You hoped your battle with acne was over after your teenage years. Unfortunately, you can still see the occasional black spot in adulthood. The more you know about these pesky spots, the better you can treat and prevent them.
What are blackheads?
There is nothing more frustrating than waking up in the morning and seeing black dots on your face. These small bumps are a common skin spot associated with teenage acne. Dermatologists call them comedones, the dreaded blackheads.
Comedones are a form of acne that can occur at any age. These pinhead-sized spots form when your pores become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. Although they appear to be blocked with a patch of dark dirt, it's just a trick of refracted light.
You are not alone if you have noticed several of these dark spots. According to an article published byUCDavis, at least 85 percent of teenagers develop comedies. According to the report, they often struggle with these skin blemishes until their early 20s and even later in life.
Pimples
Both blackheads and pimples can be present in acne breakouts. However, they are not the same. Pimples are painful bumps filled with pus, while comedones are not infected and usually do not hurt.
Whiteheads
The apparent difference between these skin patches is that one has a dark spot while the other is white or yellowish. While they are both comedones, the black ones are open and the white ones are closed, like a pimple. Whiteheads also tend to put pressure on the pores and can be painful.
How do blackheads affect your skin?
The area most prone to breakouts is your face, especially your nose, cheeks and chin. These areas have a higher concentration of sebaceous glands, which produce oil for your skin. Hormonal fluctuations and stress can cause overproduction of oil and breakouts.
However, you have sebaceous glands all over your body, and any area is prone to breakouts. You may notice them in other areas with a high concentration of sebaceous glands, such as your armpits, neck and back. Some people are more sensitive and may develop these spots on their ears, thighs and bottom.
Psychological effects of outbreaks
Like most people, your self-confidence is largely based on your appearance. When you see black spots in the mirror, you may feel embarrassed. A study published byIndian Journal of Dermatologyexplains that acne blemishes can affect you psychologically and emotionally.
Remember how hard it was to fit in as a teenager? You were probably teased and bullied at school if you had comedones and pimples. Although you probably won't be teased as an adult, these outbursts can make you feel self-conscious.
If you have comedies on your body, you can avoid wearing any revealing clothes. You may be more withdrawn because you think everyone is looking at you. It can lead to anxiety, depression and other mental disorders.
What causes blackheads?
A misconception about acne and other acne conditions is that they always lack cleanliness. Although poor hygiene can undoubtedly lead to breakouts, but you can keep your skin clean and develop it. It may depend on hormones and oil production.
Most of your pores have a hair follicle and sebaceous glands. When the pore becomes blocked, the string and gland become inflamed, creating a pimple. Here are the common causes of clogging:
- Overproduction of oil, often during puberty
- Unbalanced hormones significantly increase the male hormone androgen
- Keratin dysmorphia: Protein builds your skin, hair and nails.
- Increased bacteria on your skin that causes acne breakouts
Fortunately theseimperfectionsthey are not contagious even if you touch someone with an outbreak. A study published byJournal of Investigative Dermatologydiscusses a possible genetic predisposition to acne and other breakouts. If one or both of your parents had excessive acne and comedones, chances are you will too.
How long do they last?
How long a pimple lasts depends on how deep it is in your skin. Superficial substances usually fade and disappear on their own. Those that are deeper in your pores may require medical attention to remove.
Are you going to get blackheads?
When you look in the bathroom mirror, it's tempting to squint and see an angry, clogged pore. Even worse, you can use needles and other small tools to get the stain out. As tempting as it may seem, here are some reasons why you shouldn't:
- You can leave some of the block on the skin. Since you can't see how deep it is, you can push it further into your skin and cause more inflammation.
- Your nails or other tools can harbor bacteria that can enter the opening. It can only make the blemish worse or cause more breakouts.
- Using your nails or other tools to dig it out can irritate your sensitive skin and cause permanent scarring.
Why prevention is so important
Changing hormones are often at the root of breakouts, and there's nothing you can do about it. The good news is that you can still take some precautions to minimize breakouts. Here are some suggestions:
- Avoid touching your face. Your hands can carry countless bacteria, viruses and other germs. Every time you feel your face, you risk contaminating your pores.
