|
|
Blackheads
Blackheads are essentially comedones that appear as tiny blackish
dots on the surface of the skin. Blackheads are classified as
acne (acne vulgaris) and are very common in people of all ages,
often occurring on the facial area in cases of teen acne and
adult acne.
Blackheads differ from other types of pimples (whiteheads for
example) in that they are usually very tiny, and can stay the
same size instead of resulting in inflammation. Blackheads can
appear anywhere on the skin where there are pores or follicles,
but are mostly found on the face and arms. If untreated, it
is possible for blackheads to progress into cystic acne or acne
scars. In order to prevent the formation of blackheads, you
need to address acne from the outside and inside by addressing
bacterial buildup, and strengthening the pore from the inside.
How
Do Blackheads Form?
Blackheads form much the same way that other pimples form. When
the sebaceous glands, under the skin, overproduce the natural
oil sebum, it fills the sebaceous duct (and pore) and secretes
on to the skin. In some cases, when mixed with debris or skin
cells, the sebum can clog a pore. When this results in inflammation,
a pimple results. However, when the pore does not become inflamed,
the result is a blackhead. The oils, usually transparent in
color, start to oxidize in the pore and eventually turn a brownish-black
color. The presence of the oil in the pore can also cause the
pore to grow in size. The end result is what looks like a small
black dot (really an open pore clogged with oils) and hence
the name ‘blackhead’.
Blackhead Removal
Treating blackheads can be somewhat different than other types
of pimples in that blackheads will not always disappear with
regular acne cleansing. This is because the oils are clogged
in a pore and the area is not inflamed (for regular pimples,
when the inflammation is controlled, the clogged pore is cleared
in the process). In most cases blackheads will disappear after
regular acne treatment; if they don’t, here are some other
options:
Facial Mask
Facial masks can be used as a form of facial
acne treatment. Many blackhead facial masks are sold over
the counter, and usually only require one to two applications.
Facial masks usually start with a warm solution used to open
the pores of the affected area. The facial mask is then applied
and left on for a prolonged period of time. When the facial
mask is removed, it literally pulls the excess oils from the
open pores, thus removing the blackheads and clearing the skin.
Follow-up lotions that tighten the pores or help the skin (vitamin
A) are sometimes applied as a finishing technique.
Facial scrub
Facial scrubs are also common for treating blackheads both when
addressing teen
acne and adult
acne. Facial scrubs usually contain granules of one form
or another that are also used for exfoliating skin masks. The
scrubbing helps rid the skin of dead skin cells as well as working
its way into clogged pores, loosening them and ridding them
of the materials clogged inside. Facial scrubs can irritate
the skin in some cases and should not be used for blackheads
when other acne is affecting the area. Facial scrubs can be
purchased retail or made via various acne
home remedies.
Blackhead Extractor
Another way to tackle the blackhead removal involves the use
of a professional blackhead remover. These removers typically
contain a sharp lancet for piercing whiteheads and a clean object
for using pressure on blackheads. In some removers, a ringed
device is used to press on blackheads; in other removers a group
of fine loops provides the needed pressure on unsightly blackheads.
Leaving blackheads untreated can lead to cystic
acne.
Pressure Device
There are numerous ‘pressure’ devices that can be
purchased explicitly for clearing blackheads and blackhead removal.
Usually equipped with a ring-link end, these devices are pressed
against the skin surrounding a blackhead. When pressure is applied,
it literally squeezes out the clogged pore. In some cases, a
warm solution is applied beforehand to loosen and expand the
pores.
Blackheads, although they look different than traditional ‘pimples’,
are indeed acne and should be addressed. Once blackheads are
completely removed, a daily cleansing routine will usually keep
your skin clear.
|
|
|
|
