Blackheads : how to remove and get rid of them ?
Typically appearing on the nose, blackheads have a fondness for the entire T-zone – i.e. the forehead, chin and nose – which is the most likely to be affected by excess sebum.
First of all, get rid of your 10X magnifying mirror – you’ll see a real difference! Seriously though, you should avoid focusing too much on your blemishes, because you need to resist the temptation of touching them, which will only make them worse. When blackheads get infected, they turn into nasty red spots, and it’s better to have a discreet open comedo than a large inflamed lesion. That said, there are some reasonable strategies you can use to eliminate your blackheads: choose non-comedogenic care products, resist the temptation to touch them, and use targeted treatments.
Choosing skincare products: look for ‘non-comedogenic’ on the label
Typically appearing on the nose, blackheads have a fondness for the entire T-zone – i.e. the forehead, chin and nose – which is the most likely to be affected by excess sebum.
Their formation first and foremost depends on sebum production, controlled by hormones.
But other external factors can also influence the appearance of blackheads. These include cosmetics in the broad sense, i.e. cleansing, care and make-up products. Some formulas are comedogenic, which is why you should always read the label and look for the term “non-comedogenic”, which means that the product does not promote the appearance of spots or blackheads, as demonstrated using tests.
These are BAD ideas! Squeezing blackheads, popping spots and extracting acne cysts are complicated processes that should always be carried out by a beautician or dermatologist. There is a real risk of infection or inflammation.
Miracle solutions can be dangerous and it’s better to exclusively entrust the management of your skin to an expert.
Specialist gadgets such as blackhead removers and comedone extractors pose the same risks and require both expertise – to not damage the skin – and very occasional use. They are highly likely to worsen the situation and lead to extra-large pores that will only be treatable through surgery.
What treatments are available to target blackheads?
The first thing to do is to adopt a care routine dedicated to oily acne-prone skin, with thorough daily cleansing that does not strip the skin to avoid triggering the over-production of sebum.
To treat blackheads, there are specific products containing salicylic acid or vitamin A acid that have keratolytic effects, which means they refine the skin texture by eliminating dead cells that block the hair ducts and cause blackheads. Blackhead strips can also be used, but with caution, and they are not at all suitable for fragile or sensitive acne-prone skin. In all cases, removing the strips can damage the skin and worsen its condition.
Lastly, peels, dermatological skin cleansing and professional lasers can tighten pores and effectively reduce spots and blackheads.
