Blackheads (komedo hitam) are pores clogged with oil and dead skin cells that stay open at the surface, so the tip darkens when it meets air. They are a mild, non-inflammatory form of acne, most common on the nose, chin and forehead, and they are not caused by dirt. The ingredients with the best evidence are topical retinoids such as adapalene and salicylic acid, used regularly for 6 to 8 weeks. Avoid squeezing, scrubbing and relying on pore strips. In pregnancy, skip retinoids and ask about salicylic acid, azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide instead.
Ringkasan: Blackhead (komedo hitam)
- Blackhead ialah liang pori tersumbat dengan minyak (sebum) dan sel kulit mati. Hujungnya terbuka, jadi ia menjadi gelap apabila terdedah kepada udara. Ia bukan kotoran.
- Ia jenis jerawat yang ringan dan biasanya muncul di hidung, dagu dan dahi.
- Bahan yang paling terbukti: retinoid topikal (contohnya adapalene) dan asid salisilik. Beri masa 6 hingga 8 minggu.
- Jangan picit atau gosok kuat. Pore strip hanya membantu sementara.
- Semasa mengandung, elakkan retinoid. Tanya doktor atau ahli farmasi tentang asid salisilik, asid azelaik atau benzoyl peroxide.
Sumber: Cleveland Clinic, American Academy of Dermatology, NHS, Garis Panduan Amalan Klinikal Jerawat KKM (MaHTAS).
Apa itu blackhead? (What are blackheads?)
Your skin has tiny hair follicles, and most of them connect to an oil (sebaceous) gland. When a follicle fills with oil and dead skin cells, it forms a plug called a comedo (plural: comedones). If the opening stays open, it is a blackhead, or open comedo. If it is covered by skin, it is a whitehead, or closed comedo (Cleveland Clinic; DermNet).
- Why black? The material at the open tip is exposed to air and darkens, and the clogged opening reflects light unevenly. It is not dirt (Cleveland Clinic).
- Where: mostly the nose, chin and forehead, and sometimes the cheeks, neck, back and chest (Cleveland Clinic).
- Who gets them: almost everyone at some point. They are most common in teenagers, but up to 10% to 20% of adults have blackheads too, and some people get them for the first time as adults (Cleveland Clinic).
- Is it acne? Yes. Blackheads and whiteheads are the non-inflammatory form of acne. They do not hurt, but untreated comedonal acne can turn into red, inflamed spots (Cleveland Clinic; MaHTAS).
- Not contagious: blackheads do not spread from person to person (Cleveland Clinic).
If you also have red spots, pus-filled spots or deep painful lumps, read our full guide to jerawat (acne), which covers the treatment steps for each grade.
Punca blackhead (what causes blackheads?)
The Malaysian acne guideline lists four main drivers of acne: too much oil, abnormal build-up of skin cells inside the follicle, growth of the acne bacterium Cutibacterium acnes, and inflammation (MaHTAS). Things that make blackheads more likely include:
- Hormones: puberty, the days before a period, pregnancy and menopause all change oil production (NHS; Cleveland Clinic).
- Oily or greasy products: heavy creams, oily makeup and hair products that run onto the forehead (NHS; Cleveland Clinic).
- Picking and squeezing: damaged follicles are more likely to clog again (Cleveland Clinic).
- Friction: clothing, helmets or straps that rub the skin can make clogged pores worse (Cleveland Clinic). If blackheads cluster along your forehead, keep the band of your anak tudung clean and not too tight.
- Scrubbing too hard or washing with harsh products (Cleveland Clinic).
- Stress: high stress was linked with acne in adult women in a study cited by the Malaysian guideline (MaHTAS).
- Diet: Cleveland Clinic lists eating a lot of milk products, sugar and fat as a possible risk factor for comedonal acne.
If you have blackheads and acne together with irregular periods or extra facial hair, ask your doctor about PCOS, because hormonal causes may need a different treatment (MaHTAS).
Blackhead, whitehead atau sebaceous filament? (how to tell them apart)
Many "blackheads" on the nose are actually sebaceous filaments, which are not acne and do not need strong treatment. This table helps you tell common spots apart:
| Spot | What it looks like | Where | Key clue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackhead (komedo hitam, open comedo) | Small dark brown or black dot, flat or slightly raised | Nose, chin, forehead; also back and chest | Open pore; tip darkens on contact with air; not painful |
| Whitehead (komedo putih, closed comedo) | Tiny white or skin-coloured bump | Forehead, chin, cheeks | Covered by skin; makes skin feel rough or "berpasir" |
| Sebaceous filament | Tiny white-yellow or light grey dots, similar in size | Nose and other very oily areas | Not acne; squeezing does not remove them for good |
| Milia | Hard, pearly-white bump, 1–2 mm | Around the eyes, eyelids, cheeks | A trapped keratin cyst with no pore opening; see milia |
| Dilated pore of Winer | One very large blackhead-like opening | Usually a single spot | A wide opening filled with dark material; a doctor can remove it |
| Papule or pustule (jerawat merah, jerawat bernanah) | Raised red, brown or purple bump, sometimes with pus | Face, chest, back | Inflamed and often tender; see jerawat |
Sources: Cleveland Clinic; DermNet; Mineroff 2023; NHS.
