Skip to content

Main Content
Footer
Search
  • Contact Us
  • Sign up to our Newsletter
  •  
Vaseline logo
      • Explore All Products
    • CATEGORIES
      • Petroleum jelly
      • Body Lotions & Creams
      • Lip care
      • Hand and Footcare
    • BY SKIN CONCERN
      • Oily skin
      • Dry Skin
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Baby Skincare
      • Other...
    • BY RANGE
      • Intensive Care
      • Vaseline® MEN
      • Clinical Care
        • CATEGORIES
        • Petroleum Jelly
        • Lotions and Creams
        • Lip Care
        • Hand and Footcare
        • BY SKIN CONCERN
        • Oily Skin
        • Dry Skin
        • Sensitive Skin
        • Baby Skin Care
        • BY RANGE
        • Intensive Care
        • Vaseline Men
        • Clinical Care
      • All Products
    Vaseline® Nourishing Argan Oil body lotion

    Vaseline® Nourishing Argan Oil

    People are Loving
      • Explore All Articles
    • SKIN TYPES
      • Dry Skin
      • Oily Skin
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Other…
    • SKIN ISSUES
      • Sunburn
      • Scarring
      • Itching
      • Pimples
      • Diaper Rash
    • SKIN CARE FUNDAMENTALS
      • Skincare Basics
      • Tips Tricks & Beauty Hacks
      • Seasonal Skin Issues
      • Mature & Aging Skin
      • Men Grooming Tips
    • PRODUCTS & INGREDIENTS TIPS
      • Petroleum Jelly
      • Shea Butter
      • Cocoa Butter
      • Argan Oil
      • Aloe
      • Other...
        • Dry Skin
        • Oily Skin
        • Sensitive Skin
        • SKIN TYPES
        • Sunburn
        • Scarring
        • Itching
        • Pimples
        • Diaper Rash
        • SKIN ISSUES
        • Skincare Basics
        • Tips Tricks & Beauty Hacks
        • Seasonal Skin Issues
        • Mature & Aging Skin
        • Men Grooming Tips
        • SKIN CARE FUNDAMENTALS
        • Petroleum Jelly
        • Shea Butter
        • Cocoa Butter
        • Argan Oil
        • Aloe
        • PRODUCTS & INGREDIENTS TIPS
      • All Articles
      • Mission
      • History
      • Ingredients
    • person jumping under a blue sunny sky
      Mission
    • Vaseline's early advertisments
      History
    • lab glass with liquid dripping
      Ingredients
  • Skin Health for All
  • Dry Skin
    • Contact Us
    • Sign up to our Newsletter
    •  

  1. Home
  2. All Articles
  3. Clear Your Skin and Ideas on How to Remove Blackheads
How to Remove & Prevent Blackheads

How to Remove & Prevent Blackheads

Many people will experience blackheads. Discover how to treat yours, and prevent them.

 

  1. What Are the Causes of Blackheads?
    A blackhead is formed when a follicle becomes clogged with dead cells and oils, creating a bump called a comedone. As the top part of the plug is in contact with the air, it turns dark; hence the term “blackhead.”
    Your chances of getting blackheads may be increased by factors like hormonal changes, stress, and using inappropriate products on the face.

  2. How to Remove Blackheads?
    Just like acne, there are treatments for blackheads but things can take time. As hormones increase the appearance of blackheads, patience is a virtue.

    Don’t Touch Your Blackheads
    Blackheads are the result of blocked follicles, so it’s important to keep your pores clean. Touching your blackheads can spread bacteria across your skin, blocking pores and potentially causing more pimples. Popping, squeezing or picking blackheads risks acne scarring too.

    Wash Your Face Twice a Day
    Try using a gentle cleanser or mild soap to wash your face twice a day. Avoid products that could further irritate your skin, like astringents or facial scrubs.

    Keep Your Hair Clean
    Greasy hair may transfer oil and dead skin cells to your face. Make sure you wash your hair regularly and try to keep it away from your face.

