From the time we hit puberty, we begin to notice just how many skincare companies there are, each of them trying to get us to spend our parents' hard-earned money on “blackhead eliminating” treatments. However, according to a recent Sci Show video, not every dark spot on our nose is classified as a blackhead and most discolorations are not only inevitable, but also healthy.

Blackheads, which are scientifically known as open comedones, are a type of non-inflammatory acne that develop when a pore becomes clogged with oil, dead skin and bacteria. Within this buildup is also a pigment called melanin, and because there is no layer of skin separating the buildup from outside air, the melanin turns black through a process known as oxidization. This gives blackheads their distinctive coloring.

Although the exact reason why some people get blackheads is not completely clear, Medical News Today reports that the condition is most commonly linked to hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty, and changes in diet.

Though blackheads are a real dermatological condition, not all dark spots on our noses can immediately be considered a blackhead. Most are actually something else, called sebaceous filaments — collections of oil and dead skin that build up around the hair follicle. They are completely natural, and while they can develop all over the body, they are most noticeable on the nose because this area of the body tends to have larger pores and secrete higher amounts of sebum. In addition to being natural, these filaments might also help your pores secrete sebum more freely, which enables skin to stay soft and waterproof.

Experts recommend we refrain from popping these filaments because doing so can result in inflammation, infection, and even scarring. So, while the tiny little spots may be annoying, they serve a purpose. It’s best to just save your money and leave them be.