Understanding Deep Blackheads
Blackheads occur when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria clog up a hair follicle or pore. The surface of the plugged pore remains open to air, causing the oil and bacteria to oxidize, turning dark in color. This gives the appearance of a tiny dark spot on the skin. While regular blackheads are surface blemishes about a millimeter across, deep blackheads can grow much larger below the skin.
What Causes Deep Blackheads?
Deep blackheads, sometimes called dilated pores, form when dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria build up deep within the hair follicles or pores over a long period of time. Genetics, hormonal changes, and excessive oil production can increase the risk for enlarged pores that harbor deep blackheads. They most often appear on the face, especially the nose, chin, and forehead.
The Risks of Deep Blackheads
While small surface blackheads aren’t usually a major skin concern, deep blackheads can stretch and damage the follicle walls. Picking and squeezing these blemishes can traumatize the pores further, leading to enlarged pores, pitted scarring, and recurrent blackheads in the same areas.
How to Remove Deep Blackheads
Resist the urge to pick, squeeze, or scratch at blackheads. This forces debris deeper into pores, exacerbates inflammation, and increases infection risk. Instead, consider these dermatologist-approved tips for deep blackhead removal and prevention.
Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliating clears away dead skin cells, surface oils, and other pore-clogging debris to prevent blackhead formation. Look for scrubs with rounded exfoliating beads or Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Polyhydroxy Acids such as glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid. Use an exfoliating cleanser or scrub two or three times a week to keep pores clear.
Use Retinoids
Retinoids like tretinoin and adapalene unclog pores and increase skin cell turnover. Available by prescription, these vitamin A derivatives clear blackheads by exfoliating within the pore to dissolve blockages. This prevents further enlargement and dark discoloration of stubborn blackheads.
Try a Clarisonic Brush
Cleaning pores effectively with just your hands can be difficult. Devices like the Clarisonic use gentle sonic vibrations to loosen oil, makeup, and debris lodged deep within pores. Use the soft brush head attachment to gently cleanse skin without irritation. The oscillations also increase absorption of creams, serums, and spot treatments.
Apply Salicylic Acid
This beta hydroxy acid has natural oil-clearing properties that help prevent pore blockages. Over-the-counter cleansers, toners, and spot treatments contain salicylic acid to dissolve surface oil, bacteria, dead skin, and other gunk trapped in blackheads. Apply targeted salicylic acid products to deep blackheads as needed to help lift debris from within enlarged pores.
See an Esthetician
For stubborn deep blackheads that don’t budge, book an appointment with a skin care specialist. They can thoroughly cleanse the pores and use gentle manual extraction to clear out hardened sebum plugs. Extractions should not damage the pore opening or follicle walls. This is important for preventing enlarged pores and recurrent blackhead formation.
Get Professional Chemical Peels
In-office chemical peels with Alpha Hydroxy Acids and other exfoliating acids help eliminate stubborn blackheads. Medium-depth peels with trichloroacetic acid are especially effective at reducing the appearance of enlarged pores harboring deep blackhead plugs. The acids penetrate into the pores to dissolve oil and cellular debris.
Preventing Deep Blackheads
Once you’ve cleared existing impactions, maintaining clear pores is essential for preventing new deep blackhead formation. Try these dermatologist tips for keeping blackheads away:
Cleanse Twice Daily
Get into the habit of washing your face every morning and before bed. Use a gentle cleanser formulated for your skin type to remove excess oil, makeup residue, pollution particles, and other pore-clogging gunk. Clean skin means clean pores that can better resist blackheads.
Use Oil-Free Products
Excess oil is one of the central causes of blackhead formation. Read product labels closely and avoid skin care products with added oils. Instead, look for water-based, non-comedogenic formulas labeled oil-free and non-acnegenic to keep pores clear.
Moisturize After Cleansing
Blackheads often crop up due to overly dry skin that triggers excess sebum production. To keep oil in balance, always follow cleansing with an alcohol-free non-comedogenic moisturizer suitable for acne-prone skin. Hydrated skin makes less oil, keeping pores open.
Examine Ingredients
Silicones, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and fatty alcohols are common pore-cloggers found in skin and hair care products. Check out all product ingredients and avoid those containing comedogenic components like isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate.
Visit an Esthetician
See an esthetician once a month for professional deep cleansing facials and gentle extractions. They can thoroughly remove any developing blackheads and give tips on keeping pores clear between appointments. Regular facials help prevent deep blackheads from getting out of control.
With a good skin care routine and professional treatments as needed, you can gain control over deep blackheads. Stop constantly scrutinizing pores and enjoy clear, glowing skin!
FAQs
How can I get rid of deep stubborn blackheads?
Apply a salicylic acid spot treatment to penetrate into pores and loosen hardened sebum. Use a Clarisonic brush with sonic vibrations to deeply cleanse pores. Get regular professional chemical peels and facials for extractions to completely clear stubborn blackheads.
Do blackhead strips really work on deep blackheads?
Blackhead strips can remove surface dirt and oil but don't penetrate deeply into pores to extract hardened blackhead plugs. They may temporarily improve appearance but won't prevent blackheads from quickly filling the pore again. Chemical exfoliants and manual extractions work better for deep blackheads.
What causes big blackheads?
Genetics, hormonal fluctuations, chronic skin irritation, and excessive oil production can all trigger enlarged pores prone to developing big, deep blackheads over time. Picking at pores also enlarges them, increasing likelihood of recurrent blackhead plugs.
How can I shrink my pores to prevent deep blackheads?
Use oil-free skin care products to prevent stretching pores with sebum and debris buildup. Exfoliate regularly to facilitate cell turnover and keep pore openings clear. Hydrate well to regulate oil production. Avoid picking and squeezing pores to prevent permanent stretching and enlargement.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment