Dermatologists warn: These anti-blackhead methods destroy your skin barrier
Worst ways to fight blackheads on the face (photo: Freepik)
Blackheads seem like a minor issue, but they are exactly what most often makes people damage their own skin. Here are the worst methods of dealing with them that not only fail to work, but can also leave scars, pigmentation, and inflammation, according to the Everyday Health website.
Why blackheads appear
Blackheads form due to the buildup of sebum, oil, and dead skin cells. When these substances oxidize in the air, the pore opening turns dark.
People prone to acne are the most likely to develop blackheads. Hormonal influence also plays a role by stimulating sebum production.
Reduced collagen support in the dermis surrounding the hair follicle can make small openings appear larger and more enlarged.
Worst ways to get rid of blackheads
Using harsh scrubs
It may be tempting to instantly remove dead skin with an exfoliating scrub. Chemical exfoliants (such as AHA) can be helpful, but excessive use of grainy scrubs should be avoided.
Aggressive scrubs can strip the skin of its natural oils and trigger even more oil production. Exfoliation should be done up to three times a week, depending on the product used and skin type.
Manual extraction
This can lead to follicle rupture and the formation of an inflammatory lesion or cyst. In other words, you can turn a blackhead into a much more serious skin condition.
Suction devices
Devices that promise to suck sebum out of pores may seem appealing, but they can cause more harm than good.
Such suction can damage delicate facial skin and may lead to telangiectasia, or broken blood vessels, especially on and around the nose.
Methods that actually help
Use products with salicylic acid
One of the key ingredients for treating blackheads is salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that increases cell turnover and unclogs pores.
Consider alpha hydroxy acids
Alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, are also helpful for reducing blackheads.
Consult a cosmetologist
Some procedures can help reduce the appearance of pores. These include ultrasonic facial cleansing, during which ultrasound helps push impurities out of pores.
A specialist may also perform a chemical peel. Acids dissolve sebum and reduce pore blockage.
A combination of ultrasonic and manual facial cleansing is the most common option for pronounced comedones.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
