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Are those really blackheads? Understanding pores

Tiny dark dots across your nose usually aren’t what you think. Here’s how to tell, and how to care for them without causing damage.

Published 19 February 2024Updated October 20265 min read

The short version

Small, evenly spaced dots on the nose are usually sebaceous filaments, a normal part of skin.
Squeezing, scrubbing and extraction tools can permanently enlarge pores.
Gentle, consistent care works better than one-off fixes.

If you’ve ever noticed tiny dark dots sprinkled across your nose, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve tried pore strips, scrubs or squeezing them out. But what you’re seeing probably isn’t what you think.

Blackhead or not?

True blackheads (open comedones) form when a pore is blocked with oil and dead skin cells. The blockage darkens as it meets the air at the surface.

More likely a blackhead

Larger and uneven in size
Often alongside other acne
Can appear outside the T-zone

More likely normal pores

Small and similar in size
Evenly spaced across the nose
Not red or inflamed

Not sure which you have? A Qr8 doctor can take a look with you by private video. Book a doctor consultation →

Two common lookalikes

Sebaceous filaments

These are a normal part of your skin. They carry oil through the pore to the surface. They often look slightly grey, yellowish or skin-coloured, and sit evenly across the nose and T-zone. Pressed gently, they may release a soft white thread, which is also normal.

Trichostasis spinulosa

Here, several tiny hairs get trapped in a single pore, making it look like it holds a black dot. It’s harmless.

How to minimise them

Even though these dots are normal, it’s completely fair to want clearer-looking skin. The key is gentle, consistent care.

Moisturise daily. A healthy skin barrier supports normal cell turnover and oil balance. Harsh exfoliants can make things worse over time.
Stay consistent. Sebaceous filaments and trapped hairs come back if care is sporadic. Think long-term maintenance, not a quick fix.
Ask about medical options. If your pores or breakouts aren’t settling with gentle, consistent care, a doctor can assess your skin and talk you through what may suit you, including if you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Add salicylic acid slowly. This gentle exfoliant gets into oily pores. Start every second or third day and build up as your skin tolerates it.

What to avoid

Squeezing with fingers or tools, which can scar and permanently enlarge pores.
Extraction tools, pore vacuums and abrasive scrubs, which inflame skin and break down pore walls.
Relying on facials. They’re fine before an event, but pores start refilling as soon as you leave, so they aren’t an affordable long-term plan.
Frequent pore strips. They lift the top of the filament, which simply refills, and can irritate the skin. If you use one, be gentle and keep it occasional, especially if your skin is sensitive.

In most cases, those dots are simply your skin doing its job. A gentle, consistent routine beats forceful extraction every time.

Doctor consultations

Still not sure what you’re looking at?

Pores, filaments, blackheads, early breakouts. From the mirror, they can look much the same, and a routine that suits one can aggravate another.

A Qr8 doctor can look at your skin with you by private video, from home, and talk you through what’s going on and what your options are. Between appointments, your own dermatology nurse is a message away.

No referral needed. Australia-wide.

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References

Singh Y, Neema S, Bahuguna A, Dabbas D. Sebaceous filaments. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2021;11(1):e2021148.
Pozo L, Bowling J, Perrett CM, et al. Dermoscopy of trichostasis spinulosa. Arch Dermatol. 2008;144(8):1088.
White SW, Rodman OG. Trichostasis spinulosa. J Natl Med Assoc. 1982;74(1):31-3.
Cunliffe WJ, Holland DB, Jeremy A. Comedone formation: etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment. Clin Dermatol. 2004;22(5):367-74.
Bowe WP, Shalita AR. Effective over-the-counter acne treatments. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2008;27(3):170-6.
Harwood A, Nassereddin A, Krishnamurthy K. Moisturizers. StatPearls. 2024.

This article is general information only. It isn’t a substitute for personal medical advice, so speak with a health professional about your own skin.