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.