Removing blackheads may cause skin infection, blemishes or scarring. So, skincare experts don’t recommend popping huge blackheads by yourself. Sebaceous glands on your skin secrete oil (sebum) to protect and hydrate the skin. Sometimes, hair follicles clog, causing bacteria and dead cells to lock inside them. Consequently, clogged pores may cause the formation of blackheads.
Extracting a blackhead oxidizes the compounds in the clogged pore; thus, the area turns black. However, taking the prescribed treatment from your dermatologist may safely remove the blackheads and reduce the risk of skin infection.
What Causes Blackheads?
The most important cause of blackheads is clogged pores; however, some other main reasons are:
- Acne-prone skin
- Improper and unhygienic skincare
- Hormonal imbalance
- Stress
- Genetics
- Excessive sun exposure
How to Prevent Blackheads?
Facial or skin cleansing are ideal for getting rid of the annoying blackheads. The exfoliation during the facial removes all the wastes in the clogged pores; thus, it removes blackheads without damaging the skin. Thus, the skin may become fresher and healthier after treatment. Preventing the clean pores from clogging again should be your next goal.
For this purpose, you can choose any of the following products in your skin-care routine:
Retinol
Retinol, being the derivative of vitamin A, helps to reduce oxidative stress by reducing the effect of free radicals. That’s why you can use it quite safely to prevent or treat skin problems such as acne, whiteheads, blackheads, or aging effects.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid penetrates deeply into the skin pores and dissolves the sebum or dead cells that cause blackheads. Being oil soluble, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, it exfoliates and rejuvenates the skin giving it a crystal-clear appearance.
According to research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, salicylic acid scrubs, masks and toners help to significantly reduce the blackheads formation.
It can act as an:
- A keratolytic agent that helps to break down the keratin (protects the deeper skin cells) in the skin epidermis. So, topical medicines can easily penetrate the deeper skin.
- A desmolytic agent that helps to break the cellular connection making the shedding of dead cells easier. Thus, it acts as an exfoliator that removes the dead skin cells and makes skin glowing and nourished.
Non-comedogenic products
Non-comedogenic products such as cleansers and moisturizers wouldn’t clog skin pores, thus preventing acne, whiteheads, blackheads, or other skin problems.
Skin Care According to Your Skin Type
Skincare routine varies from person to person based on your skin type. Following the best skincare routine can help to prevent blackheads. Following tips can help you to prevent the problem.
Oily Skin
- Products having salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide remove the extra oil and sebum from clogged skin pores.
- A clay mask can help absorb extra sebum, water or dirt from your skin making it clean and healthy.
- Using a retinoid serum can help prevent blackheads but make your skin sensitive to sun exposure. So, skincare experts recommend using sunscreen in combination with retinoid creams or serums.
Dry Skin
- Gentle exfoliation (2-3 times a week) can prevent the formation of the blackheads by clearing the toxins and wastes for the clogged pores.
- Always remove all the make-up products before going to sleep. It’s better to use natural products to clean the skin.
- Drinking sufficient water (at least 6-8 glasses) in a day can make your skin well-hydrated and nourished.
Home Tips for Blackheads Removal
Some home care tips are mentioned here that can help not only to remove the blackheads but also to minimize their formation.
- Salicylic acid-containing cleansers may prove to be much effective in treating and preventing blackheads.
- Pore clearing strips can remove your skin’s natural oils, leaving it extremely dry and damaged.
- Certain blackhead extractors (comedone extractors) made up of stainless steel can easily remove blackheads. However, using comedone extractors by yourself is tricky and can cause skin damage if not used properly. Sanitize them properly with rubbing alcohol before using it for extraction purposes.
Risks Associated with Popping Huge Blackheads
Skincare experts don’t recommend touching blackheads as it can cause infections and skin disorders such as freckles, acne and skin lesions. You can expect the following risks of popping blackheads:
- Failure to pop out resilient blackheads can increase the risk of bacterial infections. Let the experts do their work and consult a good dermatologist for better treatment.
- Forceful extraction may cause scarring leaving permanent spots on the skin.
- Harsh squeezing and pressure exertion can cause skin inflammation. Resultantly, the skin may develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, acne or other skin problems.
Conclusion
Blackheads can be irritating, but choosing the best products according to your skin type can prevent the problem. Moreover, avoid popping huge blackheads by yourself; instead, seek medical advice from your dermatologist. They will guide you on the appropriate ways to extract the blackheads accordingly. Professional treatment may reduce the risk of bacterial infections and skin diseases.
