Blackheads form when hair follicles (pores) become clogged with a mix of sebum (natural oil), dead skin cells, and sometimes dirt or bacteria. On the nose, where oil glands are more active, this build-up happens easily.
What makes blackheads black isn’t dirt — it’s oxidation. When the pore stays open and the plug is exposed to air, the melanin in the dead skin cells reacts with oxygen, turning the tip of the plug dark. This gives it that characteristic black or dark brown appearance.
They’re usually:
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Small and slightly raised
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Not inflamed or red like pimples
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Most noticeable in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin)
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More common in people with oily or combination ski
