inflame or injure the skin.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Medical term
Open comedone
Why it looks dark
The pore contents are exposed to air
Key habit
Avoid squeezing and harsh scrubbing

What blackheads are

A blackhead is an open comedone: oil and dead skin cells block a pore, and the exposed material darkens when it reacts with air. The colour is not trapped dirt. Blackheads often appear on the nose, forehead, chin, chest or back and may be part of [Comedonal Acne](/conditions/comedonal-acne/).

A sensible routine

Wash gently, choose non-comedogenic skin products and avoid rough scrubs, pore strips used aggressively or repeated squeezing. A clinician may recommend [Topical Retinoids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-retinoids/) to help prevent blocked pores; irritation can occur, so follow the prescribed schedule and discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding. Professional [Acne Extraction Facial](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/acne-extraction-facial/) treatment may remove selected comedones when performed hygienically. Persistent widespread acne may need a medical review; [Isotretinoin Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/isotretinoin-therapy/) is a specialist option with important safety requirements, not a routine first step for every blackhead.

When to seek care

See a dermatologist if blackheads keep returning despite a consistent routine, become tender or inflamed, leave marks, or occur with deep lumps and scarring. Seek prompt help for rapidly spreading redness, significant swelling or fever.

Questions for your doctor

Are these blackheads or another type of acne? Which product should I start, where should it be applied, and how can I reduce irritation? Would supervised extraction help my skin?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Are blackheads caused by dirt?

No. They form from oil and dead skin cells inside an open pore, not from surface dirt.

Can I squeeze blackheads at home?

Squeezing can cause inflammation, injury and marks, so professional extraction is safer when removal is appropriate.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.