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Solar Blackheads: What They Are and What to Do
Learn what solar blackheads are, how they differ from acne, and when to see a dermatologist for guidance on care.
Introduction
If you’ve noticed dark spots that look like blackheads around your eyes or temples, you might wonder whether they’re related to sun exposure. Solar blackheads, also called open solar comedones, are plugged pores associated with skin that has had long-term sun exposure. They’re usually not inflamed and are different from the comedones associated with acne.
At Solawave, we believe a practical skincare routine starts with understanding what you’re seeing. Solar comedones can resemble other skin concerns, so a dermatologist is the right person to confirm what they are and discuss options. In the meantime, gentle cleansing and consistent sun protection are sensible ways to care for your skin.
What Are Solar Blackheads?
A solar blackhead is an open solar comedone. A comedo is a plugged pore, and “open” means the plug is visible at the skin’s surface as a dark spot. The dark color isn’t a sign that you haven’t washed your face well enough.
Solar comedones can also be closed. These may look like small white or skin-colored bumps rather than dark spots. According to DermNet’s overview of solar comedones, they usually appear on the face of middle-aged or older adults and tend to occur in areas exposed to sunlight over a long period. (dermnetnz.org)
The term “solar blackheads” refers specifically to the open kind. If a cluster includes both dark spots and lighter bumps, a dermatologist can help determine whether they’re solar comedones or something else.
Where Do They Usually Appear?
Solar comedones often appear on the upper cheeks, around the eyes and at the temples. They may also appear on the sides of the neck. Their location can be a clue, but it can’t confirm a diagnosis on its own.
Some people have solar comedones alongside thickened, yellowish or deeply lined skin. A dermatologist may use the name Favre-Racouchot syndrome for this combination of findings. Not everyone with a dark-looking pore has this syndrome.
How Are They Different From Other Blackheads?
Solar comedones and acne-related blackheads can look alike because both involve a visible plug in a pore. The difference is the context: solar comedones are associated with long-term sun-exposed skin, while acne-related comedones are part of acne.
Solar comedones are usually not inflamed. Acne can include noninflamed blackheads and whiteheads too, so the absence of redness alone doesn’t identify a spot as solar-related.
Location and the surrounding skin offer useful information, but they’re not a substitute for an examination. If you’re unsure, avoid choosing a strong skincare product based only on how closely a spot resembles an online photo.
Are Solar Blackheads Dangerous?
Solar comedones themselves are benign, meaning they aren’t cancerous. But you can’t confirm that every spot is a solar comedone simply by looking at it at home.
Ask a dermatologist about a new, changing, bleeding or persistently crusted spot, or anything else that concerns you. An appointment can also be worthwhile if you have a cluster near your eyes and aren’t sure what you’re seeing. (aad.org)
What Causes Solar Blackheads?
Solar comedones are associated with long-term sun exposure. They tend to appear in areas that have received sunlight over many years, rather than developing because of a single afternoon outdoors.
The exact way they develop isn’t fully understood. Healthline’s discussion of solar comedones notes that long-term sun exposure is associated with them, while heavy smoking is another possible contributing factor. (healthline.com)
For Favre-Racouchot syndrome, DermNet describes sun exposure and heavy smoking as a likely combination of contributing factors. That doesn’t mean you can determine the cause of an individual spot from your habits alone. A dermatologist can consider your skin and history together.
Does Sunscreen Cause Them?
Solar comedones are associated with long-term sun exposure, not a lack of cleansing or an established buildup of sunscreen. Don’t skip sun protection because you’re worried about a dark-looking pore.
If a sunscreen feels heavy or uncomfortable, look for one labeled “noncomedogenic,” meaning it’s formulated not to clog pores. You may need to try a few textures to find one you’re comfortable using regularly.
Can Solar Blackheads Be Removed?
A dermatologist can examine the area and discuss whether removal or a prescription topical is appropriate. The right choice depends on what the spots are, where they’re located and how your skin responds to care.
Professional Extraction
A healthcare professional may use an instrument to remove the contents of a comedo. This can be especially worth discussing when spots are close to the eyes, where the surrounding skin is delicate.
