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How To Prevent and Treat Blackheads
Struggling with blackheads? Ok, let’s be honest…who isn’t. Blackheads are notorious for being relentless and difficult to treat, especially around the nose and chin area. Squeezing blackheads won’t get rid of them—in fact, it’ll probably do more harm than good. Read on to learn how to get rid of blackheads the right way
what are blackheads?
Blackheads are a mild type of blemish that develops when dead skin cells and oil build up within open pores. The contents of the clogged pores darken, or oxidize, when exposed to the air, making the blemish look like a black speck on the skin. Whiteheads, on the other hand, occur when oil and dead skin close off hair follicles or sebaceous glands (oil glands) and form a closed bump on the skin, and they look white or yellowish in appearance.
They typically develop on the face’s oiliest areas, including the forehead, nose, and chin (otherwise known as the T-zone).
Several factors can make you more susceptible to blackheads. For example, your skin type plays a huge role in how likely you are to develop blackheads. Those with oily skin are more prone to developing blemishes because their skin produces more pore-clogging sebum. Other factors that can cause or worsen blackheads include genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors, including sun exposure.
Blackheads occur when the pore is clogged, caused by a buildup of dead skin cells.
Whiteheads occur when the pores become clogged with dead skin cells, oil, or bacteria.
how to remove blackheads?
1. exfoliate all over
Exfoliating helps clear the skin of dead skin cells and other debris, which results in smoother skin and fewer clogged pores. We recommend reaching for out for products containing a chemical exfoliant such as salicylic acid (a type of beta-hydroxy acid). Salicylic acid can dissolve in oil, so it’s very effective at clearing clogged pores.
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2. treat problem areas with Salicylic Acid
Apply an antibacterial serum such as Age Bright Clearing Serum daily to help kill breakout-causing bacteria. Salicylic Acid can also be found in a range of products such as face washes, exfoliant and serum.
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3. pro clear treatment
To quickly clear existing blackheads, see a professional skin therapist for blackhead extractions. The pro clear skin treatment helps to decongest, reduce inflammation, whilst addressing post-breakout hyperpigmentation using professional-grade actives and skin-soothing techniques, leaving skin balanced, hydrated and clear.
how to prevent blackheads?
1. cleanse your face thoroughly
Double cleansing typically consists of two parts – an oil cleanser followed by a gel or foaming cleanser. Oil cleanser is no secret nowadays, but did you know oil cleanser can still be used even if you have an oily skin type? Oil actually attracts oil (crazy, I know), so if you have oily skin, this will actually help to pull the oil out of your skin from the places we don’t want it building up. Oil cleanser also helps to break down makeup, dirt and build up that accumulates throughout the day.
2. use a masque to absorb excess oil
Once or twice a week, apply a masque designed to help soften and clear blackheads. Look out for oil-absorbing clay, such as Sebum Clearing Masque that helps detoxify the skin.
3. balance your skin with a toner
Toner is a great tool with many benefits including combating dirt, oil and of course… blackheads. It also helps to balance your PH level, which indicates whether your skin is oily or dry. The natural PH level of your skin should sit at about 5.5. (being too far off in either direction can result in oiliness or dryness). What really sets toner apart from all the other steps in your skincare regimen is molecular size (apologies for the high school chemistry flashback, but this is something you should actually know). Toner, similar to water, has a very small molecular size, meaning it can penetrate deeper than most other products. Blackheads usually live pretty deep under the surface of the skin so the further the product can penetrate, the better.
4. hydrate your skin
Wear a moisturizer every day, even if you have oily skin. When your skin’s moisture levels are imbalanced, your skin produces excess oil to compensate. A moisturizer helps regulate sebum production to prevent excess oil from clogging your follicles. Of course, it’s crucial to find the right moisturizer for your skin type to avoid further breakouts or irritation.