Blackheads | Causes and Treatment - Farashti: health, beauty, and fitness

Blackheads are a prevalent condition that we have all experienced. They are associated in our minds with adolescence because their appearance on the facial skin begins at the age of transition from childhood to adulthood. However, the real problem is that they do not stop at adolescence, but rather continue for many years, causing many people to worry about getting rid of them.

Indeed you tried weekly exfoliation and daily cleansing of your skin and underwent skin cleansing sessions to get rid of those damned heads, however, after a short period, they reappeared again! That’s okay, fortunately, restoring your healthy skin and preventing these annoying pimples is easy if done correctly. This is what you will find in this article.

What are Blackheads

They are small dark bumps, consisting of the accumulation of dead cells, bacteria, and oils in the opening of the pores. The melanin in the oil turns black when exposed to the air due to the oxidation process, forming blackheads, so this name is given to them.

The oil secreted by the pores helps moisturize the hair and skin naturally, and is drained from the pore openings on the surface of the skin. When these openings are clogged, oils and bacteria accumulate in the pore opening in the form of blackheads, and therefore these heads are considered the first stage of acne formation, and it is easy to recognize. However, it is clear and apparent and does not require a specialist to diagnose it.

The Difference between Blackheads and Whiteheads

If the oil accumulates without an opening to drain it, whiteheads appear. If it drains through the pore openings, they appear black. Their color changes to black due to their exposure to oxygen.

Blackheads Causes

Sebaceous glands are located all over the body, and most of them are connected to hair follicles. Sebaceous glands release sebum, whose mission is to moisturize the skin and hair, but increased sebum secretion leads to the appearance of blackheads.
Increased bacteria on the skin.
An increase in the secretion of creatine, which helps in the formation of skin, hair, and nails.
Using cosmetics and skin care products may lead to clogged pores.
Elevation of the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), especially in puberty and adolescence, leads to increased secretion of the sebaceous glands.

Blackheads Treatment

There are some medications that help treat this problem, such as:

Salicylic acid:A common medicine for treating blackheads. It does not require a prescription and is found in most skin cleaning products. It breaks down dead skin cells and drains excess oils before they accumulate in the pores, and removes the upper layer of damaged skin. When you choose a lotion to cleanse your skin, check that it contains Salicylic acid. This acid may be harsh on some people’s skin, so try it every two days instead of daily to ensure it is suitable for your skin.
Azelaic acid: Wheat, barley, and some other grains contain azelaic acid, whose mission is to kill microorganisms on the skin and reduce swelling.
Retinoid (Vitamin A): It helps get rid of both types of irritating pimples and prevents clogged pores, but it causes skin peeling, so use it not daily. Retinoid also makes the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet rays, so avoid exposure to the sun after use, and it is best to use it before bed.
Blackhead extraction:There are many blackhead extraction tools in stores, but health experts recommend not trying them at home; because it may lead to deep scars on the skin. It is better to go to a skin care center and seek the help of specialists in this field because they have specialized tools to extract them correctly without irritating the skin.
Skin brush: The skin brush cleans accumulations and dead skin cells and prevents their accumulation in the pores. It also slows down the signs of aging, but specialists must be consulted to use it correctly, and the skin must be well moisturized after using it, as incorrect use of the skin brush may lead to the appearance of acne.
Benzoyl peroxide: Available as a lotion or gel that targets acne-causing bacteria. It does not require a prescription, but it may cause skin irritation and dryness.

Also read: Acne is Not Only for Teenagers!

If your blackheads do not respond to the previous treatments, you need to consult a skin health specialist, who may offer you one of the following treatments:

Oral antibiotics: Antibiotics reduce the bacteria that cause these heads to appear.
Stronger Retinoid: Stronger than regular retinoid, requires a prescription.
Microdermabrasion: Removing the top layer of the skin opens the clogs that block the pores and cause blackheads. The dermatologist uses a specialized tool to microdermabrasion the skin and remove damaged skin.
Laser skin peeling: Laser skin peeling targets blackheads by directing short, central light rays to the affected area. The rays reduce the amount of oils secreted by the sebaceous glands.
Chemical peeling: A gentle chemical solution is used to remove layers of skin and accumulations that cause the appearance of annoying bumps.

Also read: Chemical Peeling | Benefits and Types

Blackheads Natural Treatment

There are natural and home remedies that help treat these annoying headaches, including:

Green tea leaves: Green tea is a natural antioxidant that gives blackheads a dark color. Wet green tea leaves also help reduce oil production in the skin. Soak dry green tea leaves in water, and in circular motions, massage your face with the wet green tea leaves on your skin for 30 minutes. Wash your face after finishing with warm water.
Exfoliating with sugar or salt: Natural exfoliants remove dead cells from your skin. After wetting the skin, apply the sugar and salt scrub to the affected area and massage in circular motions for 30 seconds. Wash your face with warm water after that.
Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil can prevent bacteria from growing on the skin of the face. Moisten a cotton piece with a small amount of tea tree oil, rub the affected area gently, then wash your face with warm water.
Cinnamon and honey mask: Cinnamon stimulates the tightening of pores, while honey is a natural antibacterial. When they combine, they form a miraculous solution to the problem of blackheads. To make a cinnamon and honey mask, mix two tablespoons of honey with one tablespoon of cinnamon. Avoid the sensitive area around the eyes. Leave the mask on your face for twenty minutes, then wash it with warm water. There is another way to use it: After steaming your face, make a honey and cinnamon mask. Apply a small amount of the mask to the affected area in the form of a thin layer, then place a clean cotton strip over the mask, once the mask becomes dry, remove the tape. Wash your face with warm water, and make sure to moisturize your face after using this mask.

