How to Treat and Prevent Blackheads for Clear Healthy Skin

Understanding Blackheads and How to Get Rid of Them

Blackheads are a common skin concern that many people deal with. They occur when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria clog the pores and cause them to appear dark on the surface of the skin. While annoying and unsightly, blackheads are harmless and can be managed with the right skin care approach. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about blackheads, including what causes them, tips for prevention, and the best ways to safely get rid of existing blackheads for clear, healthy looking skin.

What Are Blackheads?

Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are small dark bumps that appear on the skin, often on the face. Contrary to the name, blackheads are not actually black in color. Instead, they get their dark appearance because the clogged pore is open at the surface of the skin, exposing the buildup to oxygen which causes it to oxidize and turn dark.

The dark bumps form when a pore becomes congested with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This debris mixture hardens and plugs up the pore. The surface remains open, which is why you can see the darkened tip of the clog.

What Causes Blackheads?

There are several contributing factors that can lead to clogged pores and the development of blackheads:

• Excess oil production - The sebaceous glands in the skin produce an oily substance called sebum. Overactive sebaceous glands can cause excess oil production, which contributes to clogged pores.
• Hormones - Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy can increase sebum production and the risk of blackheads.
• Genetics - Some people are simply more prone to blackheads due to hereditary factors.
• Medications - Certain medications like corticosteroids, testosterone, or lithium can increase oil production and clog pores.
• Makeup and skin care products - Heavy, oil-based cosmetics and skin care products may clog pores and lead to blackheads.
• Dead skin cell buildup - Excess dead skin cells can accumulate in pores and contribute to clogs.
• Bacteria - The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) can proliferate in clogged pores and causes inflammation.

Where Do Blackheads Usually Form?

Blackheads tend to develop in areas with a high concentration of oil glands. They are most common on the face, including:

• Forehead
• Nose
• Chin
• Cheeks

However, blackheads can also occur on the back, chest, neck, arms, and shoulders.

Are Blackheads and Whiteheads the Same?

Blackheads and whiteheads may look similar, but they are actually different types of acne. The main difference lies in whether the clogged pore stays open or closed:

• Blackheads - Also called open comedones, the surface of the clogged pore remains open to the air. The buildup oxidizes and turns black when exposed to oxygen.
• Whiteheads - Also known as closed comedones, the clogged pore is completely covered by a thin layer of skin. This gives the bump a whitish appearance.

While whiteheads form below the skin's surface, blackheads are exposed to air which causes the darkened look. Both result from a buildup of oil and dead skin cells in the pores.

How to Prevent Blackheads

Preventing blackheads in the first place is ideal for clear, healthy looking skin. Here are dermatologist-recommended tips to minimize your risk:

• Wash face twice daily - Thoroughly cleansing your face morning and night removes excess oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and other pore-clogging debris before it builds up.
• Use oil-free skincare products - Avoid heavy, greasy creams, lotions, and cosmetics which can clog pores. Opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas.
• Exfoliate regularly - Using an exfoliating cleanser, scrub, or chemical exfoliant helps slough off dead skin cells and keep pores clear.
• Avoid touching or squeezing pores - Picking at pores can push debris deeper, enlarge pores, and lead to infection.
• Control oil and shine - If needed, use a toner, astringent, or oil-absorbing mask to control excess sebum production.
• Use sun protection - Sun exposure can increase oil production and clogged pores. Wear SPF 30 or higher daily.
• Manage stress - High stress levels may increase oil production and breakouts. Try relaxing activities like meditation, yoga, or massage.

How to Get Rid of Existing Blackheads

If preventive measures aren't keeping blackheads at bay, there are several effective ways to actively remove existing blackheads and keep pores clear. Here are dermatologist tips for getting rid of blackheads the right way:

AHA and BHA Exfoliants

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acid as well as beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid are chemical exfoliants that work by dissolving the "glue" that holds dead skin cells together. This helps sweep away pore-clogging debris to keep blackheads from forming.

Look for over-the-counter cleansers, toners, serums and peels containing these ingredients and use them a few times per week. Gradually build up frequency based on your skin's tolerance.

Retinoids

Retinoids like retinol and prescription retinoic acid (tretinoin) help prevent blackhead formation by increasing skin cell turnover to unclog pores as well as reducing oil production. They come in cream, gel, and liquid formulas.

Start by using retinoids 2-3 times a week in the PM, slowly increasing frequency as your skin acclimates. Use a pea-sized amount and combine with moisturizer to reduce irritation.

