Get Rid of Extreme Blackheads on Face: A Complete Guide
Blackheads can turn from a minor nuisance to a major concern when they become extreme. Specially, extreme blackheads on face can affect your appearance and self-esteem. Understanding your skin, the causes of these blackheads, and the available treatment options can help you restore your skin’s health and glow.
Blackheads, medically known as open comedones, are small bumps that appear on your skin due to clogged hair follicles. They get their characteristic dark color from the oxidation of dead skin cells and sebum, a natural skin oil, not from dirt as many believe. When these blackheads enlarge, become numerous, and hard to remove, they’re then categorized as extreme blackheads.
Causes of Extreme Blackheads on Face
Several factors contribute to the development of extreme blackheads. It could be due to hormonal changes that cause excessive sebum production, inefficient skin exfoliation leading to accumulation of dead skin cells, or due to certain medications. Practice of poor skin care routines and use of non-acne friendly cosmetics may also contribute to the problem. Other factors might include stress, smoking, and certain foods. Also, certain conditions like
hidradenitis suppurativa
can lead to the development of blackheads.
Treatment Options
The good news is that extreme blackheads on face can be treated. But, because everyone’s skin is unique, it’s important to consult with a skin specialist, a dermatologist, or even better, a hidradenitis suppurativa specialist to get the most appropriate treatment plan for your skin type, condition, and lifestyle. Oftentimes, this will involve a combination of both at-home treatments and professional ones.
At home, implementing a daily skin care routine can be beneficial. This should involve cleansing your face with a gentle, acne-friendly cleanser twice daily, exfoliating a few times per week, moisturizing daily with a non-comedogenic product, and applying a sunscreen. Over-the-counter products containing ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids can also be effective at removing and preventing blackheads.
Professional treatments usually involve extraction, chemical peels, light therapy, or prescription medications. Manual extraction is a blackhead removal process using a specialized tool and should be performed by a professional to avoid skin damage. Chemical peels are a form of exfoliation that removes the top skin layer and can minimize blackheads. Microdermabrasion is another technique that uses small crystal particles to slough away the top layer of skin which can unclog pores and reduce blackheads. Light therapy, or photodynamic therapy, uses light to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce oil production. Prescription medications, whether topical or oral, can also be used if over-the-counter treatments aren’t effective.
Prevention is Key
Prevention is always better than cure. Once your extreme blackheads have been treated, aim at preventing their recurrence. Implement a good skin care regimen, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, stay hydrated, and limit exposure to stressors. Avoid the temptation to pop or squeeze blackheads as this can cause scarring and lead to more blackheads. Instead, turn to a dermatologist or a hidradenitis suppurativa specialist for safe and effective treatments.
Understanding extreme blackheads on face is the first step to overcoming them. Armed with proper knowledge and professional guidance, you can regain your skin’s health and confidence.