What are blackheads?
Blackheads are a type of acne (acne vulgaris). They’re open bumps on the skin that fill with excess oil and dead skin. They look as if dirt is in the bump, but an irregular light reflection off the clogged follicle actually causes the dark spots.
Blackheads aren’t pimples. Pimples are small, painful, discolored bumps with a thick, white-yellow fluid (pus) at the tip.
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Who do blackheads affect?
Blackheads typically affect teenagers and young adults undergoing hormonal changes. However, many adults continue to have acne into their 20s, 30s and beyond. Some even develop blackheads for the first time as adults.
How common is this condition?
Blackheads are very common. Some researchers suggest that blackheads affect nearly everyone during their lives. They’re most common among adolescents, but up to 10% to 20% of adults have blackheads too.
How do blackheads affect my body?
Your face (especially your nose and chin, sometimes your cheeks), neck, back and chest are most likely to develop blackheads. However, oil (sebaceous) glands are all over your body. They release an oily lubricant called sebum that helps keep your skin and hair hydrated and shiny. As a result, though it isn’t common, blackheads sometimes appear on your butt, thighs, ears and armpits.
Blackheads don’t seriously affect your physical health, but they can affect you psychosocially (how society and social groups affect your mind) and psychologically (your self-perception and behavior). Blackheads can cause anxiety, depression, mood disorders and suicidal thoughts.
FAQs
Topical retinoids work on all types of acne but “are especially helpful” for blackheads and whiteheads, she says. Salicylic acid: A type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid penetrates into the pores to help dissolve oil, unclog pores and prevent buildup of dead skin, oil and other debris, Spey says.
What is the best treatment for blackheads? ›
Topical retinoids work on all types of acne but “are especially helpful” for blackheads and whiteheads, she says. Salicylic acid: A type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid penetrates into the pores to help dissolve oil, unclog pores and prevent buildup of dead skin, oil and other debris, Spey says.
What are blackheads and how do you prevent them? ›
Because blackheads are the result of clogged pores, the best way to prevent them is to keep skin clean, exfoliated, and moisturized with the following tips: Reduce oil build-up within pores by cleaning your face in the morning, before bedtime at night, and after you break a sweat.
How do you draw out a deep blackhead? ›
People should not attempt comedone extraction at home, as the risk of infection or scarring is high. A professional dermatologist can extract deep blackheads safely and offer advice on aftercare. It is also important to avoid squeezing the skin to remove blackheads, as this can damage it and worsen its appearance.
What is the fastest way to get rid of blackheads? ›
How to get rid of blackheads at home
- Opt for salicylic acid. “My go-to treatment for blackheads is recommending a salicylic acid wash once a day,” he says. ...
- Use an alpha or beta hydroxy acid cleanser. ...
- Try a retinoid. ...
- Make sure you exfoliate. ...
- Chemical peels. ...
- Microdermabrasion. ...
- Extraction. ...
- Don't pick at your skin.
“Toothpaste and baking soda can both be very damaging to the skin, causing dryness and irritation,” explains Shah. Jegasothy adds, “I have seen more patients have problems from applying toothpaste to their face than to have ever successfully treated their blackheads.” Verdict: Not worth it.
How to remove blackheads with toothpaste? ›
Mix some salt to the toothpaste and apply the blend to your affected skin. You can use a soft toothbrush for applying the paste to your facial skin. Allow the blend to sit on your skin for at least ten minutes, and then scrub it lightly using a toothbrush.
What is the root cause of blackheads? ›
What Causes Blackheads? Blackheads form when a hair follicle in the skin becomes clogged or plugged. Dead skin cells and excess oil collect in the follicle's opening, which produces a bump. If the skin over the bump opens, the air exposure causes the plug to look black, thus forming a blackhead.
What brings blackheads to the surface? ›
Blackheads form when a clog or plug develops in the opening of hair follicles in your skin. Each follicle contains one hair and a sebaceous gland that produces oil. This oil, called sebum, helps keep your skin soft. Dead skin cells and oils collect in the opening to the skin follicle, producing a bump called a comedo.
What happens to blackheads that don't get popped? ›
Hyperpigmentation: The dark color of blackheads is due to melanin oxidation. If you let blackheads stay put and block your pores, they might cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, leaving you with some dark spots on your skin.
Steaming your face is an effective way to open up pores and loosen blackheads. Boil water, transfer it to a bowl, and place your face over the steam (not too close!). Drape a towel over your head to trap the steam. After 5-10 minutes, gently cleanse your face to remove the softened blackheads.
How to remove blackheads with vaseline? ›
Try Clay-based Products
Bentonite and Kaolin clays in particular are known to have a purifying effect, pulling oil from the skin and controlling shine. To try it for yourself, use a clay mask once or twice a week to unclog pores. Everyone experiences blackheads at some point in their life.
How do you get rid of blackheads in 5 minutes? ›
Get Rid Of Blackheads In 5 Minutes. Half lemon and 3-4 drops of honey. Rub the lemon on your face, emphasize the black heads prone areas...
How do you close a big blackhead hole? ›
How do I close a dilated pore of Winer? Your healthcare provider will close large dilated pores of Winer with stitches after removing the contents of the pore.
What treatment can permanently remove blackheads? ›
Laser Therapy:
Overall, laser therapy is a safe and very effective way to get rid of blackheads with little to no side effects. Before having laser therapy, you will need to temporarily avoid sun exposure.
How do dermatologists remove blackheads so easily? ›
Microdermabrasion: A dermatologist uses a specialized instrument to “sand” your skin. Removing the top layers of your skin frees the clogs that cause blackheads. Chemical peels: Chemical peels use a mild chemical solution to remove layers of skin and reduce blackheads.
What kills blackheads on the nose? ›
Several methods and treatments can help get rid of blackheads. Experts recommend using over-the-counter treatments and medications like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide and maintaining a good and gentle skin care routine.
Should you squeeze blackheads? ›
The desire to pop, squeeze, and pick at them. Trust us, we get it: Popping blackheads is both incredibly tempting and can be incredibly satisfying. But the hard truth of the matter is that it won't do your skin any favors and, long story short, experts strongly advise against it.
