Trust us, everyone deals with blackheads at one point or another. And although they’re basically harmless and easy enough to cover with a good concealer, we understand that these dark spots can easily make anyone self-conscious about their appearance. Don’t even get us started with how they always appear on the most visible areas like the tip of the nose!
But you don’t need us to tell you how annoying blackheads are. So instead, let’s discuss what causes them and what we can do to prevent them from making an appearance ever again. Because yes, there are things you can try to finally banish those pesky dark spots.
What causes blackheads?
Before we can discuss treatments, we first need to understand why blackheads are a thing. ICYDK, blackheads (also called comedones) form when the pores on our skin get clogged by dirt, excess oil, or debris. These plugs then turn black once they’ve been exposed to oxygen, not because they’re dirty per se.
There are a lot of factors that lead to the formation of blackheads, but the most common include:
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Having oily skin
Those with naturally oily skin are not just more prone to acne, but are also likely to see more blackheads than someone with a normal skin type. This is because the sebum that their skin produces tends to get trapped in the hair follicles, leading to blackheads.
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Hormonal changes
Specifically, an increase in the level of androgen in one’s body can lead to sebum overproduction. If you’ve been getting more blackheads after going on a new medication, hormonal change might be the reason.
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Comedogenic beauty products
Not all beauty products are created equally, and some skincare or makeup items in your stash might be more comedogenic than others. Comedogenic ingredients are those that tend to clog the pores and trigger all sorts of reactions, such as breakouts or blackhead formation. The usual suspects include natural oils like coconut oil, almond oil, and avocado oil.
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Stress
Yup, nothing good ever came out of too much stress, and blackheads are no exception. Stress tends to influence the body’s hormone levels, leading to excessive oil production, which then leads to—you guessed it—pimples and blackheads.
How can I prevent and treat blackheads?
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Never ever squeeze them
As tempting as it feels to pop out those dark spots using your fingers, do yourself a favor and resist the urge. Not only does squeezing cause redness, but it can also lead to inflammation and scarring. Moreover, squeezing can push bacteria deep into your skin and trigger irritation.
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Include AHAs and BHAs in your routine
A healthy dose of mild acids can do wonders for your skin. In addition to dissolving blackheads, AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) can help unclog pores and gently exfoliate your complexion.
Consider using products loaded with AHAs like glycolic acid to buff off dead skin cells without stripping the moisture off your skin barrier. You can also try BHAs like salicylic acid to give your pores a deep clean and treat blackheads.
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Try retinol
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative known for its anti-aging properties. But there’s more to this wonder ingredient than fading wrinkles. When used as a topical skincare ingredient, it helps clean clogged pores and prevents pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads from forming.
Try an overnight retinol serum to help repair your complexion as you sleep and wake up to bright, smooth skin.
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Don’t sleep with your makeup on
Remember that blackheads are ultimately clogged pores. As such, sleeping with your makeup is just asking for more blackheads. When left overnight, even non-comedogenic makeup can get trapped under your skin. Make a habit of cleansing your skin before going to bed and you’ll be thanking yourself in the long run.
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Stick to your skincare routine
Fact: There’s no one-off treatment for blackheads. To keep these pesky spots at bay, you will need to regularly cleanse and exfoliate your skin.
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Book a facial
For when blackheads are persistent, it might be time to book a facial. In a standard facial session, steam will be directed to your face to open up the pores and purge all the nasty stuff. The steps may vary depending on which service or establishment you choose, but it will involve giving your skin some thorough cleaning to treat concerns, such as blackheads.
