Introduction
Ever seen a black pimple on face and wondered what it was and what could have caused this condition? The tiny black pimple-like condition you might notice on your skin is blackheads. What are blackheads, how are they caused, prevention and treatment? If you’re concerned about the blackheads on your skin and need to find answers to these questions, you must read ahead. This article is your guide to dealing with blackheads and blackhead removal for clear skin.
What Are Blackheads?
Blackheads on face, neck, back and chest are open bumps on the skin which are filled with dead skin and excess oil. These are a type of acne that looks like dirt trapped inside the bumps. However, the clogged follicles cause irregular reflection of light that makes these spots appear dark. Unlike it is commonly believed, blackheads are not pimples.
Who Do Blackheads Affect?
Which age group is affected the most by blackheads? It is typically teenagers and young adults undergoing hormonal changes who are affected by blackheads. Nearly everyone is affected by this form of acne at least once in their life. While it is a common phenomenon in adolescents, people in their 20s and 30s might have blackheads as well. As 10 to 20% of all adults have blackheads, it becomes important to know how they affect your body and what are some common blackhead treatment methods. Let us discover the same ahead.
How Do Blackheads Affect My Body?
Why are blackhead and whitehead removal such major concerns? Is there any serious harm that these skin conditions can cause? Blackheads commonly develop on your face, neck, chest and back but they also sometimes appear on the ears, armpits, thighs and butt. This is because oil glands are present all over your skin that produce sebum. Blackheads have no adverse physical effects but can affect you psychosocially and psychologically causing mood swings, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Blackheads are non-contagious and they cannot spread through skin-to-skin contact.
What Are The Symptoms Of Blackheads?
From the previous sections, we can infer that blackheads are a very mild form of acne. This form of acne is neither painful nor does it cause any discomfort. The only symptom of blackheads that you might notice is dark-looking open bumps in your skin. Next, we must look at what causes blackheads which will help you in knowing how to remove blackheads.
What Causes Blackheads?
Blackheads and whiteheads are comedones which occur when sebaceous or oil glands or hair follicles become inflamed. These sebaceous glands are located all over the body most of which are connected to hair follicles. Inflammation in these glands could be due to any of the following reasons:
- Excessive sebum production
- Abnormal keratin formation. Keratin is the protein that makes your hair, nails and skin.
- Increased hormones
- Increased acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
Considering these causes of blackheads, you can find a suitable blackhead removal facial, face mask or other treatment that will work for you.
How Are Blackheads Diagnosed?
In most cases, you will not need a healthcare professional to perform the diagnosis and you will be able to recognise this form of acne on your own. When blackheads develop with other skin conditions, you might want to consult a dermatologist for the same and find the right treatment for the same. Thinking of how to remove blackheads from face, neck, chest, back and other places these might develop? The next section will answer your questions.
What Is The Treatment For Blackheads?
The following are the non-prescription medications for people who might be looking for answers to “How to remove blackheads from nose, chin, chest and back?”
- Salicylic Acid is available and can be used as a salicylic cleanser or lotion. It helps dissolve dead skin cells to prevent your pores from clogging.
- Azelaic Acid kills the microorganisms on the surface of your skin and reduces swelling to relieve inflammation.
- Benzoyl Peroxide should be used as a leave-on gel or wash. It targets the acne-causing bacteria.
- Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that break blackheads and help prevent clogged pores. It is advisable to use retinoids along with your regular moisturizer.
Are There Any Home Remedies For Blackheads?
Looking for home remedies for blackheads? The following ingredients will help remove blackheads naturally at home without any harsh chemicals.
- An antioxidant, green tea helps in controlling the oil production in your skin. Wet green tea leaves massaged into your skin help in blackhead removal at home.
- A sugar or salt blackhead scrub will help exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Scrubbing and massaging in small circular motions for 30 seconds will help give desired results.
- Rubbing a small amount of tea tree oil with a cotton ball on the blackheads helps get rid of them naturally.
Do Blackheads Go Away On Their Own?
In simple terms, yes, blackheads can go away on their own in some conditions. This mostly happens when the blackheads are not very deeply seated in your skin. The closer to the surface of your skin a blackhead is, the more its chances of going away on its own. Deeply embedded blackheads do not go away on their own.
How Do You Prevent Blackheads?
While preventing blackheads is not the easiest of tasks, especially if you are undergoing hormonal changes, the following tips might help:
- Avoid touching your face very often.
- Wash your face with a mild cleanser and use warm water.
- Use moisturizer regularly.
- Try using non-comedogenic products for makeup.
- Always remove your makeup before bedtime.
Conclusion
As we conclude this guide on managing and preventing blackheads, we hope that you have understood the causes of this form of acne and the methods of blackhead removal. If you have oily skin, you are more likely to have blackheads. While they do not cause any other adverse effects, it is always advisable to start blackhead treatment in time and also follow a good skincare routine to prevent them.
