Are you tired of your dull-looking skin because of clogged pores, acne, and blackheads? And want a solution for acne scars and get rid of blackheads?
Worry not!
This article is your ultimate guide on blackhead removal. Let’s begin by understanding the skin first.
The Skin
The skin is the largest organ of our body that is approximately 20 square feet. It consists of three layers: Epidermis, Dermis, and Hypodermis.
The upper layer of the skin contains small pores, which release oil and sweat. These pores allow our skin to breathe.
Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands in our skin that are present in hair follicles.
Large pores or commonly known as open pores are present in any skin type and make your skin’s appearance dull.
Dirt, bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells cause clogged pores.
These clogged pores for a majority of people are of no concern, but they can cause acne, blackheads, and whiteheads in a number of people.
Causes of Large Looking Open Pores
There are a number of reasons why your pores look big or open. Some of these causes are:
- Excess oil or sebum on the face
- Moreover, reduced elasticity around the pores
- Also, thick hair follicles
- Sun damage
- Furthermore, reduced collagen production and aging
Let us now discuss blackheads.
Blackheads, as said by many dermatologists, are also a type of acne when dead skin cells and oil clog the pores of the skin.
Blackheads have an open surface in which the clogged pores undergo the process of oxidation that is dark in color.
They are a mild type of acne that can appear on your face on any part of your body like neck, back, arms, etc.
They are like skin bumps that have black or dark outer surfaces.
Blackheads are often confused with trapped dirt, but the development of blackheads is not related to cleanliness.
In Blackheads, lesions are closely clogged, but the skin surface is open as mentioned above.
Air gets in the clogged pores causing the collected sebum oil or dead skin cells to oxidize. This oxidization turns blacks or sometimes yellow in color.
Causes of Blackheads
They are caused when the pores of our skin are clogged due to excessive oil, dirt, dead skin cells, etc.
Our skin consists of hair follicles and sebaceous glands that produce an oil called sebum.
This oil keeps our skin soft. But excess sebum and dead skin cells can cause problems.
When dead skin cells and oil collect in the skin follicle, they form a bump which is called a comedo.
When the skin over the bump stays closed, it is called a whitehead. However, when the skin over the bump is exposed, the air oxidizes, making it hard.
Some factors can increase your chances of developing blackheads and acne. These are:
- Excessive body oil production
- Moreover, the buildup of propionibacterium acne in the skin
- Irritation of the hair follicles when dead skin cells do not shed.
- Undergoing hormonal changes, especially during puberty and menstruation.
- Certain medications like corticosteroids, androgens, etc.
- Eating food and drinks can also trigger acne, according to some studies.
Often dairy products can cause acne in our body because it increases the blood sugar levels in our body.
Age and hormonal changes in the body because of acne and blackheads that are most common in many people during puberty, menstrual cycle, etc. which increase abnormal sebum production in our body.
Some other factors that are related to our daily routine can be cosmetics and clothing block and cover the pores which clog pores.
Moreover, shaving opens the hair follicles and the pores become clogged due to dirt, dead skin cells, etc.
Plus, high humidity and grease in the environment increase oil production in our body which clogs the pores.
Moreover, some health conditions like stress, PCOS, and PMS can cause hormonal changes that cause acne and blackheads.
Symptoms of Blackheads
Blackheads are of black or dark color, which is why they are easy to spot. They are not inflamed like acne, so they are not painful like it.
When bacteria invade the hair follicle on our skin, it leads to the formation of pimples that can cause redness and inflammation.
Blackheads have a raised texture and are not flatter like pimples.
Sebaceous Filaments
These look like blackheads but are different from them. They are smaller in size and appear in groups, usually on your nose.
Sebaceous filaments are glands that channel the flow of sebum through the pores. They are not a form of acne, unlike blackheads.
Blackhead Treatment and Removal
Blackheads are like acne as mentioned above. So you do not need to visit the doctor to get rid of blackheads like acne or cystic acne.
However, Cleansing and exfoliating are sometimes enough for treating blackheads, loosen the plug, and draw the blackhead out.
You can use beta hydroxy acid to exfoliate and unclog the pores of your skin.
However, if they are hardened or are too deep to access, and if your skin is sensitive, you may not be able to remove them on your own and you would need professional blackhead removal.
There are a number of treatments you can choose to remove the blackheads. You can either get professional treatment or you can extract them at home using different steps.
Get proper Blackhead removal through skin treatments in Dubai. Other treatments like Hydra Facial in Dubai and skin brightening in Dubai can also provide efficient blackhead removal.
