Open comodones, more commonly known as blackheads, form when a hair follicle becomes blocked with oils, collagen and dead skin cells, but does not seal over to form a zit, notes Medical News Today. The blackhead is actually the tip of the oily plug that has oxidized in the air. The University of Maryland lists tea tree oil as an effective acne solution, while Acne.org praises benzoyl peroxide as a good over-the-counter strategy.
Tea Tree Oil
Distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, a tree native to Australia, tea tree oil is known to prevent infection and have antiseptic properties. MayoClinic.com notes that as a result of its terpinen-4-ol compound, tea tree oil is also said to have antimicrobial qualities. You will find tea tree oil in extract form in an array of products, from mouth washes to skin care to shampoos and soaps.
Support
In a study involving 119 people reported by the University of Maryland, 5 percent strength tea tree oil was tested against benzoyl peroxide. The results showed that tea tree oil was just as effective and without as many side effects, such as dry skin, as benzoyl peroxide. The tea tree oil was shown to help all forms of acne by killing bacteria in the pores and on the skin and reducing inflammation where necessary.
Benzoyl Peroxide
The compound benzoyl peroxide is present in varying degrees of strength in over-the-counter and prescription products designed to fight all forms of acne, including blackheads. It removes dead skin cells, bacteria and oils from deep in the pores. It is also believed to stop the over-production of sebum oil by the sebaceous glands, notes Acne.com, one of the key causes of acne outbreaks.
Apply
Follow a three-step regimen of cleanse, treat, moisturize, as noted by acne.org. First, use an over-the-counter cleanser to rinse off surface dirt and oils. Gently dry the skin before moving on to the benzoyl peroxide treatment. Massage in the solution for several minutes or until it has been completely absorbed into the skin, no need to rinse off. Apply moisturizer to prevent over-drying of skin. Repeat twice a day.
Considerations
Even with the positive claims reported in the tea tree oil study by the University of Maryland, the positive effects of tea tree oil on blackheads, and acne in general, are still largely speculative, notes MayoClinic.com. In contrast, benzoyl peroxide does have the backing of medical research as an effective cure for mild forms of blackheads and pimples, notes MayoClinic.com
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