Introduction:
Blackheads are milder forms of acne that commonly develop on the face and neck. They are black, and they are easy to spot on the skin because of their dark color. It is one common skin disorder most people from the United States experience. In medical terms, it is called open comedones. In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about what blackheads actually are, how they are formed, and some practical and inexpensive ways to get rid of them.
What Are Blackheads?
Blackheads are small black-colored bumps that develop on the skin due to clogged hair follicles. They are commonly seen on the face and the neck, but they can develop anywhere on the skin where more hair follicles are present such as the chest, arms, back, and shoulder. These blackheads contain oxidized melanin and not dirt. The common misconception is that the blackheads contain trapped dust or dirt, but blackheads are not related to the cleanliness of the skin. Blackheads do not fade away on squeezing or scrubbing. It only gets worse on doing so.
How Are Blackheads Formed?
Every follicle contains hair and a sebaceous gland. This sebaceous gland produces oil called sebum which helps to keep the skin soft. When the opening of the hair follicles gets clogged, the dead skin cells and the excess oil get collected at the opening resulting in a bump. And if the skin over the bump is opened, the dead skin cells react with the oxygen present in the air, causing it to look black.
What Are the Causes of Blackheads?
There are a few risk factors that can increase the risk of developing blackheads. Some of these include:
-
Hormonal Changes: This is the foremost cause of blackheads. When the hormone level changes, there is a rise in the production of sebum resulting in blackheads. This hormonal change is more common during puberty. Androgen, which is the male sex hormone, triggers sebum production. Both boys and girls have high amounts of androgen during puberty.
Even after puberty, there can be hormonal changes related to menstruation, pregnancy, and the usage of contraceptive pills. So the chances of women having blackheads are high.
-
Excessive production of skin cells by the body.
-
Blocking the pores by cosmetic products or clothing.
-
Excessive sweating.
-
High humidity.
-
Shaving or any other activity that can open the hair follicles.
-
Certain conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
-
Stress.
-
Using steroid drugs like corticosteroids (steroid hormones).
What Do Blackheads Look Like?
Blackheads are small tiny black-colored bumps that commonly appear on the face, chin, neck, back, chest, arms, and shoulders. They are flat bumps, unlike pimples. These blackheads are non-inflammatory.
What Common Mistakes Do People Do to Treat Blackheads?
-
Using harsh scrubs can make it worse.
-
Manually trying to extract the blackheads by popping or squeezing them. Doing so, it can cause the follicle to rupture and turn into a severe skin condition.
-
Using suction devices can be harmful to delicate skin.
How to Get Rid of Blackheads?
Every time you squeeze the blackheads, you are only worsening the scenario. Squeezing, picking, and popping are the wrong approaches to get rid of these blackheads. Here are a few of the proven ways to treat blackheads:
-
Salicylic acid.
-
Topical Retinoids.
-
Chemical peels.
-
Exfoliation.
-
Use of skin brush.
Salicylic Acid:
When looking for an over-the-counter cream, you should look for this ingredient given on the label. Salicylic acid is commonly found in skin cleansers. It breaks down the dead skin cells and the excess oil before it gets clogged. Salicylic acid can be too much for certain people's skin conditions, so you can notice how it reacts with your skin. You can talk to your doctor before using it or when you notice any unusual signs or symptoms after using it.
Topical Retinoids:
Retinoids are known to unclog the pores. These retinoids are made from vitamin A, and they also help in the formation of new skin cells. You can purchase retinoid creams only with a prescription. Retinoid creams should be applied before bed or indoors, as retinoids make the skin more sensitive to UV (ultraviolet) rays.
Chemical Peels:
Usually, chemical peels are used to remove the sun-damaged skin and minor scars, but it also works for certain types of acne. Chemical peels remove the top layer of the skin, thereby removing the blackheads and other debris. The common ingredients present in the chemical peels include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and retinoic acid.
Exfoliation:
This process is done to remove the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. You need to exfoliate gently, as rubbing too hard can result in irritation and more noticeable pores.
Use of Skin Brush:
A skin brush is used to clean the built-up debris. Using a skin brush can also reduce the signs of aging. But it is important to rehydrate your skin by using some moisturizers after using a skin brush.
What Are the Dos and Don'ts to Keep Your Blackheads Under Control?
-
Do not sleep with your makeup. Remove the makeup and cleanse your face before going to bed.
-
Cleanse your face regularly.
-
Try to avoid alcohol-based cosmetic products.
-
Shampoo your hair regularly.
-
Do not keep touching your face often.
-
Try some non-abrasive cleansers.
-
Try to change your pillow covers regularly.
-
Try to avoid sun exposure because certain skin products can be sensitive to UV rays.
Conclusion:
Blackheads that do not respond to the treatments or those damaged by popping or squeezing may require a visit to a dermatologist. Taking proper care at the right time can prevent the worsening of the condition.
