What Is A Blackhead?

Blackheads, or open comedones, are small, dark spots that most often occur on the face, but can happen anywhere on your body. They are pores that have become clogged with dead skin cells, oil, and other debris. When air comes into contact with it, the contents of the pore oxidizes causing a dark brown or black color.

Unlike most types of acne, blackheads are non-inflammatory and not caused by hormone imbalance or diet. They can occur almost anywhere on the body and most often develop on the face and back where we have the most oil glands.

Getting rid of blackheads can involve a change in your skin care routine, squeezing, popping, extracting, or vacuuming. You can use conventional products or all natural DIY solutions.

The safest way to remove a blackhead is with AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids.

Not all blackheads should be removed, especially by amateurs. Deep or very large blackheads should only be removed by a Dermatologist or Esthetician to avoid acne scars or infection. When in doubt, get it checked out.

Causes of Blackheads

Unlike Acne Vulgaris, blackheads are not caused by diet, hormones, or stress. Blackheads are caused by clogged pores.

Dead skin cells, dirt, debris, pollution, or excess oil can cause a blockage in the pore. Since the pore is an open comedone, not a closed comedone or whitehead, air comes into contact with the contents of the clogged pore and oxidizes. This is what causes the dark brown or black color.

Symptoms Of Blackheads

Blackheads, or open comedones, are a build up of dead skin cells, oil, dirt, makeup, pollution, or other debris that causes clogged pores. When the materials in the pore oxidize they turn dark brown or black.

Some blackheads can develop mild inflammation and swelling. These may be deeper and more serious than more superficial blackheads.

Over time, deep blackheads can get bigger and even grow to become giant blackheads which require the help of a professional to remove safely.

Role of Diet and Lifestyle

Blackheads are not related to hormone imbalances unlike most types of acne. Acne Vulgaris, the most common type of acne, develops as a result of hormonal imbalances often related to eating the typical Western diet, sugar, and alcohol intake.

Blackhead Prevention

You can prevent blackheads with a good skin care routine including routine chemical exfoliation with AHAs, BHA, and retinols.

Washing your towels and linens more often, keeping your cell phone clean, and getting routine facials will also help prevent clogged pores.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads

You can get rid of blackheads in a few different ways. Experts don’t recommend popping them with a manual extraction because you can cause long term acne scars or deeper more serious blackheads. Using skin care products with AHAs, BHAs, and retinol are the best ways to get rid of blackheads.

But if they are deep or inflamed, it’s best to have a professional do the extraction. You can cause scarring and infection attempting to remove a blackhead.

• Skin care products with AHAs and BHA
• DIY blackhead masks
• Manual extraction
• Blackhead extractor tool
• Blackhead vacuum

Skin Care Products

You can pick conventional products or try all natural ones. But whichever you choose, look for products with AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids.

AHAs

Alpha Hydroxy Acids, or AHAs, work by dissolving dead skin cells. They also help reduce the size of pores which helps prevent future blackheads. Look for glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, malic acid, and mandelic acid.

Milk has lactic acid and brown sugar has glycolic acid.

BHAs

Beta Hydroxy Acids, or BHAs, penetrate deep into hair follicles, break down oil, and increase cell turnover. One study found that using a 2% salicylic acid cleanser reduced acne breakouts within 2 weeks. BHAs are able to get deeper into the pores than AHAs and can help dry out pimples. Look for salicylic acid and citric acid, which has both AHA and BHA properties.

Strawberries and aspirin are natural BHAs and can be used in DIY masks.

Retinol

Retinol works by increasing cell turnover and preventing sebum from being sticky and clogging pores. It also has the added benefit of increased collagen production and anti aging. Look for over the counter Differin (adapalene) or serums with retinoids, or prescription-only Retin-A.

Exfoliator Brushes

Exfoliators, like Foreo, can be used as a gentle mechanical exfoliator to help unclog pores and keep them clear. But after every use, be sure to disinfect with alcohol to keep it very clean. It’s easy to spread bacteria and acne with these types of brushes.

DIY Blackhead Masks

Making your own DIY blackhead masks using all natural ingredients is simple and inexpensive.

Stick to ingredients that have natural AHAS and BHAs plus skin soothing ingredients, like manuka honey.

• Brown Sugar and Black Tea Mask
• Raw Sugar and Green Tea Mask
• Baking Soda Mask
• Lemon Juice and Manuka Honey Mask
• Tea Tree Oil, Brown Sugar, Organic Yogurt
• Milk and Manuka Honey Mask
• Manuka Honey and Cinnamon Mask
• Aspirin Mask
• Turmeric and Manuka Honey Mask

Manual Extraction

Manual extraction, or blackhead popping, has to be done on clean skin. Double cleansing with oil-based cleanser then a gentle cleanser or using microcellular water is the best way to remove all the makeup and skin care products you might have on your skin.

Soften your pores with a facial steamer or steamy shower. This reduces your risk of scarring by making extractions easier.

Before you start, inspect your blackhead. If it looks like skin has grown over the top, don’t do it. You need a Dermatologist or Esthetician to use a sterile tool and open up the pore. If it looks open, proceed with caution.

Use your fingers by placing your clean fingertips on either side of the blackhead and press gently to squeeze the debris out. Repeat in a clockwise motion. You can also use 2 fresh Q-tips instead of your fingers.

Blackhead Extractor Tool

Use an extractor tool that is slightly larger than the blackhead. Place the tool directly on top of the blackhead and gently press until the gunk comes up. Repeat in a clockwise motion.

Blackhead Vacuum

Blackhead vacuums can be a quick way to get out stubborn blackheads and maintain clear skin, or they will leave you with face hickies. So be careful if you’re going to try it.

These aren’t recommended by Dermatologists but are still very popular. Make sure to use the lowest setting and keep the suction moving constantly on your face. Get one with adjustable suction, assorted probe sizes, and a rechargeable battery. You can even watch the extraction up close with a built-in camera.

Blackhead Removal Videos

You can either watch blackhead removal videos to learn how to remove blackheads safely or for that oh so satisfying extraction. These blackhead removal videos are great for both.

How To Prevent Blackheads

Now that you’ve gotten rid of your blackheads, or are on your way, keep them from coming back with these tips.

• Double cleanse your face and use microcellular water to remove makeup, sunscreen, and skin care products before bed and before and after getting sweaty at the gym
• Use skin care products with AHAs, BHAs, and/or Retinol
• Get routine facials or give yourself one at home every week
• Stop touching your face
• Wash your pillowcases, sheets, and towels in hot water and more often
• Change out of sweaty clothes after exercising, especially if you get back acne
• Clean and disinfect the surfaces of your home, computer, and cell phone at least once a week