Blackheads are tiny skin growths that can appear on both the face and the body. They resemble oil plugs that are filled with germs, dead skin cells, and other substances.
Dead skin cells and oil within the pore rise and push through the skin's surface, forming blackheads. These substances react with the air, oxidise, and change colour to black, producing a clog.
Blackheads on the face must be removed with a regular skin care programme utilising items that can dissolve the pore-clogging oil inside.
- Cleanse each day: The removal of excess oil, debris, and other substances that might accumulate, block pores, and perhaps result in blackheads is essential on a daily basis.
- Apply blackhead-clearing actives: Topical treatments might aid in dislodging the oil block that causes blackheads. These do take time to work, and it may take many weeks of daily use before the blockage breaks apart and the blackhead's appearance is diminished.
Applications relevant today include:
- Fruit acids known as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) have been shown to promote exfoliation. Mandolin, glycolic, and lactic acids are among examples. These topical treatments reduce blackheads and encourage skin exfoliation.
- Salicylic acid: The willow tree is the source of salicylic acid. Additionally, it functions as a natural peeling agent that can aid in removing pore blockages.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Products containing tea tree oil can help manage symptoms without severe adverse effects.
DONT’s
Blackheads should not be squeezed, even using a metal blackhead remover, since this might irritate the skin and exacerbate the issue.
Steaming: For years, people have advised taking a steam bath to get rid of blackheads because it "opens the pores," but scientific studies have not supported this claim. Some believe it exacerbates the issue.
Scrubbing: This might make the issue worse. Sebum is removed by rubbing. In order to replenish the sebum, the sebaceous glands must work harder, which causes additional blockages and increases the risk of inflammatory acne.
