Blackheads are a type of acne vulgaris, or hormonal acne. The most common cause is oil gland over-production, which can happen during hormonal shifts, such as puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy. Blackheads can also form when hair follicles are irritated or when dead skin cells do not shed regularly.
But there are a variety of reasons why pores can become blocked, causing blackheads to form under the skin. These blackheads are made up mostly of dead skin, and some dirt. Hormones, bacteria or sometimes too much cleansing (because this can irritate the skin, causing it to thicken) can cause pores to block.
If the cause is a factor such as stress, dealing with that cause can often be the best way to clear blackheads. Blackheads do not cause serious health problems, but they can affect confidence and self-image. Cleaning them in the right way can also prevent the development of more severe skin infections.
'You should absolutely not squeeze blackheads. Squeezing a spot can push the inflammation deeper and this can cause scarring of the skin,' she says. Squeezing a spot can push the inflammation deeper and this can cause scarring of the skin.
If a blackhead is close to the surface of your skin, it's more likely to go away on its own. However, some blackheads can be deeply embedded in your skin. Deep, embedded blackheads are less likely to go away on their own. If you have embedded blackheads, a dermatologist or medical aesthetician can remove them.
Dermatologists know how to remove acne safely
One is called acne extraction, which involves using sterile instruments to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. Acne extraction is usually offered when other acne treatment fails to clear the skin. it's rarely a first choice because it takes time and can be expensive.
Although dermatological experts advise that stress does not cause acne, some research identifies a link, and medical professionals agree that stress can worsen symptoms. Stress can affect a person's hormonal balance and the skin's immune function. This may increase the chance of oily skin and clogged pores.
The general rule of thumb is three times per week for oily or combination skin, and just once weekly for sensitive skin, Dr. Marchbein says.
Breaking the news right out of the gate, “sadly, there is no easy way to permanently get rid of blackheads,” celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau says. But, she continues, “your best bet is regular, monthly deep-pore cleansing facials where a skilled esthetician can soften the pores and manually remove them.”
Use Products With Salicylic Acid
One go-to ingredient for eliminating blackheads is salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that increases cell turnover and unclogs pores, says Saedi. Suozzi adds that the acne treatment can help dry active acne lesions because it is a mild chemical irritant.
An esthetician can remove your blackheads during a facial treatment. This is a safe procedure that can help your skin look smoother and prevent breakouts. Blackheads and closed comedones can be extracted. Inflamed acne and milia need to be treated by a healthcare provider.
It's actually completely normal for you to have some holes initially after removing blackheads. This is because the dirt and debris filling the pore is suddenly gone, leaving a small space.
Complications from a blackhead
If pores are infected, the skin can become inflamed and cause acne, which is the inflammation that results from clogged pores.
This type of acne develops when oil (sebum) and dead skin cells combine to form a plug that clogs your pores. Sometimes, cleansing and exfoliating may be enough to loosen the plug and draw it out. But if the plug hardens, or it's too deep to access, you might not be able to remove the blackhead on your own.
Do dermatologists recommend using pore vacuums? In short, yes. Since these vacuums make the process of unclogging pores and clearing skin a lot faster and easier, many experts have given at-home devices an official nod of approval.
"I would never recommend this method to any patient," San Francisco-based dermatologist William Kwan, MD, told Health. "Vaseline can clog pores and applying plastic wrap is physically occluding the pores.
Blackhead Prevention
Put non-abrasive cleaners on your skin gently, using your fingertips. Scrubbing with washcloths or sponges can irritate the skin. Use alcohol-free skin products. Avoid the sun since some acne medicine can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.