Blackheads are a common skin condition that occurs when excess oil that the skin produces mixes with dead skin cells in the follicles and creates a plug called a comedone. Comedones can be divided into two types: whiteheads and blackheads. Whiteheads form deeper inside of the follicle, while blackheads form closer to the surface, allowing part of the plug to be exposed to air. This exposure oxidizes the plug, resulting in a dark color. When blackheads occur on the skin, there are several ways to minimize them.
Step 1
Wash blackhead-affected skin with a facewash twice a day. Washing the affected skin removes excess sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria which can help prevent blackheads from progressing into more serious cases of inflammatory acne, such as pustules or cysts. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should limit skin washing to twice a day, as more than that can cause skin irritation.
Step 2
Apply a product containing salicylic acid to the blackheads. The dead skin cells that make up blackheads are largely made of a protein called keratin. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic substance, meaning it is capable of breaking down keratin. As the keratin of the blackhead breaks down, it is loosened from the follicle, helping free the plug. According to the New Zealand Dermatological Society, regular use of salicylic acid may also prevent future comedone from occurring by slowing down the rate at which skin cells shed within the follicle.
Step 3
Apply a prescription retinoid cream, such as tretinoin or adapalene. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, retinoids are designed to break down clogs in the pores and prevent future blackheads from forming. Depending on the type of retinoid being used, skin irritation is a common side effect. Talk to your doctor about ways in which you can limit this irritation, such as by using regular sun protection.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor about prescription antimicrobials. When bacteria, such as the acne-related Propionibacterium acnes, are introduced to clogged pores, infection and inflammation can follow. This can result in the progression of a blackhead to more serious forms of acne. Antimicrobials, such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid or the antibiotics erythromycin or clindamycin, can help control acne bacteria and prevent blackheads from becoming more serious.
Step 5
Schedule a laser acne treatment. Laser therapy for acne involves the use of specially calibrated laser devices that penetrate deep into the skin and affect the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing sebum. Laser treatment causes damage to these glands reducing the overall amount of sebum produced.
Things You'll Need
- Facewash
- Treatment product containing salicylic acid
- Prescription retinoid cream
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Azelaic acid
- Prescription antibiotics
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