Blackheads form when sebum (oil) and dead skin cells clog the inside of the pores and form a “plug”.  Blackheads are also know as open comedones which means that the dermis has not covered the clogged pore over, the comdone then oxidizes in the air and turns black. This type of blockage starts deep inside the pore and builds up until it reaches the surface.

One reason blackheads are produced is because your body is producing excessive amounts of sebum/oil and that oil does not exit the pore properly.  Another contributing factor is dead skin cells that also do not exit the pore properly – rather they stick together and get stuck in your pores.  This, by the way, can be a genetic condition.  Additionally, certain skincare products can contain ingredients that can contribute to clogged pores.

How Can You Get Rid of Blackheads?

Two things are important to remember about blackheads when you go to treat them.  One is that the oil and dead skin cells that are blocking your pore have accumulated deep inside your pore so you need pretty powerful ingredients that penetrate deeply into pores in order to dislodge the stuck debris.  Simply cleaning your face with a scrub or rubbing away at your blackheads will not help dislodge them since the debris is stuck deep down in your pore.  Secondly, blackheads can stick around for months or even years which means that you need patience and persistence when you want to remove them.

One of the best ingredients for getting rid of blackheads is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is oil soluble which means it can penetrate into your clogged pore and help to dissolve the oil and dead skin cells trapped in the pore. But be sure to be patient! The blackheads formed over time and it will take time to remove them.

It is extremely tempting to squeeze your blackheads, but if done improperly you can actually cause quite a bit of damage to your skin.  Ideally if you want to get rid of blackheads, get a facial.  During a facial the esthetician properly prepares your skin for extractions and then knows how much to squeeze and for how long.  For instance, don’t go squeezing your skin for more than 10 minutes since that will just end up causing trauma to the skin in the end.  If you insist of doing your own extractions at home I suggest doing them immediately after getting out of the shower and after having washed your face.  Make sure your hands are cleans and wrap your fingers in clean tissues. Squeeze gently and don’t keep poking at your face for more than 10 minutes.  If you can’t dislodge the contents of a clogged pore easily leave it alone!  Finish your extractions by wiping your face with toner or witch hazel oil.

Here at 360 Skin we are very adept at removing blackheads and other debris that may be clogging your pores. We use medical grade products to make sure your skin is very well prepped before extractions and we end every service making sure the pH balance is restored and you don’t go out the door looking as red as a beet.

Blackheads are a problem that can easily be taken care of and you’ll see an immediate change in the appearance and texture of your skin.

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