Can Blackheads Be Treated?

A lot of people wonder if blackheads can be controlled. Is it possible? Armed with the correct facts - it's surprisingly straight forward.

Can blackheads be cured? In reality the answer is no. As long as your body produces excess oils, you stand the chance of getting a blackhead. Can blackheads be reduced? The answer is yes. If you keep the pores in your skin open by taking regular care of it, then the oils that cause blackheads can move onto the skin surface and no blackhead will appear

Yes, there are effective blackhead removal treatments, and you can begin the steps towards having clearer skin starting now!  Truth is, any form of acne, especially blackheads, can be unsightly and the source of self-consciousness and embarrassment.  Fortunately, you can empower yourself by understanding the cause of blackheads and deciding what removal method works best for you.

TOP TIP: Sunshine or ultra-violet light encourages skin peeling and this helps to clear blocked pores. Try sunbathing at every opportunity to give your skin that healthy look. Sun beds are also an option but please be aware that if used too much they can cause skin damage.

 

What are blackheads?

Blackheads, also known as comedones, are a direct cause of an acne problem.  These unsightly blemishes form when a hair follicle is partially blocked by sebum and dead skin cells.  Sebum, the body's natural oil, is secreted in excess due to overactive sebaceous glands.  The blackhead's close relative, the whitehead, is also a comedone, but forms when the follicles are almost completely closed.  The excessive production of sebum can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, and reaction to the external environment.

Contrary to what some may believe, the black coloring of blackheads are not caused by dirt trapped in the pores or follicles.  Incidentally, the color comes from melanin oxidation. When the follicles are open, melanin (skin pigmentation) gets exposed to air.  When the melanin reacts to the oxygen in the air, the darkening of the comedone ensues.

Who can get blackheads?

Anyone can get blackheads, and most of us have had at least one blackhead in our lifetime.  Most likely, anyone who has oily or combination skin is more vulnerable to getting blackheads.  Also, improper removal of debris and makeup is also a recipe for blackhead disaster.  Blackheads can affect both adults and teenagers, male and female. However, teenagers are generally more susceptible to blackheads due to the hormonal changes of the body, which may cause excessive oil production.

 

TOP TIP: You're doing everything you can to get rid of those pesky blackheads but they always seem to come back! The problem could be in your pillowcase.  Every night, oil is absorbed by your pillow as you are sleeping. If you're not changing your pillowcase regularly, you may be "reinfecting" your pores with oil.  Try changing your pillowcase every day to avoid reintroducing oil to your skin.  If this isn't possible, make sure that you don't sleep on the same pillow case for more than three nights in a row.  This should help alleviate some of your blackhead troubles.

 

How can I get rid of blackheads?

The great news is that blackheads can be treated.  The key to blackhead removal is keeping the skin clean and clear of oil and debris.  You also will want to avoid squeezing blackheads with your fingernails as this can cause scarring and possibly further infection, leading to more severe form of acne known as cysts.

The purpose of this site is to explore the different options of prevention and removal of blackheads including topical treatments, medications, blackhead removal tools, diet, and natural remedies. Please keep in mind that every body is different, and there is no one size fits all approach to treating blackheads. The content of this site is for informational purposes only; it is not a substitution for medical treatment, and it is not to be used as a diagnosis or prescription for any disease or condition.