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Blackheads are one of the most common skincare concerns, and yet it can be difficult to understand how to approach these blemishes without worsening them.
It often seems like dermatologist advice is limited to saying “don’t pick at your skin,” and rarely recommends a real routine you can start implementing to reduce the appearance of blackheads and feel more confident in your skin.
With that in mind, we asked experts for the real deal when it comes to blackheads–what they are and how we can treat them. Keep reading for their answers!
What Are Blackheads?
First, we asked dermatologists to spoke to explain exactly what blackheads are and how they form.
Dr. Anna H. Chacon, board-certified dermatologist and expert medical writer for the ZELEN Life blog, tells SheFinds, "Blackheads are also known as open comedones, and are one of the primary and most common skin lesions seen in acne."
Dr. Adam Mamelak, an Austin-based dermatologist, adds that these open comedones form "when greasy secretions from the skin’s sebaceous (oil) glands combine with dead skin cells."
He explains, "This excess oil (called sebum) and the dead cells stop up the tiny openings of hair follicles on your face, shoulders or back. Then the bacteria that occur naturally in healthy hair follicles start to accumulate, clogging up the pore even more."
The end result is what we call a blackhead.
According to Dr. Mamelak, the clogged pore looks dark because it is open (aka exposed to the air): "Because the plug is exposed to air, the plug material oxidizes and darkens, causing a blackhead. Blackheads are slightly raised or flat with a dark center."
How Can I Prevent Them?
There are many different methods you can use to start treating your blackheads and preventing ones in the future--but you definitely should not pick at them.
"If you are dealing with blackheads, it is important not to pick at your skin," Dr. Chacon says. "If you pick at your skin you run the risk of developing acne scarring, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and further breakouts from picking at your skin."
Instead, you could try a few different topical treatments. Chacon says that retinoids are a popular choice as well as benzoyl peroxide cleansers.
Kerry Benjamin, aesthetician and founder of StackedSkincare, recommends updating your skincare routine to combat blackheads. She tells SheFinds, "I recommend dermaplaning weekly followed by an application of a TCA Face Peel."
Benjamin explains, "Our TCA Peel has salicylic acid that will assist in controlling excess oil production and dislodging debris from the follicle. It works even better post dermaplaning as the peel will penetrate deeper into the skin."
She also suggests changing your pillow cases on a regular basis--every two days for those with oily skin--to prevent future breakouts.
