How Can Blackheads Be Removed?

    

    Blackheads are a type of acne that look like small, dark dots. Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are caused by excess oil and dead skin cells blocking open pores. If you want to get rid of blackheads, choose a treatment that contains salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids to reduce sebum build-up and dead skin cells.

You can make this cannon yourself, but resist the urge to rip it off. Your dermatologist may recommend professional extractions and peels to remove stubborn blackheads.

Ways to get rid of blackheads at home

You can get rid of blackheads with over-the-counter acne treatments that contain ingredients that help remove dead skin cells and reduce oil production. But don't expect your pores to disappear overnight. It may take 6 to 8 weeks to see results.Skin-friendly treatments you can try at home include: 

Cleanser containing salicylic acid

Washing your face or body with a salicylic acid cleanser dissolves the oil and dead skin cells that clog your pores. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that acts as a chemical peel to remove dead skin cells and reduce the oils that cause blackheads. Salicylic acid can be drying, so use it once a day if your skin is irritated.

Topical Retinoids

Topical retinoids are derived from vitamin A that help increase cell turnover. This effect helps remove dead skin cells from the pores, remove blackheads and prevent clogged pores. Most retinoids require a prescription, but Differin (Adapalene) is available without a prescription. Layering your skin care regimen with salicylic acid and retinoids can be irritating because both products exfoliate the skin. If you use both to treat blackheads, try alternating morning and night if your skin is too sensitive to one or the other. Retinoids also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so avoid applying sunscreen every day.

Benzoyl peroxide and retinoid-containing cleaner

Dermatologists often recommend a combination of retinoid cleanser and benzoyl peroxide to remove blackheads from the face or body. Benzoyl peroxide helps eliminate blackheads by killing excess bacteria on the skin and reducing oil production.

Sulfur and resorcinol treatment

Acne cleansers, lotions, and creams that contain sulfur and resorcinol can help clear blackheads by reducing oil production and dissolving blackheads. Resorcinol also helps remove the buildup of dead skin cells that cause blackheads.

Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) treatment.

Cleansers, serums, and creams that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can help remove blackheads by exfoliating the skin and opening pores. Popular AHAs include glycolic acid and lactic acid. Glycolic acid penetrates deeper into the skin than salicylic acid. Lactic acid, on the other hand, is gentler and ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Is squeezing blackheads beneficial?

 The short answer is no. Squeezing blackheads is not a good idea. Although it's tempting, squeezing blackheads can make acne worse, and dermatologists don't recommend picking any areas with your fingers or nails. Trying to squeeze blackheads pushes clogged oil and dead skin deeper into pores, increasing inflammation and increasing the risk of scarring. This extra inflammation can make blackheads appear more visible and pores appear larger. Touching blackheads can introduce more dirt and bacteria into your pores, which can lead to infection and acne. The safest way to extract blackheads is to consult a professional, such as a dermatologist or esthetician, who will safely remove blackheads using sterile instruments.

Proactive and remedial actions

Be careful not to use pore scrubbers, physical exfoliators, or pore vacuums to remove blackheads. If you have blackheads on your nose, it only clears your pores temporarily. Pore ​​strips do not prevent future clogged pores and are not effective in treating blackheads long term. Exfoliating with an abrasive brush or scrub will not help remove blackheads. These superficial physical exfoliators can't penetrate deep enough into pores to remove the oil and dead skin cells that cause blackheads. Just like squeezing blackheads, blackhead removers can stretch and damage the skin.

Specialized care for blackheads

If you've been trying OTC treatments for blackheads for six to eight weeks, it's time to see a dermatologist. You may need a prescription retinoid to help fade dark spots. Professional procedures such as blackhead extractions, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, hydration or laser therapy can also help clear stubborn blackheads. eliminate the comedian

When removing blackheads, a dermatologist or esthetician will often exfoliate the skin and then use a sterilized metal tool to squeeze the blackhead. Removing blackheads is not preferred as it is time consuming and expensive. However, if other treatments don't help your blackheads, your dermatologist may recommend extractions.

Microblading

Microdermabrasion is an exfoliation procedure that uses abrasive tools to remove the top layer of skin. Professional microdermabrasion can penetrate deeper into blackheads and unclog pores than home remedies. Professional care provides a sterile environment to reduce the risk of infection. Facial microdermabrasion usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes and requires 5 to 16 treatments to remove blackheads. Microdermabrasion may increase the risk of scarring and is not recommended for people using retinoids. Insurance usually doesn't cover microdermabrasion either.

Chemical slicing

Chemical peels are another deep exfoliation procedure that can eliminate blackheads and improve skin texture. In a chemical peel, a dermatologist uses chemicals to remove layers of skin and remove damaged, dead skin. As a result, chemical peels help remove accumulated sebum and dead skin cells that form blackheads. Chemical peels come in different strengths and are available as a refreshing/lunchtime peel, medium peel or deep peel. Depending on the peel, it can cause mild skin irritation or cause severe redness and crusting. It may take a few days to a few weeks for the skin to heal. If your goal is to get rid of blackheads, chemical peels may not be covered by insurance. laser treatment

Photopneumatic therapy is FDA approved for the treatment of blackheads and uses an IPL (intense pulsed light) laser and vacuum to remove dead skin cells and sebum. You may feel burning and itching after your session and it may take several sessions to see results. Visible light devices (such as blue and red light) and infrared treatments in the office and at home cannot treat blackheads.

A brief synopsis

If you want to get rid of blackheads, avoid squeezing or squeezing them to remove pores. Porous strips remove scratches temporarily, but not permanently. Instead, it gets rid of blackheads with skin care ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid, and AHAs that exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce oil production. If you don't see any improvement within 6 to 8 weeks, see a dermatologist. Your dermatologist can safely remove blackheads or prescribe a stronger retinoid. Your dermatologist may use chemical peels or microdermabrasion to resurface the skin and remove blackheads.