What You're Trying to Accomplish
You want clearer, smoother skin without visible blackheads and whiteheads. You're looking for both immediate improvement and long-term prevention. You need to understand why you're getting them and how to prevent them from coming back.
Why This Matters to You
Clogged pores can make your skin look rough and can lead to more serious acne if not addressed. Many people try to extract them at home, which can cause scarring or infection. You deserve a safe, effective approach that clears existing comedones and prevents new ones from forming.
How We Help You Achieve Your Goals
We provide professional extraction techniques that safely remove blackheads and whiteheads without damaging your skin. More importantly, we'll help you understand the root causes—whether it's your skincare routine, product choices, or skin type—and create a prevention plan. Our approach includes the right products and techniques to keep your pores clear long-term.
What to Expect
During your consultation, we'll assess your skin and identify the causes of your blackheads and whiteheads. We may perform professional extractions if appropriate, and we'll create a personalized prevention plan. You'll learn about the right products for your skin type and proper techniques to maintain clear pores. Most clients see improvements within 2-4 weeks.
Why Trust Macherre
Our experts use safe, professional extraction techniques that minimize the risk of scarring or infection. We focus on prevention as much as treatment, helping you maintain clear pores long-term. Our approach is gentle yet effective, suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Common Causes
Blackheads and whiteheads (comedones) form when hair follicles become clogged with a combination of excess sebum (oil), dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. Blackheads are open comedones—the pore is open and the material oxidizes, turning dark. Whiteheads are closed comedones—the pore is closed. Common causes include hormonal changes that increase oil production, genetics that predispose you to larger pores or more oil production, using comedogenic (pore-clogging) skincare or makeup products, and inadequate exfoliation that allows dead skin cells to accumulate. Certain medications and lifestyle factors like diet or stress can also contribute.
Treatment Options
Treatment focuses on both clearing existing comedones and preventing new ones. Salicylic acid is excellent for unclogging pores and exfoliating dead skin cells. Retinoids help normalize cell turnover and prevent pore blockage. Professional extraction safely removes existing blackheads and whiteheads without damaging the skin. Our approach combines gentle exfoliation, proper cleansing techniques, and non-comedogenic products. We'll help you establish a routine that keeps pores clear while maintaining your skin's barrier health. Regular professional treatments can complement at-home care for best results.
Prevention & Management Tips
- •Use a gentle exfoliant with salicylic acid or retinoids 2-3 times per week
- •Choose non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products labeled 'oil-free' or 'won't clog pores'
- •Cleanse your face twice daily with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser
- •Avoid over-cleansing or using harsh scrubs that can irritate and worsen the problem
- •Remove makeup thoroughly before bed, paying attention to areas prone to comedones
- •Keep your hands away from your face to avoid transferring oils and bacteria
- •Consider professional extractions every 4-6 weeks for maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
While it's tempting, home extraction can cause scarring, infection, or spread bacteria. Professional extraction uses sterile tools and proper technique to minimize damage. If you must extract at home, do so only on blackheads (never whiteheads), use clean hands and tools, and stop if you encounter resistance. However, we strongly recommend professional extraction for safety and effectiveness.
Prevention requires consistent skincare that includes gentle exfoliation, proper cleansing, and non-comedogenic products. Regular use of salicylic acid or retinoids helps keep pores clear. It's also important to avoid pore-clogging products and maintain a consistent routine. We'll help you identify what's causing your comedones and create a prevention plan tailored to your skin type and lifestyle.
Blackheads and whiteheads are a type of acne (non-inflammatory acne), but they're different from inflammatory acne like pimples or cysts. Comedones are clogged pores, while inflammatory acne involves redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. However, if left untreated, comedones can develop into inflammatory acne. Treating them early helps prevent more serious breakouts.
Pore strips can remove some surface blackheads, but they don't address the root cause and may irritate the skin. They're a temporary solution that doesn't prevent new blackheads from forming. A proper skincare routine with exfoliation and professional extractions is more effective for long-term results. We can recommend better alternatives that address both existing and future blackheads.
