Dermatologists explain how to get rid of blackheads — Channel NewsAsia
In the United States, dermatologists advise against squeezing blackheads at home with fingers or cotton swabs, as this can injure the skin and cause inflammation, infection, or scarring. Channel NewsAsia reports on specialists’ recommendations, citing an article by The New York Times.
Why blackheads appear
Blackheads are a type of acne. They form when sebum, dead cells, and other particles clog a pore, while its contents darken when exposed to air. They most often appear on the face, neck, back, and chest.
Dermatologist Chang B. Sohn named excessive sebum production as one of the main causes. According to Murad Alam, vice chair of the Department of Dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, pore-clogging products, including those containing shea butter, coconut oil, or avocado oil, may also contribute to blackheads. Layering too many skincare products at once may also contribute to their appearance.
Blackheads can appear at any age, but they are more common during hormonal fluctuations, including puberty or pregnancy.
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Extraction and prevention
Extraction is the fastest way to remove a blackhead, but dermatologists recommend having this procedure performed by a specialist using sterile instruments. If a person nevertheless decides to do it independently, doctors advise using a comedone extractor rather than fingers: hands should be washed, the blackhead should be cleansed with soap or alcohol, and the instrument should be disinfected with alcohol. Pressure should be applied gently.
Specialists also do not recommend pore-cleansing strips: they may remove only the upper part of a blackhead while leaving the rest of the contents in the pore, and they may also irritate the skin. For prevention, dermatologists suggest controlling excess sebum with products containing salicylic acid. Topical retinoids can accelerate skin-cell turnover and prevent dead cells from accumulating in pores.
Adapalene is available without a prescription, while most retinoids, including tretinoin, require a prescription. If blackheads appear regularly or over-the-counter products do not produce results, dermatologists advise consulting a specialist. Among possible procedures, they named laser therapy to reduce sebum production and chemical peels that exfoliate the skin and dissolve sebum and dead cells.
