This archive report was first published on 8 August 2020.
Blackheads are a common skin concern that can be frustrating to deal with. But what exactly are they, and how can we get rid of them?
According to Paula Begoun, founder of skincare company Paula's Choice, blackheads are a type of clogged pore that forms when the oil gland produces excess oil that can't flow out of the pore naturally and gets stuck.
"The excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and debris in the pore lining, and once that mixture makes its way to the surface it is exposed to the air, it oxidises, turning black," she explains.
One major misconception about blackheads is that they are caused by skin being dirty. However, Paula Begoun notes that simply washing your face in an effort to cleanse the skin of blackheads won't work.
"Cleansing will help remove excess surface oil, but a cleanser or scrub can't reach farther into the pores where the blackheads are rooted," she says.
So, what does work? Paula Begoun suggests using a well-formulated BHA exfoliant to penetrate pores and unclog the substances that would normally turn into a blackhead. You can also add a gentle yet absorbent mask to help reduce excess oil if you have extra-stubborn blackheads.
Francine Krenicki, of skincare company StriVectin, adds that the difference between whiteheads and blackheads is simply if the hair follicle is open or closed. Blackheads are 'open comedones' that form when a hair follicle (aka a pore) fills up with dried sebum (oil), dead skin cells, makeup, impurities, and bacteria.
Resist the urge to pick and squeeze your skin, as this can lead to further irritation and scarring. Instead, exfoliate regularly with a topical product containing AHAs (glycolic) and BHA (salicylic acid), to break down the plugs and dissolve them.
