Blackhead removal causes and treatment - sk:n clinics (2024)

Blackheads also known as ‘open’ comedones are follicles filled with excess oil, debris and dead skin cells which oxidise, giving them a black or dark appearance. Although anyone can suffer from blackheads, they appear most commonly on an oily skin type and can be present at the early stages of mild to moderate acne. Most people will experience blackheads at some point in their lives this can be due to many different factors including excess oil production or an insufficient use of a skincare regime.

As blackheads are most commonly seen on oily skin types, you may be able to identify them if you can see the following signs:

  • Bumpy appearance with black/dark coloured spots, individual or clustered
  • Enlarged pores
  • Excess oil production
  • Build-up of dead skin cells

What causes blackheads?

Blackheads occur when open follicles are filled with excess oil, debris and dead skin cells. When the plug of oil, debris and skin cells is exposed to oxygen a process called oxidation occurs which results in the black/dark appearance. Although most commonly found on the T-zone which includes the forehead, nose and chin blackheads can appear anywhere where follicles are present on the face and body.

There are many reasons why blackheads can appear on the skin, factors that can contribute to blackheads:

  • Non comodogenic products
  • Medications
  • Hormonal influences
  • Lack of good nutrition
  • Lifestyle and stress
  • Free radicals including environmental factors, smoking and drinking
Blackhead removal causes and treatment - sk:n clinics (2024)

FAQs

Blackhead removal causes and treatment - sk:n clinics? ›

Blackheads may go away naturally on their own, but in most cases will need some form of exfoliation or treatment. Regular exfoliation with a good exfoliating product and use of non comodogenic products can help to prevent blackheads recurring, but will not remove existing blackheads.

How much does it cost to get blackheads professionally removed? ›

But it can be expensive, costing around $100 to $200 per session. Or you can try topical treatments, which will take longer to work but are cost-effective and will do the most for you in the long run, since they can prevent future blackheads from forming.

How do clinics remove blackheads? ›

Blackheads can be treated in a number of ways. These include medications, topical creams, manual removal by a dermatologist using a round loop extractor, microdermabrasion, chemical peels or light and laser therapy.

Do dermatologists recommend removing blackheads? ›

The safest way to remove a blackhead is by seeing your dermatologist. Both Berson and Friedman say not to remove a blackhead yourself as you can cause more harm than good.

Can you get blackheads professionally removed? ›

Professional treatments like comedone extraction, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, hydrafacials, or laser therapy may also help remove persistent blackheads.

What happens to blackheads if not removed? ›

The longer you leave a blackhead, the more likely it is to get pushed down even deeper, making it even more challenging to remove. There is also a risk of infection and inflammation if left untreated, as it's possible for bacteria to enter the pore, particularly when it's enlarged with a deep blackhead.

Can a dermatologist remove a deep blackhead? ›

People should not attempt comedone extraction at home, as the risk of infection or scarring is high. A professional dermatologist can extract deep blackheads safely and offer advice on aftercare. It is also important to avoid squeezing the skin to remove blackheads, as this can damage it and worsen its appearance.

Who is qualified to remove blackheads? ›

An esthetician can remove your blackheads during a facial treatment. This is a safe procedure that can help your skin look smoother and prevent breakouts. Blackheads and closed comedones can be extracted. Inflamed acne and milia need to be treated by a healthcare provider.

Where can I go to get blackheads removed? ›

A facial is a great way to get rid of blackheads. It involves cleansing, exfoliating, and extracting the blackheads from the skin. Facials can be done at home or at a spa, however facials performed at a med spa generally obtain more dramatic results with less skin irritation.

Do blackheads go away without popping? ›

Most blackheads are close enough to the skin's surface to attempt safe removal. If you've tried to remove a blackhead and the blockage won't come out, leave it alone for a day or two. In most cases, your skin will clear the blockage on its own if you give it time.

How to draw out a deep blackhead? ›

Deep blackheads should be removed by a medical professional — usually a dermatologist or medical aesthetician. They use a small tool with rigid metal loops on the ends (blackhead or comedo extractor) to apply even pressure to your blackheads.

What is the most effective blackhead remover? ›

  • Differin Acne Treatment Gel. $19.06. ...
  • La Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser. $16.99. ...
  • Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips. $6.79. ...
  • Mele Refresh Even Tone Facial Tonic. ...
  • Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser. ...
  • Clinique Deep Pore Cleanse & Face Scrub. ...
  • Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Clearing Serum. ...
  • The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA.
Apr 5, 2024

How to draw out blackheads? ›

“Gently press on each side of the blackhead until it begins to release,” she says. “Apply slow and even pressure, and once you are able, lightly pinch the tweezers and pull the blacked out material from the skin to extract it. If the blackhead does not release easily, do not continue to attempt the extraction.”

Why are my blackheads so hard to remove? ›

This type of acne develops when oil (sebum) and dead skin cells combine to form a plug that clogs your pores. Sometimes, cleansing and exfoliating may be enough to loosen the plug and draw it out. But if the plug hardens, or it's too deep to access, you might not be able to remove the blackhead on your own.

Is it OK to manually remove blackheads? ›

Squeezing blackheads out with your fingers might be one of the more satisfying ways to remove them, but Dr. King warns that it's not a good idea. "Squeezing blackheads can traumatize the skin, introduce bacteria and damage the pore,which can spread debris and bacteria deeper into the tissue," she says.

What is the best facial treatment for blackheads? ›

Microdermabrasion treatment is a great way to treat blackheads because the microderm vacuum removes the dead cells, sebum and oil that causes blackheads. A microdermabrasion treatment lasts about 20-60 minutes. Your SSNY skincare expert will apply a treatment masque to smooth your skin further afterward.

Are blackhead extractions worth it? ›

The short answer: Yes, facial extractions can help get rid of acne. The long answer: While it is helpful, extractions are most effective for certain forms of acne, like pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.

Are blackhead removers worth it? ›

Are pore vacuums effective at clearing pores and blackheads? “Pore vacuums certainly can be an effective tool in helping to regularly clear pore congestion, however they're not essential component to a skincare routine,” Reszko says.

How to remove a deep blackhead? ›

For deep blackheads, dermatologists use photopneumatic therapy. The process involves a combination of intense pulsed light lasers and a hand-held vacuum. Using these together allows your dermatologist to get deep into your pores to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum.

How painful is blackhead removal? ›

Your aesthetician will use sterile instruments to remove blackheads from your skin. This process may be a bit uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be too painful.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 6093

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.