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What Are Blackheads and How To Prevent Them?

Dr. Abhishtita Mudunuri

3 Min Read

Blackheads are a type of acne that appear when hair follicles get clogged with dirt, oil and dead skin. These are a mild type of acne that mostly appears on the face. Sometimes they can also appear on other areas of the body such as the back, chest, neck, arms, and shoulder.

These blackheads are open bumps on the skin and are often covered with excess oil and dead skin. Although it appears like there is dirt inside the bump, the dark areas are caused by an uneven light reflection from the obstructed follicle. In this article, we will look into the causes of blackheads and how to get rid of them with the help of a dermatologist.

blackheads on arms MFine

How do blackheads appear?

The skin has oil glands that produce an oil called sebum. When hair follicles get clogged with this oil along with dead skin, a bump is formed on the skin known as a comedone or comedo. If the tip of this comedone is closed, then a whitehead is formed if it is open, then due to exposure to air, it turns black forming a blackhead.

Factors that can increase the risks of forming blackheads are-

Oily skin, prolonged use of excessive makeup and makeup mistakes
The buildup of skin bacteria in pores and frequent exposure to dust and pollution
Undergoing hormonal changes due to various factors that increase oil production
Taking certain kinds of medication and comedogenic skin products

how blackheads are formed mfine

How to prevent blackheads?

Because of the black colour, blackheads are pretty easy to spot and unlike pimples, they are not painful. Just because they are not painful, doesn’t mean it’s okay to pinch or pick them out. This can lead to unnecessary scarring. Mentioned below are some tips that can help in getting rid of blackheads once they appear-

Avoid pore strips and extractions

While they can clear the dirt from skin pores they can also rip out essential elements such as oil and hair follicles which can lead to dryness and irritation. Read more on how to take care of your dry skin during winter.

Exfoliation

While exfoliation may not be right for certain kinds of acne, it works for blackheads. Exfoliation using AHAs and BHAs can remove dead skin from the face and also help in removing the existing blackheads.

Retinoids

Retinoids are also an effective treatment for blackheads and can be used for really stubborn cases. They fight blackheads by unclogging the pores and are available as OTC medication.

Clay and charcoal masks

Clay and charcoal masks are both deep cleansers that are a must for those with oily skin. They can both root out impurities from deep within the pores. Certain clay masks also come with sulphur which helps in the breakdown of dead skin cells.

Skincare Routine To Reduce Blackheads

Wash your face twice a day

Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to wash your face twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime. Avoid over-cleansing, as this can strip your skin of its natural oils and worsen acne.

Moisturize your skin

Moisturizing your skin helps keep it healthy and hydrated. Choose a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type. Avoid irritants. Certain substances can worsen your skin, along with harsh chemical substances, fragrances, and dyes. Avoid using products that include these components.

Avoid Comedogenic products

Avoid products that include substances known to clog pores: Isopropyl myristate, mineral oil, and lanolin are among the substances that can block pores. Examining the ingredients list before purchasing is crucial because these components are present in a lot of skincare and makeup products.

Summary

Depending on how deeply embedded they are in your skin, blackheads may occasionally disappear on their own. Blackheads are more likely to disappear on their own if they are near the skin’s surface. On the other hand, certain blackheads may be firmly implanted in your skin.

The best way to fight blackheads is to take precautions and follow proper skin hygiene. Things like not sleeping with makeup on, using non-comedogenic skin products and routine visits to dermatologists go a long way in ensuring healthy skin free from all types of acne. Download the MFine app and consult the best skin specialists from your city.

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Written by

Dr. Abhishtita Mudunuri

Dr. Abhishtita Mudunuri is an Internal Medicine Physician Diabetologist with over 10 years of experience in treating lifestyle disorders like Diabetes, Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, etc. She has worked previously at Columbia Asia, Sunshine Hospitals, and Apollo Group of Hospitals. Currently, she is working as a Senior Manager and Diabetologist at MFine.

What Are Blackheads and How To Prevent Them?

How do blackheads appear?

How to prevent blackheads?

Avoid pore strips and extractions

Exfoliation

Retinoids

Clay and charcoal masks

Skincare Routine To Reduce Blackheads

Wash your face twice a day

Moisturize your skin

Avoid Comedogenic products

Summary

Request a Call Back

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