Blackheads: What They Are and How to Treat Them?

Stubborn, troublesome, and unflattering - this sums up blackheads. Appearing as raised, black spots on your skin, blackheads are a sign of clogged pores or comedones. They usually appear around more oil-producing parts of your skin, such as the nose, cheeks, forehead, and sometimes your chin. However, there are plenty of correct ways to practise skincare for blackheads and get blackhead treatment without damaging your skin. Dive right in to know everything:

Keynotes:

• Blackheads are a mild form of acne caused by clogged, oxidised pores and are commonly found on your nose, chin, and T-zone.
• Excess oil production, dead skin buildup, and enlarged pores, are common causes of blackheads.
• While extracting blackheads gives you instant results, long term solutions include skincare with salicylic acid, retinoids, clay masks, and professional extraction.
• You can prevent blackheads with a consistent skincare routine with non-comedogenic, oil-free products and regular exfoliation.

Blackheads are a form of mild acne. They signify that the pores on your skin are clogged but exposed to the surface. This is when the sebum inside your clogged pores gets oxidised, and the blackheads on your nose, chin, and body get their black color. This black color is often misattributed to trapped dirt, but it is in fact the result of oxidation.
 
If you have been observing blackheads more frequently than usual, these may be some of the reasons behind the blackheads on your face.

• Overproduction of Sebum: Be it puberty, lifestyle, or genetics, a number of factors can trigger overproduction of sebum. This sebum can mix with the dirt and impurities on your skin, clogging your pores and leading to blackheads.

 

• Abnormal Shedding: Typically, your skin sheds older skin cells regularly to renew itself. This process is called desquamation. If this process is disrupted, the dead skin cells tend to build up on the surface of your skin and clog your pores, leading to blackheads.

 

• Pore Dilation: Be it age, genetics, or excessive sebum production, the pores on your skin can dilate. These dilated or ‘open pores’ can be more prone to clogging, which may result in blackheads.

While blackheads can appear anywhere on the body, they are often found in areas with more oil-producing pores, like your T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin. These areas have more oil-producing pores, which may be prone to clogging.

• Nose: The nose is likely the most common spot for blackheads. Blackheads on the nose are caused by oil-producing pores that are often larger. This makes them more likely to get clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Since your nose is also constantly exposed to environmental pollutants and touched often, blackheads tend to form more easily here.
 
• Chin: Your chin is also part of the oil-rich T-zone. Hormonal changes, especially during menstruation or stress, can lead to increased oil production and more blackheads. This is also why you may notice whiteheads on your chin.
 
• Other Areas: While less common, blackheads can also appear on the back, chest, neck, and shoulders, especially if you are prone to bacne. These areas are also exposed to sweat and friction from tight clothing or hair products, which may trigger blackheads.

Blackhead Extraction: Pros and Cons

When it comes to removing blackheads, your mind first goes to extraction. While it can seem like the fastest solution that offers immediate results, blackhead extraction isn’t always risk-free. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of this blackheads treatment.

Pros of Blackhead Extraction

• Instant Results: One of the biggest pros of extraction is that it removes blackheads immediately to give you an even skin texture. Using loops, tweezers, or vacuums, you can remove blackheads physically from the pores, making your skin appear cleaner.
 
• Prevents Buildup: When done correctly, removing blackheads can prevent blackheads from turning into inflamed pimples or acne. 
 
• Professional Expertise: Extraction is best done by professionals, where a dermatologist or aesthetician ensures that the process is done hygienically, minimising the risk of skin injuries or infection.
 
• Better Absorption: Clearing out clogged pores can help your serums, exfoliants, and treatments penetrate more effectively, enhancing their performance.

Cons of Blackhead Extraction

• Risk of Skin Damage: DIY or at-home blackhead extractions with improper tools, or even nails, can rupture the skin barrier, leading to redness, irritation, or even scarring. It may also leave your skin with marks or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
 
• Temporary Results: Blackhead extraction doesn’t address the root cause, which is excessive oil production or dead skin buildup. This may cause blackheads to come back.
 
• Possible Infections: Using unclean tools or hands can introduce bacteria into open pores, leading to infection or even worsening acne.
 
• Unsuitable for Certain Skin Types: If you have sensitive, rosacea-prone, or acne-inflamed skin, extraction may worsen the condition.

Blackhead extraction can be effective if done professionally and paired with a targeted skincare routine to prevent recurrence. However, it does not address the root cause of blackheads, which can be dealt with using long-term solutions like exfoliants, retinoids, and non-comedogenic skincare.

Here are some frequently recommended treatments to help clear blackheads:

• Salicylic Acid Cleansers: Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve sebum and exfoliate dead skin. Look for face washes or leave-on treatments containing 1–2% salicylic acid.

• Retinoids: Topical retinoids help increase cell turnover, preventing the formation of clogged pores. Retinoids can also reduce inflammation and improve overall skin texture.

• Clay Masks: Certain clay masks help draw out impurities from pores and control oil production. These are particularly effective on oily skin and can be used 1-2 times a week.

• Chemical Peels: Clinically administered chemical exfoliants with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid or lactic acid can help slough off dead skin. These are great for overall skin renewal and preventing blackheads.

While treating blackheads is one thing, keeping them from coming back is equally important. Here’s how to prevent their recurrence:

• Consistent Skincare Routine: Cleansing your face twice a day, using non-comedogenic moisturisers, and applying sunscreen daily helps keep pores clean and balanced.

• Non-Comedogenic Products: Choose makeup and skincare labelled non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores. Avoid thick creams or oil-heavy formulations, especially in warm weather.

• Exfoliate Regularly: Gentle exfoliation 2-3 times a week, according to your skin type, can prevent the build-up of dead skin cells and oil. Be cautious not to overdo it, as this can irritate the skin and worsen blackheads.

• No Picking: Tempting as it may be, squeezing blackheads can lead to inflammation, scarring, or even more breakouts. Use safe extraction tools or let a professional handle it.

• Oil-Free Sunscreen: Oily sunscreens can contribute to blackhead formation. Opt for gel-based or water-based SPF options that protect your skin without clogging pores.

From exfoliating acids to oil-free moisturisers, there are plenty of gentle yet effective solutions to tackle those pesky black dots. Find dermatologically backed solutions with Eucerin, and remember, consistency is key. 

1. What causes blackheads on the nose and face?

   Clogged pores and oily skin are the main cause of blackheads on your nose and face. When these sebum-filled pores are oxidised, they turn black giving blackheads their appearence.

2. How can I safely remove blackheads at home?

   Using exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids is one of the safest blackhead treatments. However, consult your dermatologist before using very concentrated chemical exfoliants.

3. Which products are best for blackhead removal?

   Exfoliants like salicylic acid, retinol, and niacinamide are amongthe common treatments for blackhead removal.

4. Do pore strips really work for blackheads?

   Pore strips may help you tackle temporarily, however, blackheads may return if you don’t address the root cause like oily skin or large pores.