Blackheads and visible pores: a simple routine

Blackheads are pores filled with oil and dead skin that darkens at the surface. A gentle routine (cleanse, a 2% BHA exfoliant once a day in the evening to start, moisturiser, and SPF in the morning) helps keep pores clear. Squeezing and harsh scrubs tend to make the area worse.

What blackheads are

A blackhead is a pore filled with oil and dead skin. The surface darkens when it meets the air; it is not dirt.

Why not to squeeze

Squeezing can irritate and mark the skin, and the pore usually fills again. A consistent routine is kinder.

The routine

Cleanse in the evening.
Apply a 2% BHA exfoliant once a day in the evening for the first week, then twice daily if your skin feels comfortable (see how to use a BHA exfoliant).
Moisturise.
Wear SPF in the morning.

Be patient

Give a consistent routine several weeks before judging it.

When to see a pharmacist or GP

Painful, inflamed or persistent spots are not a cosmetic issue. Speak to a pharmacist or GP.

Frequently asked questions

How long until I see a difference?

It varies. Give a consistent routine several weeks.

Can pores shrink?

Pore size is largely set by genetics and age, so no product can change it; keeping pores clear can make them look less visible.

Should I use a scrub too?

Not alongside a BHA. One exfoliant is enough.

The Glowness 2% BHA Serum (50 ml) is a leave-on exfoliant with 2% plant-derived salicylic acid, made for oily and combination skin*.

*Based on a 28-day dermatologist-assessed study of 20 women aged 18-35 when used as part of a skincare routine. Individual results may vary.