The Right Way To Stop Blackheads And Improve Skin Health

The Most Effective Ways to Get Rid of Blackheads and Improve Skin Health

What are blackheads and what causes them?

Blackheads are small, dark spots on the skin caused by clogged hair follicles. They are typically found on the nose, chin, forehead, and other areas of the face. They are caused by excess oil and dead skin cells that build up in the pores, resulting in a blockage. Melanin, a chemical found inside the open pores, creates an oxidation process that causes dark spots on your skin as dead skin cells and natural oil react.

Although blackheads are generally more noticeable on your face, they can also be commonly found on your neck, back, chest, arms, and shoulders. 

Blackheads vs. Whiteheads?

Both blackheads and whiteheads are essentially the same. However, there are minor differences that set them apart.

Blackheads	Whiteheads
Formed when pores become clogged	Filled with bacteria and sebaceous matter when pores become clogged.
Darker from the oxidation of clogged build up small	Small, but firm — usually white or yellow in color
Form of non-inflammatory acne that usually turns into pimples if not removed often often	Often turns into pimples if untreated
Occurs within an open pore, exposing material inside to oxygen occurs	Occurs when pores are clogged and the skin is closed over them

Are blackheads preventable?

Unfortunately, there are no methods to ultimately impede blackheads from forming, but blackheads could be prevented with proper skin care and hygiene. Yes,  Regular cleansing and exfoliation can help remove excess oils and dirt that can accumulate in the pores while avoiding comedogenic ingredients in skincare and makeup products that can stop blackheads from forming.

Using the right products

Before you get carried away with various blackhead removal products like blackhead removal creams, blackhead strips, etc. — it’s important to select products with the right ingredients for your skin type. There is no one-size-fits-all skincare routine for blackhead treatment, after all.

With the goal of keeping your pores unclogged, here are a few steps you can add to your skincare routine to get started:

• Salicylic Acid or Glycolic Acid is a common acne-fighting skincare ingredient that is effective in penetrating deep into the skin and cleaning clogged pores due to their small molecular structure.

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• Moisturizing — A crucial step that shouldn’t be overlooked (even if your skin type is oily) as it helps to calm your skin and restore its protective barriers. Be sure to select a moisturizer that suits your skin type — for example, emollient moisturizers carry a thicker texture that can help soothe dry, itchy, or scaly skin.  

You can’t go wrong by keeping “moderation” in mind. Avoid overdoing your skincare routine and washing your face excessively, because that will only produce more oil.

Maintaining a balanced diet is equally important when maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Try not to overindulge in fast food meals and soft drinks — although grease and sugar aren’t the main causes of acne, they certainly don’t make it any better.

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