What are Blackheads?
Blackheads are a common skin concern that can be frustrating to deal with. They form when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil (sebum). Unlike whiteheads, blackheads are open at the surface of the skin, which causes them to oxidize and turn black when exposed to air.
Causes of Blackheads
Blackheads can be caused by a variety of factors. Excess oil production, dead skin cell buildup, bacteria, and hormonal changes can all contribute to the formation of blackheads. Irritation or inflammation of hair follicles can also force blackheads to appear.
The Best Ways to Get Rid of Blackheads
Several effective treatments can help you get rid of blackheads and achieve clearer skin. Here are some of the top options:
Facials
A facial is a great way to get rid of blackheads. They typically involve cleansing, exfoliating, and extracting blackheads from the skin. Facials can be done at home or at a spa, but facials performed at a med spa generally obtain more dramatic results with less skin irritation. Facials exfoliate dead skin cells to prevent blackheads and carefully extract existing blackheads.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are an effective treatment in which a chemical solution is applied to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This causes the top layer of skin to peel off, taking blackheads with it. Superficial peels are ideal for treating mild to moderate acne, while medium peels can reduce blackheads and the appearance of acne scars. Popular cosmetic-grade peels include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is another effective treatment that uses a special machine to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. One type of microdermabrasion, the diamond-peel treatment, uses laser-cut diamond tips to remove dead skin cells while stimulating the production of new skin cells. During the treatment, the machine exfoliates the skin, causing the top layer to peel off and remove blackheads, typically without discomfort and completed within 20 minutes.
Microneedling
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment that uses tiny needles to puncture the skin. This stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars, including those caused by old blackheads. During the treatment, a numbing cream is applied, and a needling pen or device is moved over the skin to create micro-injuries, triggering the body to produce new collagen and elastin. The entire treatment takes about 20 minutes.
LED Light Therapy
LED Light Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses different light wavelengths to target skin concerns, including blackheads. Blue light, in particular, has been shown to be effective in reducing acne breakouts. LED Light Therapy can target bacteria, reduce inflammation, and boost collagen production for healthier and clearer skin.
The Worst Ways to Get Rid of Blackheads
While some methods are effective for blackhead removal, others can be harmful or ineffective. Here are some things to avoid:
Over-Exfoliating
While exfoliation is beneficial, overdoing it can dry out your skin. When your skin is dried out, it produces more oil, which can contribute to more blackheads.
Picking and Squeezing
It can be tempting to pick at blackheads, but this can lead to inflammation, scarring, and infection. Manual extraction should always be done by a professional.
Using Abrasive Scrubs
Using harsh scrubs can irritate the skin and worsen blackheads. Instead, opt for gentle, non-abrasive cleansers.