Blackheads are one of the most frustrating skin problems you have to deal with. It is those small, black dots that appear on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. Fortunately for us, there are methods that will help us fight them effectively!
What are blackheads?
Blackheads are formed when the opening of the hair follicle or sweat gland is blocked by dead skin cells. As a result, a black dot appears on the surface of the skin. Most often they occur on the face, but they can appear wherever there is hair. Men tend to have more common blackheads than women because they have more active fat glands in their skin. This is mainly due to the male sex hormone testosterone, which plays an important role in how our bodies produce sebum – an oily substance that lubricates our hair and skin and prevents hair follicles from drying out and brittleness. Testosterone not only affects the amount of sebum produced by the body, but also the rate at which it is removed from the pores. As a result, pores in men can clog more easily than in women.
Causes of blackheads
The most common cause of blackheads is excessive sebum secretion. It is an oily substance that our body produces to protect the skin from harmful bacteria and viruses. In some people, this natural oil can accumulate around a strand of hair and clog pores if it is not regularly removed. Over time, sebum oxidizes and changes its color from colorless to black.
Blackheads closed
A closed blackhead is formed when the pore becomes clogged by sebum and dead skin cells. The sebum oxidizes (darkens) in the clogged pores, which causes the color to darken and form a small thickening under the surface of the skin. Depending on the amount of melanin (pigment) produced by the skin, these nodules can range in color from light brown to dark brown. If you squeeze the lump with your fingers, part of its greasy contents can get to the surface.
Blackheads open
Dark brown or black spot, which usually appears in the area of the nose and chin. Blackheads of this type are deeper, and their color is the result of the oxidation of sebum, which fills them. Oxidation occurs during contact with air. Blackheads at this stage are much more dangerous than closed ones, because there may be inflammatory changes and scars on the face.
Deep blackheads
Deep blackheads are blackheads that have become so deep that they begin to resemble cysts. They can take an open form as well as a closed one. They occur in both oily and combination skin. They are caused by blocked hair follicles and can return if not treated properly. The best way to prevent blackhead recurrence is to follow the basic rules of daily skin care, which include: keeping your hands away from your face, using only specialized facial soaps, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and using only natural skin care products.
Blackhead acne – how is it formed?
Blackhead acne is a type of acne that arises when excess oil becomes trapped in the pores. The pores are clogged with dead skin cells and impurities, which causes the formation of blackheads. It occurs anywhere on the face, including the nose, forehead and cheeks. In some people, blackhead acne also occurs on other parts of the body, such as the neck, chest or back.
What causes blackhead acne?
The main cause of blackhead acne is clogged pores caused by excessive oil production by the sebaceous glands in the skin. This excess oil combined with dead skin cells creates plugs that block the openings of the hair follicles (tiny holes in the skin). The open pore is filled with dirt particles and bacteria that cause inflammation and redness around it. When this happens, the infected leek will look like a white blackhead, since inside it there is pus that changes color under the influence of air.
How to remove blackheads?
There are many ways to get rid of blackheads, but these methods vary depending on how serious the case is. Some people try homemade ways, such as baking soda scrubs or lemon juice masks, while others prefer chemical treatments such as creams or gels with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. You can also use the help of aesthetic medicine and a number of cosmetic treatments that are offered. So, which method to choose? What will be the most effective? This is an individual matter and decisions should be made after a thorough diagnosis of the problem. It is necessary to determine in what stage acne is developed and on this basis to adjust the methods of treatment.
Effective cosmetics for blackheads
The most effective cosmetics for blackheads contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid. They are able to remove dead skin cells and sebum, thus helping to get rid of blackheads.
These components are often combined with other substances that have a positive effect on the skin. For example, retinol, which is a derivative of vitamin A, which helps reduce acne lesions and their visibility, and algae extract moisturizes the skin.
Cosmetics for blackheads can be used in combination with exfoliating preparations or masks.When treating blackheads, it is also worth using dietary supplements designed for comprehensive skin care, such as:
- Re:nev Skin
- Premium Collagen 5000
- Collagen Select
Home remedies for blackheads
Lemon juice
Lemon juice is one of the best natural astringents because it contains citric acid, which helps dry oily skin. The vitamin C contained in lemon juice also acts as an antioxidant to fight free radicals that cause premature skin aging. Lemon juice can be applied directly to the face or mixed with water for a milder effect.
Sodium bicarbonate
Baking soda is great for treating blackheads because it acts as an exfoliant, removing dead skin cells from the face and opening clogged pores so they are not infected with bacteria. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to obtain the consistency of a paste, then apply it directly to your face.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that help heal the skin and kill the bacteria that cause blackheads. Apply a few drops directly to the affected areas.
Green tea bags
Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins, which help prevent cell damage by free radicals.
Cucumber slices
Cucumbers are rich in water and vitamin C, which help reduce swelling and irritation.
Cosmetic treatments for blackheads
Chemical peels
Chemical peeling is a non-surgical procedure that uses chemicals to remove layers of dead skin cells from the face or neck. Chemicals penetrate inside the pores and break down the top layer of dead cells that have accumulated in them. Chemical peels are available in most dermatological offices.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive exfoliating treatment that uses tiny alumina crystals under high pressure to gently abrade the superficial layers of damaged skin cells. It is often combined with chemical peels for better results in more severe cases of acne.
Laser treatments
Lasers use light energy to safely remove blackheads without damaging the surrounding tissue and without causing side effects such as scarring or inflammation. Laser treatment involves the use of a handheld device with a small probe tip that emits high-intensity laser light that breaks the top layer of dead cells.
