Blackheads are pretty common skin problem faced by men and women.So how to deal to with them?Is there a cure?Read along to find out more about it!
What are blackheads?
Blackheads are type of acne known as open comedones which appear as dark spots on the skin.They are not inflammatory in nature unlike white heads.It is caused by accumulation of sebum and dead skin cells which clogs the hair follicles.The dark colour is because of oxidation of melanin(skin pigment) with air.They appear on the onset of puberty.Blackheads are known as mild acne which might later form into a pimple or inflamed acne.It appears on face,neck or body.
Causes of blackheads:
- Over-active sebaceous(oil) glands.
- Hereditary
- Lack of hygiene.
- Sleeping with make up on.
- Pore clogging cosmetics.
- Hormonal changes.
Topical Treatments:
Salicyclic acid:It is Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) which is considered to be one of the most effective way of treating blackheads.
Sulphur:It can break down blackheads.
Benzoyl Peroxide:It is antibacterial properties and also prevents excess oil production.
Retinoids:It is one of the strongest acne treatments for acne primarily because it unclogs pores, removes dead skin cells,promoting skin renewal and prevents formation of comedones.
Glycolic acid:It is Alpha-hydroxy acid(AHA) which works on the same lines of retinoids i.e unclogs pores,removes dead skin cells and promotes skin renewal.
Home remedies for Blackheads:
1)Prepare a Paste of Baking soda +Water/Lemon Juice/Apple cider vinegar.
or
Paste of Cinnamon powder+Water/Lemon Juice.
Leave it on 15-20 minutes and rinse with water.
2)Alternatively fresh tomato juice can be applied on the area for 15-20 minutes and rinse with water.
3)Medicated Pore-strips help blackheads.
4)Clay/Mud Packs absorb oil and exfoliate skin.
5)Black-head extraction tool which is easily available for Rs.50 is cosmetic stores.My personal request is please do not try to extract yourself or even in the parlour.Please go to a dermatologist for blackhead extraction.Doctors take precautions to sterilise the tool and do it safely without any complications.
Note:Do not try these home remedies frequently as it can strip skin natural moisture and barrier.May be once a week.It is advisable to seek medical advise.
Note:Do not try these home remedies frequently as it can strip skin natural moisture and barrier.May be once a week.It is advisable to seek medical advise.
Clinical Procedures:
Product Suggestions:
| Type | Product Name |
|---|---|
| 1)Salicylic acid | Saslic/Saslic-DS,Sebonac Gel, Ducray Keracnyl Cream and Cleanser, Kaya Acne-free Purifying Cleanser,Clean and Clear Pimple Clearing Face Wash,Clean and Clear Blackhead Clearing Scrub,Neutrogena oil free acne wash,Loreal Paris Go Clear Deep Exfolaiting Scrub,Clean and Clear Skin Balancing Moisturiser,La Rosche Poschay Moisturiser/Toner/Cleanser. |
| 2)Glycolic acid | Ducray Keracnyl Cream and Cleanser,AHA Glow,Glomed,Glyco-6/A,Olliza Gel,Avene Triacneal. |
| 3)Retinoids | Adapelene,Retino A, Avene Triacneal, Epiduo. |
| 4)Benzoyl Peroxide | Benzac AC,Epiduo/Periduo,Proactiv Cleanser/Toner/Cream,Brevoxyl Face wash. |
| 5)Sulphur | Proactiv Refining Mask, Persol Forte,Acne aid soap/cleanser,Sastid. |
*Some of the products have been reviewed,just click on the respective products for complete review.
*Brands like Vega,Roots,Audrey's,Bare Essentials,Faces sell Blackhead Extraction tool which costs Rs50-100 and can be bought online from Nykaa.com,Healthkart.com,Medplusbeauty.com
*Apple cider vingear also can be bought from supermarkets and online stores like Healthkart.com.
*Baking Soda,Cinnnamom powder is available in grocery stores and supermarkets.
How to prevent blackheads?
1)Wash your face with a good cleanser twice a day.
2)Never sleep with your make up on.Remove make up using a make-up remover like Bioderma Sensibio H20.
3)Change your pillow covers every 2-3 days.
4)Use oil -free and non-comedogenic skin care and cosmetics.
5)Contrary to the popular belief,scrubbing does not help blackheads.It is a myth. In fact it can make it much worse and lead to formation of pimples.
6)Use a AHA/BHA based exfoliator/products.
7)Do not touch your face frequently,it will lead infection.
8)Do not squeeze the blackheads again causes more infections.
9)Wipe your cellphones everyday with rubbing alcohol.Clean your hair accessories,helmets etc.
10)Wash your hair regularly.
My Experience & Final Verdict:
Blackheads is something I did not face often.Rarely I used to get 2-3 blackheads.I had a really bad experience with Parlour Facial where they extracted blackhead which is so painful and I broke out so badly.Most of the parlour staff are not trained to cater the needs of acne prone skin.My Doctor used to extract after Chemical Peeling some times.Using exfoliators like AHA Glow,Epiduo made a lot difference in treating blackheads and acne.Scrubbing does not suit oily and acne prone skin,it aggravates the condition.Best approach to treat them is using gentle exfoliation!
