Do you have blackheads on your nose? Chin? Forehead? If so, you’re not alone. Blackheads are one of the most common skin problems in the world. But what are they, and how can you get rid of them? In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about blackheads – including what they are, how they form, and the best treatments for getting rid of them. Stay tuned – we will be discussing each of these treatments in detail in the next few paragraphs!
What You Need to Know About Blackheads
Blackheads are a type of acne characterized by small, dark-colored bumps that form on the skin. They are caused by a build-up of oil and dead skin cells in the pores of the skin, specifically hair follicles. When this happens, the follicles become clogged and the blackhead forms. Blackheads can also form as a result of heavy sweating and/or the use of cosmetics.
It is important to note that blackheads are not pimples. The main difference between a blackhead and a pimple is that pimples are caused by bacteria alone, while blackheads are not. Blackheads form when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, while pimples form when the pores become clogged with bacteria. Pimples are also red in color and can be accompanied by swelling, while blackheads are small and dark-colored.
Although blackheads most commonly form on the face, they can also form on the:
- arms
- back
- chest
- neck
- shoulders
Some people are more prone to developing blackheads than others. Some risk factors for blackheads include:
- hormonal changes (during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, etc.)
- certain medications (steroids, birth control pills, etc.)
- greasy cosmetics
- oily skin
- a humid climate
- a build-up of sweat and bacteria on the skin
How to Get Rid of Blackheads – Top Five Best Treatments
Now that we know what blackheads are and what causes them, let’s discuss the best treatments for getting rid of them. The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your blackheads, as well as your skin type. Here are five of the most effective treatments:
Facial:
A facial is a great way to get rid of blackheads. It involves cleansing, exfoliating, and extracting the blackheads from the skin. Facials can be done at home or at a spa, however facials performed at a med spa generally obtain more dramatic results with less skin irritation. The benefits of a facial are two fold. For starters, facials exfoliate the dead skin cells to prevent blackheads from occurring. Additionally, existing blackheads are also carefully extracted, or removed, during a facial. Facials are one of the best ways to get rid of blackheads.
Laser Therapy:
Laser therapy is a new treatment for blackheads that uses lasers to target and destroy the build-up of bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells that causes blackheads. It can also reduce inflammation to alleviate current breakouts and helps to prevent future breakouts by reducing oil production. Finally, laser therapy helps stimulate collagen to minimize the appearance of acne scars. Overall, laser therapy is a safe and very effective way to get rid of blackheads with little to no side effects.
Before having laser therapy, you will need to temporarily avoid sun exposure. A topical numbing cream will be applied to your skin before the procedure. The laser therapy treatment itself takes about 20 minutes. You will be lying down and the dermatologist will use a handheld device to direct the lasers onto your skin. You may experience some mild discomfort during the treatment, but most people find it to be quite tolerable.
Chemical Peels:
Chemical peels are also an effective treatment for blackheads. A superficial chemical peel is a treatment that uses a chemical solution to remove the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This solution will cause the top layer of skin to peel off, taking the blackheads with it. Superficial peels are ideal for treating mild to moderate acne. Medium peels can also be used, however this type of peel is deeper and extends into the dermis layer of the skin. As a result, however, medium peels can be used to reduce blackheads, as well as the appearance of acne scars.
Microdermabrasion:
Microdermabrasion is another effective treatment for blackheads. Microdermabrasion is a treatment that uses a special machine to exfoliate the skin and remove the dead skin cells. One type of microdermabrasion is known as the diamond-peel treatment. The diamond-peel treatment uses laser-cut diamond tips to remove dead skin cells while also using a vacuum mechanism to stimulate the production of new skin cells. This treatment is especially effective for getting rid of blackheads because it provides a customized approach to exfoliating your skin.
During a microdermabrasion treatment, the therapist will use the machine to exfoliate your skin. This will cause the top layer of skin to peel off, taking the blackheads with it. This normally does not cause any discomfort and can be completed within 20 minutes.
Microneedling:
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is another effective treatment for blackheads. Microneedling is a new, minimally invasive treatment that uses tiny needles to puncture the skin. This causes the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars, including blackheads. Unfortunately, old blackheads can form scars. Luckily, microneedling can be used to effectively eliminate or minimize the appearance of these scars.
During a microneedling treatment, a numbing cream will be applied to the skin and a needling pen or device will be moved over the surface of your skin. The microneedles will pierce the skin and create a series of micro-injuries. This triggers the body to produce new collagen and elastin. The entire treatment takes about 20 minutes.
In Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed everything you need to know about blackheads – including what they are, how they form, and the best treatments for getting rid of them. If you have blackheads, we hope that this blog has helped you to understand more about them and has given you some ideas on how to get rid of them!
.png)
