Understanding Blackheads and How to Get Rid of Them
Blackheads are a common skin concern that many people want to get rid of. Technically known as open comedones, blackheads occur when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria clog the pores. This plug widens the pore and oxidizes as it's exposed to air, turning black at the surface.
While they aren't harmful, many find blackheads unsightly and want clear, smooth skin. However, getting rid of blackheads takes some understanding of what causes them, how to prevent them, and the best removal methods.
What Causes Blackheads?
Blackheads form for a few different reasons:
- Oily skin - Those with oily skin tend to be more prone to blackheads as excess oil and sebum production can clog pores.
- Hormones - Hormonal changes and fluctuations, especially during puberty, can increase oil production and lead to more blackheads.
- Genetics - Some people are just more genetically prone to blackheads based on having larger pores or producing more oil.
- Medications - Certain medications like corticosteroids can increase oil production and clog pores.
- Hair or makeup products - Heavy makeup and hair products can clog pores and cause blackheads on the face.
- Bacteria - The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) contributes to blackhead formation.
How to Prevent Blackheads
While you can't always control the causes of blackheads, there are ways to prevent them from occurring or reappearing once cleared:
- Wash face twice daily - Washing your face morning and night removes oil, makeup, and impurities that can clog pores. Use a gentle cleanser suited for your skin type.
- Exfoliate regularly - Exfoliating 2-3 times a week sloughs off dead skin cells and prevents pore-clogging buildup.
- Use oil-free products - Avoid thick, occlusive products if you're acne-prone, and opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup and moisturizers.
- Don't touch face - Avoid resting your face in your hands or picking at blackheads, as this spreads bacteria.
- Remove makeup - Never sleep with makeup on, as it can clog pores and lead to blackheads.
- Clean makeup brushes - Dirty makeup brushes transfer bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells onto your face.
- Shampoo hair - Shampoo regularly, especially after sweating, so hair products don't transfer to your skin.
- Avoid oils - Stick to non-comedogenic oils suitable for acne-prone skin. Heavy oils like coconut oil are likely to clog pores.
- Wear sunscreen - Sunscreen protects your skin from UV damage that can increase oil production.
- See a dermatologist - For chronic blackheads not resolved by over-the-counter methods, see a dermatologist for prescription remedies.
How to Remove Blackheads
If you already have blackheads, what's the best way to remove them and keep them from coming back?
What NOT to Do
Dermatologists strongly advise against these unsafe blackhead removal methods:
- Squeezing or picking - This forces debris deeper into the pore and leads to infection, scarring, and more blackheads.
- Scrubbing harshly - Aggressive scrubbing can damage and irritate skin, worsening blackheads.
- Using pore strips - These remove surface oils and dead skin but don't extract blackheads from within the pore.
- Using lemon juice - Lemon juice is far too acidic for skin and causes irritation.
- Home extractions - Attempting to extract blackheads without proper training can harm skin and spread bacteria.
Safe and Effective Removal Methods
Dermatologist-approved ways to clear blackheads include:
- Consistent skincare - Washing with a daily salicylic acid cleanser helps keep pores clear.
- Exfoliating toners - Glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid toners loosen dead skin and oil buildup.
- Retinoids - Retinoids like adapalene and tretinoin penetrate pores to exfoliate and prevent blockages.
- Benzoyl peroxide - Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria while unclogging pores.
- Extractions - Extractions performed by an esthetician or dermatologist clear stubborn blackheads professionally.
- Chemical peels - Glycolic, salicylic, or TCA peels exfoliate dead skin layers and help clear blackheads.
- Laser treatment - Lasers like ND:YAG gently zap away blackheads for smoother-looking skin.
The right skincare routine plus professional extractions offer the best results. Always apply a moisturizer after treatments to avoid excess drying leading to more oil production.
Face Scrubs for Blackheads
One skincare product people commonly use for blackheads are face scrubs. Face scrubs contain exfoliating particles suspended in a gel or cream base. By massaging a face scrub into the skin in circular motions, the granules manually scrub away dead skin cells, dirt, and oil sitting on top of pores.
This exfoliating action helps dislodge and extract some blackheads. The right face scrub used 1-2 times per week can be an effective part of your regimen for preventing and treating blackheads. However, face scrubs aren't for everyone. Here's what you need to know:
Benefits of Using Face Scrubs for Blackheads
- Removes buildup - Scrubs slough off dead skin, oil, and impurities clogging pores.
- Deep cleans - Scrubbing generates friction to clean out pores more deeply.
- Smoothes skin - Getting rid of debris unveils newer, smoother skin below.
- Unclogs pores - Physical exfoliation helps pull some blackheads out of pores.
- Boosts other products - Removes the buildup so other acne treatments penetrate better.
- Affordable - Scrubs are budget-friendly compared to costly laser treatments and peels.
- Easy to find - Face scrubs are readily available at any drugstore or beauty retailer.
Potential Drawbacks of Face Scrubs
- Irritation - Scrubs may be too harsh for sensitive skin, causing redness or dryness.
- Microtears - Over-scrubbing can create tiny abrasions allowing bacteria entry.
- Spread infection - Granules trap bacteria that risks getting rubbed into other pores.
- Surface only - Scrubs extract blackheads on the surface but not deeply embedded ones.
- Doesn't prevent - While scrubs remove current blackheads, they don't prevent new ones from forming.
- Harsh particles - Walnut shells and fruit pits in scrubs create microtears.
How to Use Face Scrubs for Blackheads
To effectively and safely use face scrubs for blackheads:
- Pick gel-based - Gels are gentler than thick creams or oils that can clog.
- Avoid harsh particles - Go for jojoba beads, sugar, or bamboo instead of walnut shell pieces.
- Apply to damp skin - Steam from a shower or wet washcloth opens pores for deeper scrubbing.
- Massage in gently - Rub in light circular motions to avoid irritation and tearing.
- Rinse thoroughly - Wash off all scrub particles so they don't get trapped in pores.
- Moisturize after - Hydrate skin to avoid dryness leading to increased oil production.
- Use 1-2 times per week - Exfoliate
FAQs
What is the best way to remove blackheads?
Dermatologists recommend gentler, consistent methods like daily salicylic acid cleansers, chemical exfoliants, and professional extractions over picking and aggressively scrubbing which can damage skin.
Should I use a face scrub every day?
No, you should only use a face scrub for blackheads 1-2 times per week at most. Over-scrubbing can cause irritation and microtears. Balance it with gentle cleansing and moisturizing the other days.
How can I prevent blackheads from coming back?
Washing face twice daily, using oil-free products, exfoliating regularly, avoiding touching your face, and seeing a dermatologist for prescription treatments can help prevent recurring blackheads.
What ingredients should I look for in a face scrub?
Seek gentle, non-irritating scrubs with exfoliants like salicylic acid as well as jojoba beads, sugar, or bamboo particles instead of harsh walnut shell granules.
Can blackheads lead to other skin issues?
Yes, blackheads can progress into inflammatory, swollen pimples if the clogged pore becomes increasingly infected. Picking can also spread bacteria causing more breakouts.
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.
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