HOW TO GET RID OF BLACKHEADS:
THE SOLUTIONS TO TRUST AND THE PITFALLS TO AVOID

3 min read

Blackheads or “open comedones” are blocked pores that may resemble tiny specks of dirt, but in fact are blocked pores where the mixture of sebum and cells has darkened in contact with the air. They appear most commonly on the nose and central part of the face. To treat blackheads:

• Look for products with salicylic acid. It’s your anti-blackhead saviour
• Still not satisfied? Never attempt a DIY blackhead extraction that can take a minor blackhead problem and turn it into a major breakout!
• See a dermatologist who can prescribe retinoids or perform mechanical extraction
• Don’t use harsh scrubs and astringents, which will only irritate your skin

• Avoid pore strips, especially if you have sensitive skin

WHAT ARE BLACKHEADS?

Blackheads: A symptom of acne

Acne blackheads are easy to spot on the skin. They are dark in colour and slightly raised. Unlike some other spots, they are not inflamed, so will not be painful if touched. Whilst they are a mild type of acne, blackheads can sometimes cause sufferers more stress than other spots due to their obvious colour and their general stubborn nature! Blackheads are mainly found on the central part of the face, but can also spring up on the back, chest, neck, arms and shoulders.

WHAT CAUSES BLACKHEADS?

Acne blackheads, another name for blocked pores

Blackheads are caused by clogged hair follicles. Follicles contain hair and a sebaceous gland, which produces sebum to help keep the skin soft. Dead skin cells and sebum collect and form a ‘plug’, which turns a blackish colour because it is in contact with outside air, which oxidises it, in the same way that cut fruit changes colour when left out in the air.

Blackheads are formed differently to other blemishes, rather than being a result of anything bacterial, they are simply a build-up of sebum. As a result, our bodies really couldn’t care less about them as they don’t threaten us in any way.

Your body might not see blackheads as a threat, but you may be feeling very concerned by these little black marks on your skin! Perhaps you even feel they affect your confidence and self esteem?  

The good news is, it is totally possible to treat blackheads, it may just take a little longer than some other blemishes. Patience is paramount in blackhead eradicationt!

HOW TO GET RID OF BLACKHEADS

Blackhead treatment and removal

When it comes to getting rid of blackheads, salicylic acid is your best friend. This gentle exfoliating acid will unclog your pores and also deal with the problem of dead cell build up by promoting healthy skin-cell turnover. Salicylic acid can be found in a range of products such as face washes, creams, and gels. Remember to always be gentle on your skin to avoid irritation and redness.

What to avoid when treating blackheads

  • Some products that claim to remove blackheads contain ingredients such as alcohol, menthol and eucalyptus. These harsh ingredients will not solve your blackhead problem and may stimulate excess sebum production (in other words, your skin will feel it’s under attack and fight back by producing even more grease!).
  • Though your skin may look “dirty,” don’t attack it with harsh scrubs. This will only cause irritation and redness… and again, they can actually make your skin oilier!
  • Many pore strip brands claim to unclog blackheads. In reality, they only remove the most superficial part of the clogged pore and can irritate sensitive skin.

TROUBLE GETTING RID OF BLACKHEADS?
CONSIDER SEEING A DERMATOLOGIST

If your nose is studded with blackheads, you might benefit from consulting a dermatologist who will prescribe suitable over the counter products such as salicylic acid treatments that you can buy in the pharmacy like - EFFACLAR Duo(+) - or prescription treatments such as retinoids (adapalene). In extreme cases, your dermatologist may perform clinical extraction using sterile tools.

But please leave this to the professionals as DIY extractions can transform a minor blackhead problem into a major breakout!

Click HERE to find out more about expert acne daily skincare options. 

TRUE
OR FALSE

Placeholder

OILY FOODS
EQUALS OILY SKIN.

FALSE Placeholder

Acommon acne myth is that grease on your plate translates to more oil in yourpores, but there is no direct link between the two. However, a diet rich insaturated fat can fuel micro-inflammation in all of the body's organs,including the skin.  In short, bacon andchips won't cause acne, but moderation is the best policy for overall health.
Learn More
Placeholder

CHOCOLATE IS BAD
FOR ANE-PRONE SKIN.

FALSE Placeholder

There is no solid evidence that chocolate has any effect on acne, evenif everyone is different so acne could cause breakouts to some people. Darkchocolate is actually filled with skin-loving anti-oxidants!
Learn More
Placeholder

SQUEEZING A PIMPLE WON'T
DO YOU MUCH GOOD.

TRUE Placeholder

Even if it seems like aquick fix, squeezing a pimple will actually make things worse for your acne-proneskin as it could actually damage the infected hair follicle and increaseinflammation. You could even introduce a new infection with your fingernails.So popping zits is a harmful habit and best avoided!
Learn More
Placeholder

SUGAR CAN MAKE
ACNE WORSE.

TRUE Placeholder

Recent studies haveshown that high Glycemic Index foods - the ones that cause blood sugar to spike- can make acne worse.  We know it's easier said than done, but to keepyour skin happy, steer away from sweets, sugary drinks, and goodies made fromwhite flour and stick to high-fiber foods, like whole grains and pulses, instead.
Learn More

OUR SAFETY
COMMITMENTS

Safety standards beyond international cosmetics regulations.

laroche posay safety commitment product allergy tested model close up

100% PRODUCTS
ALLERGY TESTED

See More
One Prerequisite = Zero Allergic reactions
If we detect a single case, we go back to the labs and reformulate
laroche posay safety commitment formula protection product head

FORMULA PROTECTION
OVER TIME

See More
We select the most protective packaging associated with only the necessary preservatives, to guarantee intact tolerance and efficacy over time.
laroche posay safety commitment essential active dose product head

JUST THE ESSENTIAL,
AT THE RIGHT ACTIVE DOSE

See More
Developed in collaboration with dermatologist and toxicologist, our products contain only the necessary ingredients, at the right active dose.
laroche posay safety commitment sensitive skin model baby

TESTED
ON VERY SENSITIVE
 SKIN

See More
Our products' tolerance is verified on the most sensitive skin: reactive, allergic, acne-prone, atopic, damaged or weakened by cancer treatments.

LEARN MORE ABOUT
WHAT IS ACNE