Today we’re addressing the oh so frustrating…blackheads. A lot of us have experienced this mild form of acne that tends to cluster around your nose, cheeks, forehead, chest and back. It can be a battle dealing with and getting rid of blackheads but don’t lose hope, that’s where skincare comes into play! By using the right active ingredients, you can safely remove blackheads.
What are blackheads?
Blackheads, also known as comedones, are unlike a closed comedones (aka whiteheads), but are open comedones. An open comedones doesn’t have skin covering the opening of the hair follicle. Any blockage from clogged pores or hair follicles presents small dark bumps on the skin’s surface. Blackheads appear black not because of dirt but rather because when the built-up sebum or dead skin cells are exposed to air, they become oxidized and turn black.
Blackheads are non-inflammatory, meaning you shouldn’t experience any inflammation, swelling or irritation from them. However, they can become irritated if you squeeze them so we advise you to avoid touching them.
How are blackheads formed?
A blackhead is formed and caused when oil, dead skin cells or bacteria clog the pore or hair follicle, resulting in buildup of sebum or dead skin cells.
Changes in hormones
Fluctuations in hormones experienced during puberty, pregnancy or menstrual cycles and even PCOS can directly influence sebum production. An increase of sebum equals increased risk to clog your follicles, forming a lovely blackhead.
Stress
Stress can cause your body to increase its oil production, resulting in clogged pores and blackheads.
Sweat
Excessive sweating is another cause of blackheads, which is normally why you may notice more blackheads on your skin during the summer months. To help prevent blackheads, we recommend showering after every workout.
How do you remove blackheads?
1. Salicylic acid cleanser
Salicylic cleanser is a powerful ingredient for combatting blackheads since it is an oil soluble beta hydroxy acid that can penetrate deeper into pores to help dissolve sebum over time. Salicylic will promote shedding of dead skin cells to prevent buildup and it is a must have for acne prone or oily skin types. Salicylic acid is a blessing in many ways as it works to combat all pustules and not just blackheads. If you are struggling with inflamed acne lesions, this acid has anti-inflammatory properties to bring down redness.
We recommend using AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads to help exfoliate and remove dead skin cells from clogged pores.
2. Alpha hydroxy acids
Alpha hydroxy acids are great to exfoliate and slough off dead skin. AHA’s are naturally derived humectants (ingredients that attract and retain moisture) which is amazing for dry skin types that want in on exfoliating.
We recommend using SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser to gently scrub away dead skin and prevent more blackheads from forming.
3. Vitamin A
Here at SKN BAR we are obsessed with vitamin A because it does wonders for clearing and preventing blackheads. Vitamin A speeds up skin cell renewal and promotes the sloughing of dead skin cells in the stratum corneum, also helping with regulating oil production.
Some vitamin rich foods you can incorporate in your diet:
- Leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, & broccoli)
- Tomatoes
- Red bell peppers
- Mango
- Cantaloupe
We recommend using SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream as your Vitman A (retinol) for the many benefits retinol provides but also for the bonus of improving blackheads.
4. Professional extraction
To prevent scarring, irritation or pushing inflammation deeper in the follicle, we recommend leaving extractions to your certified aesthetician during a facial. Our team at SKN BAR know whether to leave it or squeeze it, as well as proper technique to get the job done safely.
At SKN BAR Rx, we offer a variety of facials that include extractions. Book a consultation online to find the right facial for you.
TIME TO COMBAT BLACKHEADS
Blackheads can be preventable and treated with the correct products, routine, and treatments. Let’s combat these blackheads together and get our skin looking smooth and beautiful.
Riley
Licensed Aesthetician, SKN BAR Rx