Removal doesn’t guarantee the spots won’t return. DermNet notes that solar comedones can recur, so ask your dermatologist what to expect and whether follow-up care makes sense for you. (dermnetnz.org)
Prescription Topicals
A dermatologist may discuss a prescription retinoid cream. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives used in certain skincare medications. They can make skin feel dry, so your clinician may also suggest a gentle moisturizer and explain how to use the prescription.
Follow their instructions rather than applying a retinoid directly around your eyes on your own. Avoid retinoids during pregnancy. If you’re planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, tell your healthcare provider before starting one. (aad.org)
Why Not Squeeze Them at Home?
It’s tempting to press on a visible blackhead, especially if you’ve watched extraction videos. But squeezing, digging or using a tool without knowing what the spot is can irritate or injure the skin. The risk is particularly concerning near the eye.
A professional can first check what they’re working with and advise you on suitable options. You don’t need to try to remove the spots before your appointment.
A Gentle Routine for Sun-Exposed Skin
A daily routine can help you care for your skin while you arrange an assessment or follow a dermatologist’s advice. It won’t confirm what a spot is or promise to remove solar comedones, but it can keep your routine comfortable and straightforward.
- Cleanse gently. Wash with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water, then pat your skin dry. DermNet recommends a mild cleanser and water for affected areas.
- Apply moisturizer if your skin feels dry. Choose a texture that feels comfortable. If your dermatologist prescribes a topical, ask how to fit moisturizer around it.
- Use sun protection during the day. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin. Reapply according to the product directions, particularly when you’re outdoors. (aad.org)
- Add physical protection. A broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and shade can complement sunscreen when you’re outside.
- Follow your clinician’s instructions. If you’re given a prescription, use it as directed and ask what to do if your skin becomes uncomfortable.
For a simple cleansing and moisturizing routine, the Solabiome Glowing Skin Starter Kit offers a cleanser, mist, serum and moisturizer. Those products are for daily skincare, not a replacement for an assessment or a way to remove solar comedones.
Be Careful With Exfoliation
Scrubs and strong exfoliating products can be tempting when a pore looks plugged. More friction or a stronger formula isn’t necessarily the answer, particularly around the eyes.
If you already use exfoliating acids or a retinoid and your skin feels dry or irritated, ask a dermatologist how to adjust your routine. Bring the product names to your appointment so you can discuss what you’re using.
How to Prepare for a Dermatology Appointment
You don’t need to have a diagnosis before booking. It can help to note where the spots appear, when you first noticed them and whether they’ve changed. Mention any bleeding, crusting, tenderness or other changes rather than assuming they’re part of the same concern.
Bring a list of your skincare products and any prescriptions you apply to your skin. If the spots are near your eyes, ask which products are appropriate for that area and whether professional removal is an option.
You might also ask what the clinician expects from each option, whether the spots could return and how to care for your skin afterward. Their answers can help you decide what feels right for you.
The Takeaway
Solar blackheads are open solar comedones associated with long-term sun-exposed skin. They can resemble other spots, so an examination is the best way to understand what you’re seeing.
- Choose gentle cleansing and broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher for everyday care.
- Avoid squeezing or digging at spots, particularly around the eyes.
- Ask a dermatologist about identification and appropriate options.
Key Takeaway: Sun protection and a comfortable routine support everyday skin care, while a dermatologist can address questions about the spots themselves.
For help thinking through your broader skincare preferences, you can take the Solawave Skin Quiz. It isn’t a diagnostic tool and doesn’t replace a dermatologist’s advice.
FAQ
Are solar blackheads the same as acne?
No. Solar comedones are associated with long-term sun-exposed skin and are different from the comedones found in acne. Both can include dark-looking plugged pores, so appearance alone may not tell you which you have.
Can solar blackheads go away on their own?
There’s no reliable timeline to expect them to disappear. If the spots bother you or you’re unsure what they are, a dermatologist can examine them and discuss your options.
Can I use a blackhead extractor on solar comedones?
It’s best to ask a dermatologist rather than use an extractor yourself, especially near your eyes. A professional can check the spots first and discuss whether extraction is appropriate.
Will sunscreen remove solar blackheads?
Sunscreen won’t remove existing solar comedones. It helps protect exposed skin from further sun damage, so choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply as directed.
The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be construed as medical advice. Results may not be typical.