Sebaceous filaments are small collections of oil and skin cells lining the pores in very oily areas (Mineroff 2023). They tend to look similar in size across the nose, and squeezing or a pore strip does not remove them for good. Treatment aims to reduce oil; in a published case, a topical retinoid (tretinoin) improved them (Mineroff 2023).
Bahan aktif untuk blackhead: perbandingan (ingredients compared)
You do not need a specific brand. What matters is the active ingredient, its strength and using it consistently. This comparison is based on the Malaysian acne guideline, the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) acne guideline and Cleveland Clinic:
| Ingredient | How it helps blackheads | Usual form and strength | Evidence | Pregnancy (MaHTAS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salicylic acid (BHA) | Oil-soluble, so it gets into the pore and loosens dead skin cells (keratolytic and comedolytic) | Cleanser, toner or lotion; 0.5%–3% in most pharmacy products | Fewer comedones than placebo in a Cochrane review; conditional recommendation in the 2024 AAD guideline | Topical use listed as an option; salicylic acid peels: avoid or use with caution |
| Adapalene (retinoid) | Normalises how skin cells build up inside the follicle, so new plugs form less | Gel or cream, 0.1% (the strength available in Malaysia); start every other night | First-line for non-inflammatory acne (MaHTAS); strong recommendation (AAD 2024) | Avoid |
| Tretinoin (retinoid) | Same action as adapalene; prescription strength | Prescription cream or gel, 0.01%–0.1% | Strong evidence for comedones and acne | Avoid |
| Benzoyl peroxide | Kills acne bacteria; mild comedolytic effect | Wash or gel, 2.5%, 5% or 10%; start at 2.5% | Strong evidence for acne overall; less direct effect on blackheads than salicylic acid or retinoids | Listed as safe |
| Azelaic acid | Anticomedonal and antibacterial; also fades dark marks after acne | Cream or gel, 5%–20% | Reduces comedones; milder and better for sensitive skin, but less potent for blackheads | Listed as safe |
| Glycolic acid (AHA) | Water-soluble exfoliant that loosens the outer layer of dead skin | Cleanser around 10%; clinic peels 20%–70% | Peels reduce comedones in trials; mainly a surface exfoliant | Glycolic acid peels listed as safe |
| Retinol (cosmetic vitamin A) | A gentler relative of prescription retinoids | Serum or cream; strengths vary | One trial: a 0.03% retinol product worked about as well as adapalene 0.1% over 12 weeks | Not covered; ask your doctor, as it is related to retinoids |
| Niacinamide (nicotinamide) | Helps control oil and calms inflammation | Serum or cream, about 4% in studies | Evidence is mainly for red spots and oily skin, not blackheads alone | Not covered; ask your doctor |
| Sulphur | Mild drying and peeling effect | Soap, cream or mask, 1%–10% | No clear benefit over placebo at 8 weeks in a Cochrane review | Sulphur in petrolatum listed as safe |
Sources: MaHTAS (Malaysian CPG, 2022); Reynolds 2024 (AAD guideline); Cleveland Clinic.
How to choose:
- Mostly blackheads on the nose, oily skin: start with a salicylic acid cleanser or toner once a day.
- Blackheads and whiteheads on the forehead and chin: add a retinoid such as adapalene at night. It is the most effective long-term option for comedones (MaHTAS).
- Blackheads plus red spots: combine a retinoid with benzoyl peroxide (MaHTAS; American Academy of Dermatology).
- Sensitive skin or dark marks after acne: azelaic acid is gentler and also helps fade dark marks (MaHTAS). See also acne scars vs dark spots.
Benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric (MaHTAS), so let it dry fully and use white or old pillowcases, towels and tudung inner caps while you use it.
Cara hilangkan blackhead di hidung (how to get rid of blackheads on the nose)
- Cleanse gently twice a day with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser, and after sweating (NHS; Cleveland Clinic).
- Use salicylic acid daily. Cleveland Clinic suggests a salicylic acid wash once a day as a first step. Reduce how often you use it if your skin gets dry.
- Add a retinoid at night. Start every other night and use a moisturiser to reduce dryness and peeling (Cleveland Clinic). In Malaysia, adapalene 0.1% and tretinoin are the topical retinoids available; ask a pharmacist or doctor which one suits you (MaHTAS).
