Acne can be dark—both literally and figuratively! Here’s all you need to know to get rid of those pesky blackhead holes!
If you think acne pus is the most dreadful thing your skin could endure, hold on! Blackheads can also become the bane of your skin’s existence, especially if your pores end up with blackhead holes.
Table of Contents
What are Blackheads?
Blackheads are small bumps on your skin that appear when dirt and oil clog your pores. Fatty acids then oxidize or combine with oxygen. As a result, debris from your pores turn black, hence the term blackheads!
While this mild acne typically appears on the face, it can also be seen on other body parts, such as the chest, upper back, and shoulders.
It’s important to prevent inflammation through exfoliation. This will make blackhead holes look less noticeable. Alternatively, the use of non-comedogenic products such as retinol, a cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide, and even sulfur are alternative options you’ve probably heard of.
What Causes Blackheads?
A variety of conditions can cause blackheads, such as
- Excess sebum production
- Dead skin cells irritating the hair follicles
- Hormonal imbalances
- Certain medications, such as corticosteroids
- Some health conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Blackheads are the most common form of acne. According to several studies, nearly everyone gets blackheads at some point in life. They are most frequent in teens, but up to 10% to 20% of adults also have them.
Some believe that what you eat and drink might impact your skin’s overall condition. Dairy products and meals that raise blood sugar levels may contribute to acne.
To make your skin look tight and radiant, it is essential to have a healthy diet and lifestyle. Start your journey towards a pimple-free life by reading this eBook!
Blackheads usually get worse when you try to prick and squeeze them out. As much as you want to eliminate those dark matters, chill out! There are ways to treat these problems without irritating your pores and damaging the surrounding skin.
Blackheads vs. Whiteheads
You probably already know the basic differences between whiteheads and blackheads in appearance.
But, aside from that, how do these mild forms of acne differ, and what do they have in common?
Blackheads
Blackheads are elevated pimples with a black look on the head. The dark gray or black hue of blackheads is caused by fatty acid oxidation.
Because this type of acne is non-inflammatory, a blackhead should not cause discomfort unless infected.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads are elevated bumps with no opening at the surface. Instead, the oil and debris inside the pore aren’t exposed to air, so the bump’s head appears white as the fatty acid is not oxidized.
Whiteheads are non-inflammatory and do not cause pain likewise.
Blackhead Hole, Not a Blackhole: Why do they Form?
Removing blackheads, big or small, will create a hole in your skin. But don’t worry, those craters are just your pores that got stretched out. This is the consequence of forcefully freeing them from the sebum plugs and dead skin cells.
Seeing holes in your face can be frightening, especially if the void is obvious and distracting!
However, you should never consider “filling them.” Filling them with anything will only block the pore. This might lead to another blackhead or, even worse, an infection.
Prevention and Treatment of Blackheads
Although many therapeutic products promise to prevent and treat blackheads, not all of them have been scientifically tested. Furthermore, what works for one person’s skin may not work for another’s.
Although many therapeutic products promise to prevent and treat blackheads, not all of them have been scientifically tested. Furthermore, what works for one person’s skin may not work for another’s.
The best long-term solution for preventing blackheads is to find the right skincare routine and habits for a person’s skin type. If you’re overwhelmed and want a simple guide, let this highly informative eBook be your light.
Natural Remedies
You can treat and prevent blackheads at home, but home remedies might not be able to guarantee effects.
However, some may be worth a try, especially if your budget is tight and your self-esteem desperately needs a boost!
Green Tea
Green tea may be what you’re searching for if you want a natural, non-chemical solution to cure your blackheads.
Research shows that drinking green tea or applying green tea extract topically has numerous benefits. This includes soothing the lesions, redness, and irritated skin caused by acne.
Skin Gritting
Skin gritting is said to be a method of eliminating dirt from your pores. To remove “grits,” the deep cleansing process involves a series of stages, including oil scrubbing, clay masks, and face massage.
Grits are commonly associated with blackheads. Often, they refer to the grime that fills up a pore.
Turmeric
Before turmeric became a trendy DIY staple, it was used as a skincare component in India and Indonesia. Current studies on its efficacy as an anti-acne therapy are promising.
If you’re up for a challenge, consider making your turmeric face mask at home. Remember that turmeric can temporarily stain skin, so use it at least 24 hours before going on a date if you don’t want an orange-ish face!
Facial Steam
Nothing gets more natural than water! If you’re sick of using product after product, you might like the ease of facial steaming. The heat from the steam will expand pores and naturally clear out facial gunk.
Aside from acne, letting your face soak in steam offers several additional advantages. It moisturizes and calms the skin while also promoting circulation and collagen synthesis.
Medical Treatments
Suppose your blackhead holes are close to becoming Sagittarius A (a supermassive blackhole, pun intended). In that case, a doctor may recommend specialized skin care methods and formulas to treat your skin condition.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acids can help unclog pores. It’s also a great exfoliator but only apply it where you have whiteheads or blackheads.
Retinoids
Retinoids speed up your skin’s cell turnover, which can help remove those blemishes quickly. They even help prevent the reoccurrence of acne while facilitating the healing process.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
AHA products like glycolic acids can help treat blackheads and breakouts while reducing the appearance of pores.
Dos and Don’ts When You Have Blackheads
Exfoliate Regularly
Use a mild exfoliator weekly to remove stubborn grime, makeup, and dead skin cells that cleaning and rinsing may miss.
Avoid Squeezing the Spot
It may be tempting to extract those gunk, but it won’t help. The skin will only be more inflamed, causing scarring. It is best to avoid touching blackheads at all costs.
Avoid Using Pore Strips
Strips can be effective, but the benefits are temporary. Pore strips might peel off regular skin and can cause further damage.
Watch What You Eat
What you eat can significantly impact your skin. Eating the right foods may help you achieve that smoother and clearer skin. Read this eBook if you want to know more about how diet affects our skin.
How to Close Blackhead Holes?
If you’ve got rid of a blackhead and now have larger pores that look like holes, they will shrink back in time. Enlarged pores usually heal on their own without the need for treatment.
Instead, concentrate on preventing those pores from becoming clogged again. Preventing blockages in the pores is your best bet for keeping blackheads at bay.
When you prevent blockages, you’ll also avoid enlarging your pores and making them more visible.
When Should I See a Doctor?
Although acne is a common skin disorder, its effects on overall wellness should not be taken lightly. Acne, in general, can worsen and can become life-threatening if not properly managed and treated.
If your skin condition doesn’t improve with prescriptions and DIY measures, it is best to consult your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Blackheads can be troublesome, but try not to squeeze them out!
If you were unable to resist the temptation, don’t worry. Those holes from enlarged pores will eventually close in time. Take good care of your skin from now on. If the damage from acne does not resolve soon, it may be time to visit your dermatologist.
FAQs
Since blackhead holes are enlarged pores, only time and proper skin management can tell. Enlarged pores may take up to 2 months to close, but remember that they will shrink naturally in time.
Do not fill your pores using any skincare product after having a blackhead removed. You will go back to square one by filling it and re-clogging the pore, resulting in another blackhead.
You should never pinch blackheads. Though tempting, squeezing it will cause irritation. The act will also push the blackhead deeper, resulting in skin scarring and leaving a gaping hole.
If a comedo forms near the surface, it will likely go away on its own. On the contrary, some blackheads might be firmly lodged in your skin. This may require exfoliation or deep cleansing.
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