Read more about it below.
Professional Blackhead Removal
Picking out and prodding at the plug will cause long-term damage to your skin.
It is, therefore, advised to consult a dermatologist to get those stubborn blackheads removed.
Dermatologists or your skincare professional use sterile instruments to remove blackheads.
They use professional equipment to clear the clogged and obstructed pores.
The blackheads can reappear after the extraction; therefore, it is important to follow a skincare plan to prevent blemishes from returning.
At-home Cleansing and Blackhead Removal
You can carry out blackhead removal at home if you carefully follow the instructions mentioned below:
Cleansing and Washing a face at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, can spare the appearance of blackheads.
Moreover, cleaning the skin at home is the best first-line treatment for blackheads and acne at home.
A good skincare regime and maintaining hygiene helps you keep the pores unclogged.
However, Over-scrubbing can sometimes do more harm than good.
Also, here are a few steps to discourage the development of blackheads.
You should wash your hands before washing your face to keep them free of bacteria.
Furthermore, remove makeup with makeup remover or wipes.
Also, use lukewarm water to wash your face and use a facial cleanser that suits your skin type.
Gently massage the cleanser in a circular motion and rotate your hands outwards from the center of your face.
Focus on your nose and forehead as these are more prone to sebum and oil production. Also, cleanse your jawline and hairline.
Next, dab the face with a hand towel, patting the skin gently. Do not rub or push down too hard.
Repeat this process twice daily. However, if you are working, wash your face during work as well.
Makeup and Cosmetics
Use makeup and products that do not clog your pores; instead, they keep them clear and open to prevent blackheads.
Hence, you will not need this removal again and again.
Many makeup brands manufacture non-comedogenic makeup. Some makeup brands are Neutrogena, Aveeno, CeraVe, etc. that are easily available in the market.
Prescription Treatments
Over the counter, prescription medicines can help you prevent the development of blackheads.
Medications that contain Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide help you to control excessive oil production or sebum production.
You need to wash your face first while using the OTC treatments. They can sometimes cause irritation in case you have sensitive skin, therefore, use them once a day and then increase them to twice a day.
Retinols
Retinols are considered holy grails when it comes to skincare products and is one of the favorite blackhead removers.
It helps your skin to shed dead cells and grow new ones quickly. The dead cells are less likely to clog your skin and thus prevents the new blackheads from reappearing.
Topical retinol helps you to unclog pores to banish the existing blackheads. The OTC retinol treatments are available on the market; however, you can ask for stronger retinol from your dermatologist.
Extra Tips to Prevent Blackheads
Blackheads are stubborn to treat, and it takes time for the treatment to work. You can use these extra tips to prevent blackheads from returning.
Use skin care products that have a liquid texture or in gel form but avoid skincare products that cause irritation and increase sebum production.
These products will make your blackheads worse. Therefore, use skincare products that prevent them from returning after blackhead removal.
You can use clay masks to absorb excess sebum partially on the oiler parts of your face if you have sensitive skin.
If you are unable to get rid of blackheads, at home, visit a dermatologist or a beautician to remove your blackheads.
Home Remedies
Certain home remedies can help you reduce the excess oil production in your body, but be very careful while using them.
You can use egg whites, green tea, honey, and yogurt for treating blackheads.
These products can be used as a mask because of their anti-oxidant and hydrating properties.
Try to avoid the following products for blackhead treatment, as they can cause irritation and make your acne worse such as apple cider vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and toothpaste.
Things to Avoid
Blackheads make your skin uneven and dull, but that does not mean that you try everything you see on the internet.
Some of the things can make the problem worse. You should never try the following:
Do not squeeze spots and blackheads. They can cause long-term damage to your skin and are often permanent.
When we squeeze the blackhead with unclean hands, the bacteria come in contact with the skin, which can make blackheads worse.
Scrubbing removes extra sebum, but over scrubbing can irritate the skin and make your blackheads look worse.
You should avoid using strips as they can irritate your skin.
So Summing Up
Blackheads can often be difficult, but they are not impossible to remove.
Some blackheads are easy to remove when they are not hard.
Hardened blackheads are difficult to remove and should not be squeezed or plucked out.
Consult a professional dermatologist or skincare specialist if and only if you repeatedly see new and pre-existing blackheads after removal.
Devise a skincare plan with your specialist so that they can prevent more blackheads.
You can incorporate skincare products like salicylic acid, retinol into your daily routine to prevent acne and blackheads. Remember to do a patch test before applying any product.
