How to Get Rid of Blackheads: The Korean Method

To get rid of blackheads, dissolve them rather than squeeze them: oil cleanse to break down the hardened sebum, use a BHA cleanser to keep pores clear, and deep-clean with a clay mask once or twice a week. Blackheads are clogged pores, not dirt, so scrubbing and squeezing only damage skin and make them return. Here is the gentle Korean method that actually works.

In this article

• What are blackheads, really?
• Step 1: oil cleanse to dissolve them
• Step 2: clear pores with BHA
• Step 3: deep-clean weekly with clay
• Why you should not squeeze
• Frequently asked questions

What are blackheads, really?

A blackhead is a pore clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. It looks dark because the trapped material is exposed to air and oxidises, not because it is dirt. That is why scrubbing does nothing useful: the blockage sits inside the pore. The way to clear it is to dissolve the oil it is made of, then keep pores from refilling.

Step 1: oil cleanse to dissolve them

Because blackheads are made of sebum, an oil cleanser is your best tool: like dissolves like. Massage a cleansing oil over dry skin, spending extra time on the nose and chin where blackheads gather, then emulsify with water and rinse. Done nightly, this gently loosens the build-up without force.

Step 2: clear pores with BHA

Follow your oil cleanse with a BHA (salicylic acid) cleanser. BHA is oil-soluble, so it works inside the pore to clear the sebum and dead skin that form blackheads, and keeps new ones from building up. Used daily, it is the single most effective habit for blackhead-prone skin.

Step 3: deep-clean weekly with clay

Once or twice a week, a clay mask draws out the deeper congestion that builds blackheads. A swipe-on clay stick makes it easy to target the nose and chin. Use it after cleansing, leave it on as directed, then rinse for instantly smoother, clearer-looking pores.

Reach for the Skin1004 Poremizing Quick Clay Stick Mask (€19.90) for a mess-free weekly deep clean.

Why you should not squeeze

Squeezing or using pore strips might remove a few blackheads, but it tears the pore wall, pushes bacteria deeper, and often leaves pores looking larger and more prone to refilling. The dissolve-and-clear approach is slower but keeps skin healthy and gives lasting results.

Frequently asked questions

Do pore strips get rid of blackheads?

Only temporarily, and they can damage skin. Strips pull out the very top of a blackhead but leave the deeper blockage and can stretch pores. Dissolving with oil and BHA is gentler and more effective long term.

How long does it take to clear blackheads?

With nightly oil cleansing, daily BHA and a weekly clay mask, most people see clearer pores within two to four weeks. Blackheads return if you stop, so keep it consistent.

Are blackheads caused by poor hygiene?

No. Blackheads are clogged pores driven by sebum, dead skin and genetics, not dirt. Over-washing can actually make them worse by triggering more oil.