How To

What are blackheads and how do I get rid of them?

You know those pesky dark spots that appear on your face – more commonly on the nose and no matter how much time you spend squeezing or scrubbing they just won’t budge! These are called blackheads and we’re going to give you some tips and product recommendations to help you treat and prevent them from coming back.

How do blackheads form?

Blackheads are clogged pores/hair follicles that get built up with excess sebum (oil), dirt, skin cells and bacteria. when these clogged pores and follicles get exposed to the air they oxidize, causing them to turn black on the surface.

Why do blackheads form on the nose?

Blackheads can form anywhere on the face/body but the most common place you’ll see them is on the nose. This is because our nose has more oil glands than the rest of the face and more oil = more opportunity for a blackhead to form.

Blackheads VS sebaceous filaments

It’s important to understand that not every black spot on your face is a blackhead. What you’re noticing on your nose and cheeks could also be sebaceous filaments, (pores) which are a normal and important part of your skin’s health. A sebaceous filament is responsible for allowing oil to flow onto the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and protected. However, when sebaceous filaments fill with fats and oils they appear dark, which gives them an appearance similar to that of a blackhead.

How do I get rid of Blackheads?

There are many different things you can do to help clear your pores and keep them blackhead free!

Cleansing your face every day is the most effective thing you can do to help keep your pores clear and clean. You should always wash your face twice a day, especially after you’ve been sweating.

Using chemical or physical exfoliants will help clear away grime and build up. For best results exfoliate 2-3 times a week.

Using topical acids such as salicylic or glycolic acid is extremely effective as they penetrate deeper, which in turn will clear build up from deep in the pore.

Moisturising is a big one, believe it or not! When your skin is dehydrated or dry, you’ll produce more oil to help boost your skin’s surface hydration. Keeping your skin well hydrated will ensure excess oils are kept at bay, which will help stop blackheads from forming.

Note- if you want to get rid of your blackheads quickly via extraction, we’d recommend you see a beauty therapist, esthetician or dermatologist as they are professionals and have the right tools and products to effectively and safely treat your skin. Trying to extract them yourself can damage the skin, result in re-occurring blackheads and even scarring.



Amanda

Amanda

Beauty Editor

A coffee addicted, YouTube obsessed Libran, I absolutely live and breathe all things beauty! I love to try new products and find myself switching things up regularly, as I continue on my ultimate quest to find the perfect flawless base and skin-care regime.


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