Acne is a very common issue that a lot of people struggle with. Acne can be categorized into various types such as papules, pustules, whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts. Of these, blackheads are usually the most prevalent. But what exactly are they and how are they caused? We have you sorted with everything you should know about blackheads.

How are blackheads different from sebaceous filaments?

Sebaceous filaments are natural specks on your skin that keep it moist and healthy. These are light grey or sandy. On the other hand, blackheads are bumps that appear like black dots and are formed due to the clogging of pores. You can spot the difference between the two by closely observing them on your skin. The table below shows the major differences between sebaceous filaments and blackheads.

What are blackheads?

Blackheads are small bumps that are caused on the face due to clogging hair follicles. These are called so because they appear like small black spots on the skin. Blackheads are filled with excess oil and dead skin.  

Why do I get blackheads?

The skin is composed of hair follicles. When these are clogged with dirt and excess oil, they get blocked. On exposure to atmospheric oxygen, these clogged hair follicles oxidize, thereby, turning black. Such black spots present on the skin surface are termed blackheads.

There are several reasons why blackheads can be caused. Blackheads on the face mostly occur due to hormonal changes, increased sebum production and accumulation of dead skin cells. Moreover, bacterial action and abnormal keratin formation can also cause blackheads.

How can blackheads be treated?

With the market brimming with skincare products, there are umpteen ways of blackhead treatment. Let’s take you through some methods that can be put to use to get rid of blackheads.

1. Medications

   The safest way to treat blackheads or any skin issue for that matter is by consulting a dermatologist. If you are facing blackhead issues, get in touch with a good skin expert. They will assess your problem and prescribe the appropriate medications to treat them the right way. Topical and oral retinoids are some of the most effective blackhead medications.

    

   

   Alt text: Treat blackheads with medications

2. Chemical peels

   Another effective method of tackling blackheads is opting for chemical peels. Such skin care products facilitate the unclogging of pores and removal of dead skin cells, thereby, cutting down on the production of blackheads.

   With time, the top layer of the skin gets peeled off with the action of chemical peels. Thus, the smoother skin beneath this layer is exposed. Glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels are the most popular among the chemical peels used for blackhead removal. DermDoc's 10% Glycolic Acid Peeling Solution is a great option, to begin with.

3. Laser skin treatments

   Laser skin treatments use small light beams to cut down on bacterial action and reduce oil production in the skin. These pulsating beams of light facilitate the removal of blackheads. It is one of the most popular and effective ways of blackhead treatment.

4. Use skincare products with salicylic acid

   Salicylic acid is an active ingredient that helps treat blackheads because it targets the elements that cause the clogging of pores. Besides that, it helps in controlling sebum production, soothing sunburns and removing dead skin cells.

    

    

   

    

    

   You can use skincare products with salicylic acid if you observe the presence of blackheads on your face or any other acne-related problems. DermDoc’s 2% Salicylic Acid Face Serum is a great option to start with. You can also get your hands on the DermDoc 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash for Acne.  

5. Blackhead extraction by professionals

   One of the safest ways to treat blackheads is by getting them extracted by a skincare expert. Dermatologists use a wide variety of methods to extract blackheads and whiteheads in the gentlest way possible. This process is usually the best one to opt for when all the other methods of blackhead removal prove to be a failure. 

   Microdermabrasion is one of these methods that help you in getting rid of stubborn blackheads. In this process, dermatologists use a special instrument to sand the skin, thereby, removing bumps such as blackheads.

Things you should avoid while removing blackheads 

Now that you are acquainted with various ways of treating blackheads, here are some tips that you should certainly avoid while removing blackheads. Keep these in check and make blackhead removal an easier and better process.

1. Avoid excessive scrubbing

   Excessive scrubbing can strip the skin of its natural oils. Therefore, you should avoid it at all costs. Moreover, use exfoliants that are gentle on your skin so that it does not cause any kind of irritation.

2. Do not pick your blackheads

   Picking blackheads or popping pimples can deepen the issue, thereby leaving acne scars on the skin. Thus, you should not pick on them, instead, go for skincare products that help you in calming acne and reducing its effects.

3. Don't sleep with makeup on

    

   

   This one is a big no-no when it comes to avoiding blackheads and similar issues. Sleeping without removing makeup can clog your pores. This, in turn, makes your skin more prone to getting blackheads and amplifies the problem.

4. Not wearing sunscreen

   Sunscreen helps in keeping your skin safe and protected from the harmful rays of the sun. Therefore, not wearing sunscreen can make your blackhead problem worse while causing more damage to the skin.

5. Improper cleansing

    

    

   

   Cleansing is an essential step in every skincare regime. It helps in the removal of excess oil, dirt, grime and other impurities that get deposited on the skin's surface throughout the day. Therefore, improper cleansing can lead to the percolation of these impurities deep inside the skin surface, causing more blackheads.

Ingredients that are great for removing blackheads

Blackheads can be removed or prevented by inculcating certain skincare ingredients in your skincare regime. Here are some that can help you considerably.

1. Salicylic acid

   Salicylic acid is a savior for acne-prone skin. It enables deep cleaning of pores and removes excess oil. DermDoc’s 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash is a great product for you to start your journey with this ingredient. 

2. Benzoyl peroxide

   Benzoyl peroxide facilitates loosening of dead skin cells, thereby helping in their removal. Moreover, it targets the bacteria and dirt that get deposited on the skin surface and causes breakouts.

3. Glycolic acid

   Glycolic acid exfoliates the top layer of the skin and cleans out the hair follicles that encompass excessive oil. It also boosts the production of collagen, leading to the repair of dead skill cells. DermDoc’s 5% Glycolic Acid Face Toner will work wonders for you if you have blackheads.

Giving blackheads a tough fight

Blackheads are one of the most common skin problems, so there is nothing that you should worry about. Instead, consult a dermatologist and do your research before starting on any skincare product.

You can also check out DermDoc’s extensive range of products and go through our blogs to find out the skincare product that is a perfect match for you. Shop now and find your skincare buddies to give blackheads a tough fight!