Clay Masks

Clay masks contain ingredients like bentonite or kaolin clay that act like a magnet to draw out impurities from the pores. Look for masks formulated with clays and charcoal and apply to blackhead-prone areas once or twice a week.

Let the mask dry completely before rinsing. Be careful not to apply masks too often or leave on too long as this can dry out skin.

Professional Extractions

See a dermatologist or licensed esthetician for professional extractions, the process of gently removing blackheads with special tools. Expert extractions minimize damage to the skin.

Never attempt to extract blackheads yourself as this can traumatize the skin and worsen breakouts. Self-extraction risks causing scarring and infection.

Prescription Acne Medication

For stubborn blackheads not resolved with over-the-counter options, see a dermatologist. They may prescribe stronger acne medication such as prescription-strength retinoids, antibiotics, birth control pills, or isotretinoin to clear clogged pores if OTC methods are not effective.

The Wrong Ways to Remove Blackheads

When trying to banish blackheads, avoid the following detrimental tactics:

• Picking and squeezing - This often worsens breakouts by pushing debris deeper into the pores and leads to scarring.
• Harsh scrubs - Aggressive physical exfoliants can damage pores and exacerbate acne.
• Alcohol-based toners - Products with high amounts of isopropyl alcohol can strip skin and trigger excess oil production.
• Frequent steaming - While occasional steaming helps loosen debris, doing it too often dries out skin.
• Overwashing - Excessive face washing can strip beneficial oils leading to dryness and irritation.
• Heavy makeup - Thick foundations, concealers, and powders can settle into pores.

When to See a Dermatologist

See a board-certified dermatologist if you have severe or persistent blackheads not resolving with proper at-home care. A dermatologist can assess your skin, determine the causes, and create a customized treatment plan which may include:

• Prescription-strength acne medications
• Professional extractions
• Laser treatments
• Chemical peels
• Photodynamic therapy
• Oral medications like birth control pills or isotretinoin

Catching blackheads early and taking a multi-pronged approach helps prevent future breakouts for clear, healthy skin.

Key Takeaways

• Blackheads are a type of acne that forms when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria clog a pore exposed to air, causing dark bumps.
• Hormones, excess oil, and skin cell buildup are common causes of blackheads.
• Areas like the nose, forehead and chin are prone to blackheads.
• Prevention involves washing face twice daily, oil-free products, exfoliating, and sun protection.
• Chemical exfoliants, retinoids, clay masks and professional extractions can clear existing blackheads.
• Never pick or squeeze blackheads which can worsen breakouts.
• See a dermatologist for stubborn blackhead acne unresolved with over-the-counter care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are blackheads filled with?

Blackheads contain a buildup of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria that plugs up a pore. This mixture oxidizes when exposed to air, giving the blackhead its characteristic dark color.

Can blackheads turn into whiteheads?

Yes, a blackhead can turn into a whitehead if the pore becomes completely blocked with debris and closes over at the surface. When the debris-filled pore is covered with a thin layer of skin, it appears white instead of dark.

How long does it take for a blackhead to go away?

With proper cleansing and care, individual blackheads could go away in a few days. However, blackheads tend to be an ongoing skin condition. Maintaining a thorough skincare routine that keeps pores clear can help minimize recurrence.

Can blackheads lead to acne?

Yes, blackheads are a type of acne. Leaving them untreated allows them to proliferate and potentially worsen into inflammatory acne lesions like papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.

Do blackheads turn into pimples?

If bacteria grows inside a clogged pore that contains a blackhead, the debris can progress into an inflamed lesion like a pimple or pustule. That's why properly removing blackheads is key to prevent inflammatory acne.

Should blackheads be removed?

It's best to properly remove blackheads with methods like a BHA exfoliant, clay mask or professional extraction. Leaving them alone allows them to enlarge, multiply, and potentially lead to inflamed acne lesions.

Can you extract blackheads at home?

Dermatologists warn against trying to extract blackheads yourself as this can damage skin and make breakouts worse. Use over-the-counter products containing AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids to help clear out existing blackheads instead.

What dissolves blackheads overnight?

There is no overnight fix to dissolve blackheads. Invest in a consistent skincare routine with ingredients like salicylic acid or retinol to clear and prevent blackheads over time. Combining medicated cleansers with weekly masks and spot treatments helps maintain results.

Can Neutrogena clear blackheads?

Yes, Neutrogena makes several products that can help clear blackheads when used consistently. Look for their cleansers, toners, masks, and spot treatments containing proven acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and benzoyl peroxide.

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.