Black spots on the buttocks: What causes them, and how can you get rid of them?

Small black spots or dark marks on the buttocks are noticeable and annoying, though they’re not serious. The term “blackheads” actually refers to two different things: real blackheads—clogged pores—and dark spots left behind by old pimples. Being able to tell them apart is the first step toward knowing how to deal with them.

With regular, gentle exfoliation and a purifying treatment for the buttocks, the skin regains a smooth, even texture. Here’s how to identify each condition and treat it—without any taboos.

Blackheads or dark spots: What are we talking about?

Not all "blackheads" are the same, and the right treatment depends on proper identification.

• True blackheads (open comedones): a pore becomes clogged with sebum and dead skin cells; when exposed to air, the plug oxidizes and turns black. It’s the same mechanism as blackheads on the face, but on the body. They form small, slightly raised bumps that are painless.
• Dark spots (post-acne marks): After folliculitis or scratching a red pimple, the skin may develop a brown mark. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is more common and more noticeable on medium to dark skin tones. It gradually fades, and the process is faster if the area is protected from the sun.
• Ingrown hairs and blackheads: A hair that grows back under the skin after shaving sometimes forms a dark spot visible beneath the surface. This is an ingrown hair, not a blackhead—so there’s no need to exfoliate it like you would a blackhead. Here’s how to get rid of it without damaging your skin.

Why do blackheads appear on the buttocks?

The skin on the buttocks spends the day compressed, warm, and moist: sebum and dead skin cells build up and clog the pores more easily. Friction from clothing, sweat, and a lack of exfoliation contribute to the problem. And every pimple that heals poorly can leave a dark mark behind. Details on the triggers can be found in the section on the causes of pimples on the buttocks.

How do you get rid of blackheads on your buttocks?

• Gently exfoliate: Exfoliation is the foundation of blackhead prevention. A keratolytic active ingredient such as lactic acid (gentle, for sensitive skin) or salicylic acid (for oily skin) unclogs pores. A gentle, fine-grained scrub, used once or twice a week, completes the routine—but avoid using a horsehair washcloth.
• Moisturize and smooth the skin's texture: well-hydrated skin retains fewer dead skin cells. A light, non-greasy formula, applied daily, keeps the skin's texture smooth. Fesse Time, with lactic acid, combines gentle exfoliation and moisturization, both on the buttocks and the rest of the body.
• Fading dark spots: Post-acne marks fade over time. Ingredients like niacinamide help even out skin tone, and—most importantly—protecting the area from the sun is key, as sun exposure darkens spots and makes them last longer. Patience is key: expect it to take several weeks to a few months.
• Don't scratch, don't squeeze: Squeezing a blackhead or scratching a pimple actually causes the very blemishes you're trying to avoid and can leave a scar. The complete routine is detailed in the guide on how to get rid of pimples on your buttocks.

Mistakes to avoid

• Squeezing or picking—either of which turns a blackhead into a lasting blemish.
• Exposing yourself to the sun without protection when you have marks: they'll get darker.
• Frequent use of harsh scrubs, which irritate the skin and cause hyperpigmentation.
• Use comedogenic products (thick oils) that clog pores.

FAQ

Informational article; if you have persistent spots or are unsure, consulting a dermatologist is still the best option.