- Choose non-comedogenic, oil-free products for moisturiser, sunscreen and makeup, and remove makeup every night (NHS; Cleveland Clinic).
- Wear sunscreen daily (SPF 30 or more), because sun-related inflammation can increase oil and blackheads (Cleveland Clinic).
- Be patient. Give it 6 to 8 weeks before judging results (American Academy of Dermatology).
Buy acne products from a registered pharmacy or trusted shop. Unregistered "instant" pore and whitening products may contain undeclared ingredients; our guide to spotting fake skin brightening products explains what to check.
Contoh rutin penjagaan kulit (a simple routine)
Cleveland Clinic suggests splitting active ingredients, for example salicylic acid in the morning and a retinoid at night, rather than layering many at once. A simple example:
| Time | Steps |
|---|---|
| Morning | Gentle cleanser (or a salicylic acid cleanser) → oil-free moisturiser → sunscreen SPF 30 or more |
| Night | Remove makeup → gentle cleanser → retinoid (start every other night) → oil-free moisturiser |
| 1 to 2 times a week | Optional gentle exfoliation, such as a glycolic acid product, on nights you skip the retinoid; do not over-exfoliate |
If your skin stings, peels a lot or turns red, cut back how often you use the active product and let the skin settle. If you also have dry patches, our guide to kulit kering explains how to choose a moisturiser.
Pore strip, picit dan scrub: berkesan? (do popular methods work?)
| Popular method | Does it work? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pore strips (nose strips) | Short-term only | Lift out the top of the plug, but pores refill and the skin can get irritated and dry (Cleveland Clinic) |
| Squeezing or a metal extractor at home | Risky | Can push the plug deeper, spread bacteria and cause marks or scars; leave deep blackheads to a professional (Cleveland Clinic; NHS) |
| Harsh scrubs and scrubbing harder | No | Blackheads are not dirt, so scrubbing does not clear them and can make acne worse (American Academy of Dermatology; NHS) |
| Peel-off, clay or charcoal masks | Short-term only | Can feel satisfying straight away, but do not treat the cause (Cleveland Clinic) |
| Face oils such as coconut or olive oil | Not advised for clog-prone skin | Cleveland Clinic advises against putting these oils on the face if you get clogged pores |
| Over-exfoliating | Backfires | Exfoliate only a couple of times a week; overdoing it dries the skin and can make it oilier (Cleveland Clinic) |
Do not squeeze blackheads with your nails or use sharp tools at home. You may not remove the whole plug, can push it deeper and can cause infection, dark marks or scars (Cleveland Clinic; NHS). Whiteheads are covered by skin and need a sterile puncture to empty (DermNet), which should only be done by a professional.
Rawatan blackhead di klinik (treatment by a doctor)
If blackheads do not improve after about 3 months of consistent home care, a GP or dermatologist can offer stronger options (MaHTAS; American Academy of Dermatology):
| Clinic treatment | What happens | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Comedone extraction | A dermatologist or licensed professional removes plugs with a sterile comedone extractor | Gives a quick result, but can be incomplete and blackheads can return (MaHTAS) |
| Prescription retinoid | Tretinoin cream or gel, sometimes combined with other topical treatments | Main long-term treatment; not for pregnancy |
| Chemical peel | Salicylic acid (20%–30%) or glycolic acid peels every 2 weeks or so, as a course | For skin of colour, the Malaysian guideline advises lower-strength glycolic peels (20%–35%) to lower the risk of dark marks |
| Microdermabrasion | The top layer of skin is gently sanded or polished away | May cause mild redness for a few hours (Cleveland Clinic) |
| Laser resurfacing | Light energy to reduce oil and boost skin turnover | Usually for stubborn cases; ask about cost and downtime |
| Oral treatment | Antibiotics or hormonal treatment | Usually for moderate to severe or inflamed acne (MaHTAS) |
Sources: MaHTAS; Cleveland Clinic; American Academy of Dermatology.
Extraction and peels should be done by a dermatologist or a trained, licensed professional, not at an unregulated home service.
Blackhead semasa mengandung (blackheads in pregnancy)
Hormone changes in pregnancy can bring on blackheads and acne (NHS). Choose treatments carefully:
- Avoid: topical retinoids such as adapalene and tretinoin (MaHTAS). Ask your doctor before using retinol products, which are related.
- Options listed as safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women in the Malaysian guideline: topical benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and salicylic acid, and glycolic or lactic acid peels by a professional (MaHTAS).
- Salicylic acid peels (the strong clinic version) should be avoided or used with caution (MaHTAS).
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting any acne product.
