A blackhead is an open comedone, which is a pore or hair follicle that is clogged with bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells. The comedone has been exposed to air, which causes the trapped sebum and skin cells to oxidize, giving the clogged pore a dark brown or black appearance. This stands out from other forms of acne, such as inflammatory acne (such as pimples and cystic breakouts) and whiteheads (which are closed comedones).
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Should You Pop Blackheads
Although it could be tempting to pop blackheads, every expert advised against doing so. In fact, doing so may aggravate the blackhead and result in pain, scarring, and further itchiness.
However, it is quite acceptable to consult a skilled expert who has received instruction in the correct blackhead extraction. The issue is not doing it correctly. Use (clean) fingers wrapped in tissue for at-home extractions instead of extractors or other tools, which can pierce and leave scars on the skin, if you absolutely can’t resist the impulse.
How to Prevent Blackheads
Keeping your pores clear is the key to preventing blackheads because they are brought on by clogged pores. The simplest, most straightforward, and most crucial thing you can do to do this is to keep your skin clean.
Wash your face twice daily and after you’ve perspired a lot. This will prevent the accumulation of oils and dead cells inside the hair follicles. You can use a cleanser with an exfoliating component like salicylic acid or your regular cleanser.
Be careful to exfoliate frequently using recommended chemical exfoliants such as retinoids, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid once more. You can prevent and treat blackheads with them without causing additional harm to your skin because they are milder than physical exfoliants like scrubs.
How to Get Rid of and Deal with Blackheads
Exfoliating two to three times a week can assist get rid of blackheads that are already there. Salicylic acid is a superior option in this case, just like it is in prevention. Because it is folliculotropic, or able to go deep into the hair follicle and oil gland and reach the area where the blackheads begin, this beta hydroxy acid is ideal for treating blackheads.
From there, it can disintegrate and break down the extra oil that causes blockage.
Due to their ability to balance out the way the oil gland in the hair follicle empties, retinoids are another effective option for treating blackheads. However, bear in mind that these components may increase your skin’s photosensitivity, making it even more crucial to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF.
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