Are blackheads caused by poor hygiene?

No. Blackheads are not caused by poor hygiene, but by a build-up of sebum and dead skin cells in the pores. When this mixture oxidises on contact with the air, it darkens and becomes visible. Over-cleansing can even stimulate sebum production and make the problem worse. There is therefore no point in ‘over-cleansing’ the skin every day. However, a targeted purifying treatment can be helpful. A clay-based mask, such as the , helps to absorb excess sebum and unclog pores. Used once or twice a week, it helps to purify the skin as a complement to your blackhead-removal routine.

What should you do if you have blackheads and the first signs of ageing?

It is common for adults to have skin that shows both visible pores or blackheads and the first signs of ageing. Over time, cell renewal slows down, which can lead to a build-up of dead skin cells in the pores and accentuate irregularities in skin texture. The aim is therefore to regulate excess sebum without drying out the skin, whilst supporting the firmness and radiance of the complexion. Active ingredients such as Bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol, help to stimulate cell renewal and improve skin texture, whilst helping to minimise blemishes. The may be particularly suitable for mature skin prone to blackheads, as it has both a smoothing and balancing effect.

How can you adapt this routine for oily skin?

This routine is also suitable for oily skin prone to blackheads. However, some people may prefer a lighter texture and a more mattifying finish than that of the Oleosérum during the day. In this case, apply only the , which helps to mattify the complexion, regulate excess sebum and reduce blemishes. In the evening, continue with your full routine using the followed by the . If necessary, top up with the throughout the day to absorb shine without drying out the skin.

Why do blackheads mainly appear on the nose and in the T-zone?

The T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) contains a higher concentration of sebaceous glands. This physiologically higher sebum production contributes to blocked pores. The nose is particularly affected as the pores are often more visible there and the skin is thicker. It may be helpful to apply a suitable purifying and mattifying treatment to this area. A lightweight formula such as the helps to mattify and moisturise without weighing the skin down. To minimise shine throughout the day, a non-comedogenic mattifying powder such as the can absorb excess sebum whilst visibly blurring pores, without causing a occlusive effect.

Can enlarged pores be tightened?

Pore size is largely determined by genetic and hormonal factors. Pores cannot be closed, but their appearance can be visibly improved. When a pore is blocked by sebum and dead skin cells, it appears larger. By regulating excess sebum and regularly exfoliating the skin, its appearance can appear smoother and more even. In addition to a suitable cleanser, applying a regulating lotion can help ensure all residue is removed and visibly improve the skin’s texture. The regulates excess sebum, soothes redness and refines the appearance of pores, without drying out the skin.

Are oils suitable for skin prone to blackheads?

Not all oils are comedogenic. Some fine plant-based oils can even help to balance the skin. , for example, has a structure similar to human sebum and helps regulate its production. oil, which is light, regulates excess sebum and is popular for combination to oily skin. oil is traditionally used for blemish-prone skin due to its purifying and balancing properties. A well-chosen oil does not ‘clog’ the pores; on the contrary, it can help maintain the skin’s suppleness and limit the overproduction of sebum caused by excessive dehydration. The key is to avoid oils that are too occlusive or unsuitable for your skin type. Coconut oil, for example, is not suitable for blemish-prone skin.

Does make-up clog pores and cause blackheads?

Occlusive make-up or make-up that hasn’t been properly removed can contribute to blocked pores, particularly in areas where sebum production is higher. It is recommended to opt for non-comedogenic formulas, such as the . Every evening, a double-cleansing routine is particularly suitable: starting with or a , to dissolve make-up, followed by to remove excess sebum and impurities that can clog the pores.

Why do I have more blemishes after the summer?

The sun may give the impression of temporarily improving the condition of the skin, as it slightly dries out visible blemishes. However, sun exposure stimulates the thickening of the stratum corneum. By the end of summer, this excess of dead skin cells can clog the pores and contribute to the appearance of blackheads and blemishes. Furthermore, UV rays can stimulate sebum production and weaken the skin barrier. The sun can also exacerbate post-spot marks, particularly on darker skin types. To minimise this, it is recommended to apply a suitable sunscreen daily as soon as the UV index exceeds 3, using a non-comedogenic formula such as the . Reapply regularly and avoid exposure during the hottest part of the day. In the evening, thorough make-up removal is essential to remove sunscreen, excess sebum and impurities that have built up during the day. A make-up remover oil such as the may be particularly suitable for effectively dissolving sun protection products before cleansing.

Can blackheads turn into spots?

Yes. A blackhead is a pore blocked by excess sebum and dead skin cells. When this sebum becomes trapped in the pore, it can encourage the growth of bacteria naturally present on the skin’s surface. The blackhead can then develop into a red, tender or deeper spot. Picking at or squeezing a blackhead increases this risk by weakening the skin barrier and promoting inflammation. In the case of a localised blemish, the can be applied topically to cleanse the affected area and help restore the skin’s balance more quickly.

Our Experts’ Blackhead-Fighting Routine

By The Aroma-Zone editorial team

Published on: Thursday, May 28, 2026, Updated on: Friday, October 09, 2026

Blackheads are caused by pores blocked by a mixture of sebum and dead skin cells, which oxidises on contact with the air. They are common in areas where the sebaceous glands are most active: the nose, forehead and chin (1) (2).

Approved by dermatologists, our routine prevents the formation of blackheads and works to unclog the skin.

Contents

My 4-step routine

Step 1 – Cleanse my skin

Gentle Prebiotic, Zinc & Cucumber Cleansing Gel

Its purifying formula removes excess sebum, helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads whilst maintaining the skin’s natural balance, without drying it out.