Bila perlu jumpa doktor (when to see a doctor)
See a GP or dermatologist if (NHS; Cleveland Clinic):
- you have tried pharmacy treatments for a few months and your skin is not getting better;
- you have many spots, or spots that are deep, painful or leaving scars;
- the skin around a spot is hot, swollen and red, which may be an infection;
- you get side effects such as strong peeling or burning from a treatment;
- blackheads and acne come with irregular periods or extra hair growth;
- your skin is affecting your mood or confidence. Acne can affect mental health, and help is available.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Apa itu blackhead (komedo hitam)?
A blackhead (komedo hitam, or open comedo) is a hair follicle that is clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells but stays open at the surface. It is a mild, non-inflammatory type of acne. Blackheads are most common on the nose, chin and forehead, are not painful and are not contagious (Cleveland Clinic; MaHTAS).
Kenapa blackhead berwarna hitam? Is it dirt?
No. The dark tip is not dirt. Because the pore is open, the oil and skin cells at the surface are exposed to air and darken, and the clogged opening also reflects light unevenly (Cleveland Clinic). This is why scrubbing harder does not remove blackheads and can irritate the skin and make acne worse (American Academy of Dermatology).
Cara hilangkan blackhead di hidung (how to get rid of blackheads on the nose)?
Use an ingredient that unclogs pores rather than force. Good options are a salicylic acid cleanser or toner once a day, or a topical retinoid such as adapalene at night, with daily sunscreen and oil-free, non-comedogenic products (Cleveland Clinic; American Academy of Dermatology). Give it 6 to 8 weeks. If blackheads are deep or stubborn, a dermatologist can extract them safely.
Boleh picit blackhead sendiri (can I squeeze blackheads)?
It is best not to. Squeezing may not remove the whole plug, can push it deeper, can bring in bacteria and can leave marks or scars (Cleveland Clinic; NHS). Even the Malaysian acne guideline notes that extraction can be incomplete, damage the skin and does not stop blackheads coming back (MaHTAS). Deep blackheads should be removed by a dermatologist or a trained, licensed professional with sterile tools.
Do pore strips (nose strips) work?
Only for a short time. Pore strips lift out the top of the plug, which can look better before an event, but they do not treat the cause, the pores refill, and they can irritate and dry the skin (Cleveland Clinic). Ingredients such as salicylic acid and retinoids work better over time.
Apa beza blackhead dan whitehead?
Both are comedones: pores clogged with oil and dead skin. A blackhead is open at the surface, so the tip looks dark. A whitehead (komedo putih, closed comedo) is covered by a thin layer of skin, so it looks like a small white or skin-coloured bump (Cleveland Clinic; DermNet). Both respond to the same ingredients, such as retinoids and salicylic acid.
Are the dots on my nose blackheads or sebaceous filaments?
Sebaceous filaments are tiny collections of oil and skin cells that line the pores in very oily areas such as the nose (Mineroff 2023). They usually look like tiny white-yellow or light grey dots of similar size, while blackheads are darker brown or black plugs that are usually flat but may be raised (NHS). Sebaceous filaments are not acne. Squeezing does not remove them for good and can irritate the skin.
Which is better for blackheads: salicylic acid or a retinoid?
Both help, in different ways. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble and loosens the plug inside the pore; it is gentle enough for daily use in a cleanser (Cleveland Clinic; MaHTAS). Topical retinoids (adapalene, tretinoin) work on how skin cells build up in the follicle and are the first-line treatment for non-inflammatory acne in the Malaysian guideline (MaHTAS). Many dermatologists combine them, for example salicylic acid in the morning and a retinoid at night.
What can I use for blackheads during pregnancy?
The Malaysian acne guideline says topical retinoids (such as adapalene and tretinoin) should be avoided in pregnancy. Options listed as safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women include topical benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and salicylic acid, and glycolic or lactic acid peels done by a professional (MaHTAS). Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any product while pregnant.
Berapa lama blackhead hilang, and will they come back?
Most treatments take 6 to 8 weeks to show results (American Academy of Dermatology), and comedonal acne can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer (Cleveland Clinic). Blackheads often come back because oil production and hormones keep going, so keep using a maintenance product, such as a retinoid, once your skin is clear (MaHTAS).
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist. Ingredient strengths are typical ranges; follow the product label or your doctor's advice.
References
- Blackheads — Cleveland Clinic
- How To Get Rid of Blackheads — Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials
- Comedonal Acne — Cleveland Clinic
- Clogged Pores — Cleveland Clinic
- How to treat different types of acne — American Academy of Dermatology
- Acne — NHS
- Comedo — DermNet
- Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of Acne Vulgaris, Second Edition (2022) — Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS), Ministry of Health Malaysia
- Reynolds RV, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2024;90(5):1006.e1-1006.e30.
- Mineroff JP, Hyde JT, Hsu S. A case report of sebaceous filaments. Cureus. 2023;15(11):e48656.
