How To Treat Blackheads

Blackheads are a type of comedones. These are formed when the pores in the skin are blocked by dead skin cells and the oily secretion of the sebaceous glands called sebum. This forms a plug, and when the exposed surface of the plug reacts with air, it becomes dark, forming a black head. This dark colour as thought by many is not trapped dirt. Blackheads appear most frequently on the face, back, neck, chest, arms, and shoulders. The main cause of acne (including blackheads) is hormonal changes in the body that cause excess oil to be produced in the pores. This is a natural process, especially during puberty, which explains why so many teens have blackheads. Squeezing them out is not the best idea as it can lead to inflamed skin, and eventually, scarring. Dr. Mohan Thomas Senior Cosmetic Surgeon, Cosmetic Surgery Institute suggests ways to treat blackheads.

Treating Blackheads:

1.   Clean with Salicylic acid- Salicylic acid is the preferred ingredient for blackheads and whiteheads because it breaks down the excess oil and dead skin cells. But many people are sensitive to salicylic acid and you may not be able to use it more than once every few days.

2.   Chemical exfoliants- Retinoic acid and other AHA’s as night creams work wonders with blackheads. With 25 percent AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids, like lactic and glycolic) and 2 percent BHA (beta-hydroxy acids, like salicylic), this night serum works to resurface your skin by exfoliating away any built-up dead skin cells that can contribute to clogged pores.

3.   Use of skin brush- A skin brush can provide similar exfoliating benefits as AHAs by removing excess dead skin cells. The key, though, is to use it only once a week so you don’t cause irritation.

4.    Masks during facials- Clay and charcoal masks work very well on the black heads due to their absorbent properties. The mineral-rich ingredient of the clay mask addresses the three main causes of black head oil production, dead skin cells, and clogged pores through the process of absorption. When mixed with water and applied to the skin, it acts like a magnet, drawing impurities (blackheads) out of pores.

5.   Manual extraction- This method, in vogue for many decades, is now frowned upon, but still many beauty centres do undertake steaming and extraction of comedones either with a comedone extractor or comedonetapes. This can cause more intense bacterial infection and increase in the comedones.

6.    Use moisturizer- Whether your skin is dry or oily, always use a moisturizer so that the skin remains healthy and the sebaceous glands are not over active.

7.    Do not use comedogenic makeup: The manufacturer’s website should have an ingredients list. Alternatively, you can check makeup resources to avoid clogging your pores.

Book Appointement: Dr. Mohan Thomas Senior Cosmetic Surgeon