Blackheads

What are Blackheads

Black heads are the other side of the coin of whiteheads. A blackhead is a comedone, basic acne lesion, that has reached the surface of the skin. Formed exactly the same as whiteheads, from the clogging of pores by sebum and dead skin cells and the increased growth of bacteria, the only difference is that the comedone has broken the surface of the skin. Because sebaceous glands are usually more active in the T-zone which includes the forehead, nose, and chin, blackheads are more present in these areas. Blackheads appear as small pinhead sized black dots that are slightly exposed from the skin. The black color is produced by the combination of sebum and dead skins cells being pushed out of the skin. The sebum can oxidize with the air but the main cause is most likely the increased concentration of melanin, the pigments responsible for dark skin color, contained in the packed dead skin cells. There is usually no inflammation that accompanies blackheads.

Treatments for Blackheads

Like whiteheads, there are many solutions for treating blackheads and they start with prevention. Preventing blackheads will be the same as preventing any acne breakout. Following the steps in the Acne Prevention article will greatly decrease acne breakouts and flare-ups as well. These steps will include proper removing of excess oils and dead skin cells so that pores do not get clogged. When a blackhead has formed, the key thing to remember is not to squeeze or pick at it. Trying to extract blackheads yourself, especially when they first appear and are still mainly under the skin, can lead to acne flare-up, blemishes, scarring, or even the formation of cysts. To get rid of blackheads that have formed, use proper cleaning and OTC medication. Gentle exfoliating face washes and patting dry with a towel will not only remove dead skin cells but also keep skin from becoming irritated. Using face cleaners, mask, and creams with salicylic acid, to help break down the blackheads, or benzoyl peroxide, which kill the bacteria, will help quicken the removal of blackheads. Cleaning pore strips are also offer good solutions for removing blackheads as long as the strip is not too adhesive and can lead to more irritated skin. For those with blackheads that will not go away, a dermatologist may provide stronger prescription medication or chose to extract the blackheads.

List of Popular Products for Blackheads

Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating™ Treatment Mask - this product is a good way to clean the whole facial area, prevent blackheads, and help current ones disappear. key ingredients include Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid which help breakdown blackheads and clean pores. $6.99

Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating™ Daily Scrub - Neutrogena has some good products and this one really seems to give skin a tingle as it cleans and removes blackheads. - $5.99

Biore's Warming Anti Blackhead Cream Cleanser - this product is a good preventive measure that contains 2.0% salicylic acid that creates a fresh feeling after washes. $6.99

Biore's Deep Cleaning Pore Strips- the combo pack is a good purchase for people with skin that is not too sensitive as the adhesive on some of the strips can get sticky. The combo pack has nose and forehead strips that contain tea tree oil and when you pull them off, you can see the actual dirt and blackheads. $9.99

Biore's Warming Anti Blackhead Cream Cleanser - this product is a good preventive measure that contains 2.0% salicylic acid that creates a fresh feeling after washes.

Blackhead Removal Techniques

Because of the abundance of techniques for blackhead removal from medication to home remedies, we will be devoting a separate article on this topic where our visitors can share techniques that work for them. Individuals will be able to share and try different techniques that may work. It is important to understand that different blackhead removal techniques will not work for everyone and can actually worsen acne for others. Skin type and other factors are important in this case.