    Try Over-the-counter Acne Products
    Always consult your dermatologist first, but acne products containing benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol or salicylic acid can help to dry out the excess oil that causes breakouts.

  3. How to Prevent Blackheads?
    Hormones, stress and lifestyle factors mean it’s almost impossible to remove blackheads completely. However, you can make breakouts less likely.

    Take Care Not to Overwash Your Skin
    It’s tempting to want to wash your face as much as possible. However, overwashing may irritate your skin and take away your natural oils, causing more breakouts. Cleansing once in the morning and once in the evening is normally enough to keep your skin fresh and clean. If you sweat a lot during exercise, it’s also worth washing after working out.

    Try Clay-based Products
    For centuries, clay has been used as a natural remedy for skin complaints. Bentonite and Kaolin clays in particular are known to have a purifying effect, pulling oil from the skin and controlling shine. To try it for yourself, use a clay mask once or twice a week to unclog pores.

    Everyone experiences blackheads at some point in their life. A healthy skincare routine can help you avoid breakouts and speed up skin recovery.

 

Expert Advice
The advice in this article does not constitute medical advice, it is solely available for information purposes. Always consult your doctor about any skin care or health concerns.

Related Articles

  • How to Get Rid of Pimples
    How to Get Rid of Pimples
    How to Get Rid of Pimples Read More
  • What, How, and When to Use Face Masks
    What, How, and When to Use Face Masks
    What, How, and When to Use Face Masks Read More
  • How to Remove Acne and Heal the Scars
    How to Remove Acne and Heal the Scars
    How to Remove Acne and Heal the Scars Read More
  • Does Vaseline Jelly Clog Pores?
    Does Vaseline Jelly Clog Pores?
    Does Vaseline Jelly Clog Pores? Read More

RELATED PRODUCTS

Clinical Care Cracked Heel Rescue Moisturising Foot Cream packshot

Vaseline® Blue Seal Original Petroleum Jelly

		
		
		
			
                   
Vaseline® Blue Seal Vitamin E Petroleum Jelly 50ml packshot

Vaseline® Blue Seal Vitamin E Petroleum Jelly

		
		
		
			
                   
Vaseline® Blue Seal Aloe Fresh Petroleum Jelly 50ml packshot

Vaseline® Blue Seal Aloe Fresh Petroleum Jelly

		
		
		
			
                   
Vaseline® Blue Seal Baby Soft Petroleum Jelly 250ml packshot

Vaseline® Blue Seal Baby Soft Petroleum Jelly

		
		
		
			
                   
Vaseline® Blue Seal Cocoa Butter Petroleum Jelly 450ml packshot

Vaseline® Blue Seal Cocoa Butter Petroleum Jelly

		
		
		
			
                   
Vaseline® Blue Seal Baby Fragrance Free Petroleum Jelly 250ml packshot

Vaseline® Blue Seal Baby Fragrance Free Petroleum Jelly

		
		
		
			
                   
  1. slide 1
  2. slide 2
  3. slide 3
  4. slide 4
  5. slide 5
  6. slide 6
Doctor applying Vaseline Healing Jelly on patient
Skin Health For All

Every body, Everywhere Deserves Healthy Skin

All over the world, treatable skin conditions go undiagnosed and untreated due to lack of access or knowledge, affecting the quality of life of millions. We want to change that.

Learn More Every body, Everywhere Deserves Healthy Skin
  • Explore

  • All Products
  • All Articles
  • Skin Health for All
  • Help

  • Get in Touch
  • Your Questions Answered
  • Legal

  • Site Map
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Notice

Sign up for healthy looking skin! Receive the latest updates, inspiration, skin health tips, and more from Vaseline®.

Sign Up

Call Us

0860-572-861

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
South Africa (EN)
Unilever logo

© 2025 Unilever South Africa Proprietary Limited. All rights reserved.
This web site is directed only to South African consumers for products and services of Unilever South Africa Proprietary Limited.
This web site is not directed to consumers outside of South Africa.