Blackheads Prevention

Although the problem of blackheads is a stubborn problem, it will not overcome the right skin care routine. Also read: Oily Skin Care Routine

Steps to Prevent Blackheads

Choose oil-free beauty products and foundations that do not clog pores.
Remove your makeup well before bed.
Use a skin wash proven to remove excess skin oils without over-drying the skin
Exfoliate regularly with products containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids to get rid of dead cells and keep your skin clean and fresh.
Look after your diet: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an effective solution for obtaining healthy and smooth skin. Maintain the intake of beneficial healthy elements, drink plenty of water, and protect your skin well from the sun’s rays by using a sunscreen suitable for your skin. Also read: Get to Know the Sunscreen
Wash your face well when you wake up, after sweating, and before going to sleep.
Use alcohol-free skin products. Avoid rubbing your skin vigorously with a towel.
Do not touch your face because you are contributing to the increase of bacteria on the face
Avoid exposure to sunlight, as some acne medications make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Wash oily hair with shampoo regularly. Also read: Natural Hair Care Masks
Change pillowcases and face towels frequently.
Do not squeeze the heads because this will exacerbate the problem and not solve it. You may remove what is inside the pores and leave a scar. In addition, the open pores will fill with bacteria over time.
Avoid cleansers that contain alcohol or oils as they may irritate your skin.
Use a clay mask regularly: Clay mask is excellent for treating skin problems, as it removes dirt and dead skin from the pores, and contains essential vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin.

Blackheads Treatment in the Ears

Some people may suffer from blackheads in the ears. Treatment is using the same methods for the rest of the body, but it is difficult to know how deep they are, so it is best to avoid their appearance and prevent them by the following methods:

Wash your ears: The ear is very sensitive and needs regular cleaning. Use ear cleansing products using a clean cotton swab and ear cleaning sticks.
Chemical peeling and laser peeling.
Avoid touching these heads or trying to squeeze them, especially since you cannot see them well, as this may cause scars.
Seek the help of a dermatologist to treat them properly and remove the heads safely.
Pay close attention to what you put inside your ears, such as earphones that need to be cleaned periodically, as well as mobile phones, scarves, hats, towels, and head pillows, all of which may transfer bacteria to your ears, so you must pay close attention to their cleanliness.

Prevent Blackheads on the Nose

You may be wondering how to prevent the appearance of annoying bumps on the nose. This is done, my dear, by constantly cleansing the skin using a skin wash that contains salicylic acid or retinoid acid, which works to get rid of skin secretions and prevent the formation of annoying bumps, in addition to exfoliating weekly to preserve the new layers of the skin, and getting rid of damaged ones. Natural exfoliants such as sugar, salt and coconut oil can be used.

Remove Blackheads at Home Quickly

Steam can be used to quickly get rid of blackheads at home. Bring a pot of boiling water, place a towel on your head and let the steam rise to your face. Steam makes the skin sweat, and thus toxins come out from within. After five minutes, massage your face with coconut oil in circular motions. You can use natural exfoliants such as sugar and salt to exfoliate your skin, then use rose water to close the pores and moisturize the skin.

Blackheads are a common problem, but the solution is very simple. The best way to get rid of them is to avoid the factors that cause them and follow a regular routine for cleaning and caring for the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions about Blackheads

Is toothpaste useful in treating blackheads?

Using toothpaste is a well-known cosmetic trick, but its effectiveness has not been proven, in addition, it may contain substances that are harmful to the skin.

Do chocolate and fatty foods cause blackheads?

Some people advise avoiding fatty foods and chocolate, especially in hot countries, to avoid getting blackheads and acne, but studies have shown that foods do not cause blackheads or make them worse.

How do I get rid of deep blackheads?

Deep blackhead extraction is performed by a dermatologist or medical esthetician who uses a small metal tool with a hard-ended ring to apply even pressure to the blackhead and safely extract it.

Do blackheads go away on their own?

It is possible for the blackheads to disappear on their own, depending on their depth in the pores. If they are close to the surface of the skin, they may disappear on their own. If they are deep inside the skin, they are difficult to disappear without treatment.

Why do blackheads appear on the nose?

Blackheads are usually found on the nose, due to clogged skin pores around the nose. The nose is a neglected area of the face in terms of exfoliation and cleansing. The nose also contains sebaceous glands that lead to increased oil secretion, and the oil mixes with bacteria and dirt to form blackheads.

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