Blackheads: How can you get rid of them?

What are blackheads?

Blackheads are irregularities that appear on the skin. This occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Blackheads can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on your face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Blackheads are commonly found on oily skin but can appear on any skin type.

Why do blackheads appear?

Blackheads appear when the hair follicles become clogged due to sebum and dead cells not being able to exit through the skin's surface, causing them to accumulate in the pilosebaceous canal. The accumulation of these can lead to the formation of comedones, i.e. minor irregularities that can be open (blackheads) or closed (blemishes).

This accumulation of sebum and dead cells leading to the appearance of lesions or comedones may be partly due to various causes, such as hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, certain medications and skincare products, stress, diet and lifestyle.

What is the difference between blemishes and blackheads?

Blackheads and blemishes are two types of skin lesions that can appear on the face, neck, chest, and back, and they are often confused. The main difference is that blemishes can be of different types and causes, while blackheads are a specific type of comedone.

Blemishes on the face are skin lesions that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as the accumulation of proteins and debris on the skin’s surface, excessive production of sebum (the skin's natural oil), the activity of the main acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes), excessive sweating and hormonal changes, as well as lifestyle factors such as diet and stress.

On the other hand, blackheads are a specific type of blemish that form when a hair follicle becomes clogged with sebum and dead cells. The blockage creates an environment for bacteria to reproduce, resulting in a small bump that can be open (blackhead) or closed (whitehead).

Blackheads and their types

Blackheads, also known as open comedones, are a type of pimple with a characteristic dark colour due to oxidation of sebum and keratin and a flat appearance. They are common in oily skin and, although they are not usually painful, they can affect the appearance of clear skin and may contribute to other types of skin concerns.

Black and hard pimples

Hard blackheads are commonly known as blackheads. They are a type of non-inflammatory lesion and form when the skin’s pores become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and other debris. Unlike whiteheads, blackheads do not have a coating to cover them, allowing excess sebum and dirt to oxidize and darken.

Whiteheads

Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, can be small and non-inflammatory and have no visible opening in the skin. Whiteheads appear as small white or yellowish bumps that rise above the skin's surface and usually appear on the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin, which are the oiliest areas of the skin.

Whiteheads can be caused by various factors, such as excessive sebum production due to hormonal changes, genetics, using comedogenic (pore-clogging) skin products, excessive sun exposure, stress, and the ingestion of certain foods. Therefore, carrying out good skin care habits aew important, such as using cleansing your skin, using products suitable for your skin type and living a healthy lifestyle.

In addition to these, other types of imperfections can appear in oily or acne-prone skin, and their appearance and formation characterise each. For more information on these, please consult a dermatologist or a skincare specialist.

Removing blackheads correctly

It is important to note that the manual removal of blackheads can be harmful if done incorrectly. If you are unsure how to remove them correctly or have severe acne, it is advisable to consult a Dermatologist for proper advice and treatment.

Removing blackheads step by step

Knowing how to remove blackheads correctly is important to avoid serious injury and infection.

Here's how to remove blackheads in the right and healthy way for your skin:

1. Skin cleansing: Wash your face with a mild cleanser and warm water to remove excess sebum, dirt, and impurities from the skin. It is important not to use hot water or scrub the skin too hard, as this can irritate the skin and worsen imperfections.
2. Gentle exfoliation: Gentle exfoliation can help unclog pores and remove dead skin cells.
3. Application of a warm compress: A warm compress can help open and unclog pores, facilitating the disappearance of blackheads.

It is not recommended to touch the blemishes or blackheads or try to remove them at home as this can cause the entry of more bacteria and dirt, which exacerbates the problem by leading to the appearance of more imperfections. In addition, touching pimples can cause an injury to the skin that generates marks and scars. If you want to remove acne lesions safely, it is advisable to visit a professional.

The targeting of blackheads requires specific products for acne-prone and oily skin, specially formulated to deeply cleanse the skin without drying it out, while unclogging pores to alleviate the problem.

At CeraVe, we know how important it is to take care of your skin. That's why we try to offer products adapted to each skin type and specific need so that you can enjoy effective and tailor-made dermatological care.

How to avoid and target blackheads

To avoid the appearance of blackheads and pimples, it is essential to lead a healthy lifestyle and use products suitable for your skin type to prevent dirt and oil from accumulating in your pores. Here are some good habits you can incorporate into your