Recommended use: apply morning and evening to damp skin on the face and neck, massaging in circular motions, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Step 2 – Identifying my specific concern

2% Salicylic Acid & Zinc Concentrated Serum

Its purifying and keratolytic formula regulates excess sebum, unclogs pores and helps reduce blackheads, for visibly refined skin texture.

Recommended use: in the evening only, on cleansed skin, apply a few drops to the face and neck, massaging gently to help the product absorb.

Ol%C3%83 os%C3%83 rum Purifiant et %C3%83 quilibrant Manuka Postbiotiques

Step 3 – Moisturising my skin

Manuka & Postbiotics Purifying and Balancing Oil Serum

Non-comedogenic and specially formulated for oily and blemish-prone skin, this purifying oil serum helps reduce blackheads, shine and enlarged pores whilst rebalancing the skin’s microbiome, for visibly clearer skin. Leaving no greasy residue on the skin, it reduces excess sebum on the skin’s surface, tightens and minimises the appearance of pores, reduces shine over the long term and refines the skin’s texture.

Recommended use: Apply the Oil Serum to the face and neck in the morning on its own and in the evening after your serum.

Step 4 – Treating the problem from within – My dietary supplement

Clear Skin Complex

This formula combines the patented active ingredient SkinAx²™ Urban Detox – proven to reduce excess sebum – with burdock, wild pansy and zinc to help reduce sebum production, visibly reduce blackheads and minimise the appearance of enlarged pores.

Recommended use: 2 capsules a day, to be swallowed with a glass of water, as a course of treatment lasting at least 2 months.

The complementary skincare step

Extra-fine green montmorillonite clay (smectite)

DISCOVER OUR ANTI-BLACKHEAD ROLL-ON

Complete your anti-blackhead skincare routine with our essential oil roll-on, specially designed to target imperfections. Thanks to its purifying properties, it helps improve the appearance of the skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes, leaving your complexion looking clearer and more even.

The AROMA solution

Anti-blemish essential oil roll-on

Apply 2 to 3 times a day, directly to blemishes and blackheads. Do not squeeze your blackheads; instead, apply this blend of essential oils with purifying and restorative properties directly to the affected areas.

A word from the experts

Dr Reyhan Amode, Dermatologist

“Blackheads are a build-up of sebum that has oxidised on contact with the air. Whilst it is possible to remove them manually, this is not sufficient to achieve long-term results. Indeed, blackheads, or comedones, are most often associated with microcysts and hyperseborrhoea. This form of acne, known as retention acne, requires the medium-term use of active ingredients such as salicylic acid, the irritating effect of which must be counteracted by compensatory moisturising. To combat hyperseborrhoea, a low-glycaemic-index diet is ideal. Giving up smoking is, of course, a key therapeutic measure!”

Advice from the naturopath

Did you know that spikes in blood sugar can contribute to the appearance of blackheads (3)?
A diet high in sugar causes a sharp rise in blood sugar levels. This increase stimulates the secretion of insulin, a hormone that influences the activity of the sebaceous glands. When this sebum builds up, the pores become easily blocked.
Reducing your intake of refined sugars, pastries, fizzy drinks and ultra-processed foods can help improve your skin’s balance. Opt for a low-glycaemic-index diet, fibre (vegetables, whole grains), high-quality protein and healthy fats, whilst avoiding exposure to frying oils.
In addition to a suitable diet, the Glucose Contrôle dietary supplement, formulated with Ceylon cinnamon extract and Reducose® white mulberry extract, helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. This approach can form part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at limiting hormonal fluctuations that may influence sebum production.

Precautions for use

This routine should be followed once a day (in the evening). Start by using it two to three times a week at first, to allow your skin to adjust gently. After this initial period, you can move on to daily use, once a day in the evening. Use sun protection daily and avoid sun exposure for up to a week after the last application.

Read the precautions for use for each product, which can be found on the labels.

Precautions for Cleansing Gel : Avoid contact with the eyes. In case of contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Storage: Up to 9 months after opening. Store away from heat and light. The cleansing gel may become cloudy when cold; this does not affect its quality or properties in any way. Simply leave it at room temperature and it will become clear again.

Precautions for the Concentrated serum : Keep out of reach of children. Do not use on children under 12 years of age. Avoid the eye area. In case of contact with the eyes, rinse immediately with clean water. Use daily sun protection and avoid exposure to the sun for up to one week after the last application. If irritation occurs, discontinue use. Do not use in combination with other products containing salicylic acid (Salix Nigra Bark Extract) or glycolic acid.

Storage: Up to 9 months after opening. Store at room temperature, away from heat and light, ensuring the bottle is tightly closed after use.

Precautions for the Purifying Oil Serum : In case of contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water. Shake the bottle before use.

Storage: Up to 12 months after opening. Store away from heat.

Precautions for Clear Skin Complex food supplement : Not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. For adults only. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or in cases of oedematous heart or kidney failure. Not recommended in cases of allergy to salicylate derivatives or known cross-allergies, particularly to plants of the Asteraceae family. Keep out of reach of children.

Storage: Store away from light, heat and moisture, in a tightly closed jar.

Precautions for the Anti-Blemish Roll-on : Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with the eyes. Do not use on pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 7 years of age or people with epilepsy. Do not swallow.

Storage: Store away from heat. Keep out of reach of children.

References

Related advice

Face care tips

Why shouldn’t you squeeze blackheads?

Frequently Asked Questions

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