- Wash your face every morning and evening with a gentle cleanser.
- Avoid using makeup and other oil-based skin care products.
Could your diet be causing flare-ups?
Conventional wisdom has always warned you to avoid fatty foods and chocolate because they trigger acne and other breakouts. According to an article published byHarvard Medical School, a diet high in sugar, fat and processed foods can lead to more acne. However, the report argues that this is just a correlation.
Three natural ingredients to fix your dark spots
Would you like to get rid of your blemishes naturally? These three ingredients are cheap and easy to find. The first two make a DIY facial cleanser, while the third works independently.
1. Sea salt
Mother Nature teams up with King Neptune to bring you this natural exfoliation. Sea salt contains minerals that are good for your skin. Refined granules gently scrub away dead skin cells and help remove blemishes.
2. Lemon juice
When your grandmother needed a skin cleanser and toner, she didn't run to the corner drugstore. She knew fresh lemon juice would do the trick. It turns out that lemons have antioxidant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Try using sea salt and lemon juice together to make a quick and effective cleaning agent. It's best to use freshly squeezed lemon juice, but you can use the bottled variety in a pinch. Since the ingredients are used in small quantities, you can easily make a fresh portion each time.
- In a small bowl, combine a tablespoon of sea salt with the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of warm water.
- Use a clean cloth or towel to apply the mixture to the blackhead area.
- Use circular motions to ensure it penetrates the skin.
- Do this for five minutes, then leave the mixture on your skin for another five minutes.
- Rinse your face with cold water and repeat these steps three times a week.
3. Tea tree olie
People have usedtea tree olieto fight skin rashes for generations. A study published byNational Library of Medicineconcludes that five percent tea tree oil gel effectively treats mild to moderate acne. You can find it cheap in most supermarkets and online.
Dab some tea tree oil on a cotton ball or cotton swab, not your fingers. Gently apply the oil to each spot until absorbed. If you have sensitive skin or react to tea tree oil, stop using it.
Stress and your skin
Did you know that your stress level can also contribute to more skin blemishes? A study published byClinical, aesthetic and research dermatologysuggests that increased stress may be associated with acne severity. It may not be the "cause", but it can affect the hormones associated with skin rashes.
While minimizing your stress may not make your spots disappear, it can reduce other factors. The more stress you put on your skin, the more breakouts you may experience. Find ways to reduce your stress, such as going for a walk, enjoying a hobby, or connecting with people in your social circle.
Final thoughts on the three ingredients for removing dark spots
Even as an adult, you may be prone to occasional acne breakouts. The good news is that you can use natural ingredients to minimize them. Following an effective skin care routine can help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.
FAQs
What ingredient breaks down blackheads? ›
Applying salicylic acid on areas of your face that have blackheads will help to remove them. Salicylic acid is the only acid that is oil-soluble, so it really works to break down and dissolve the oil in your clogged pores.
What product draws out blackheads? ›- Differin Gel. ...
- Proactiv Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment. ...
- AcneFree Blackhead Removing Scrub with Charcoal. ...
- Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips. ...
- Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner. ...
- La Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser.
Baking soda can help clear skin of blackheads and stops them from being formed by neutralising the pH in your skin. Simply make a paste from a tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of water, apply it to your blackheads, leave on your skin for roughly 10 minutes before rinsing off.
How do you dissolve deep blackheads? ›Salicylic acid: This is available over-the-counter for blackheads as a cleanser or lotion. It helps remove the top layer of damaged skin. Salicylic acid dissolves dead skin cells to prevent your hair follicles from clogging. Azelaic acid: Barley, wheat, rye and other various grains naturally contain azelaic acid.
What is the best homemade blackhead remover? ›Take two tablespoons of ground oatmeal and mix it with one-fourth cup of plain yogurt, one tablespoon of olive oil and juice of half a lemon. Mix it well for a minute and keep aside. Wash your face and pat dry and then apply the mask on your face. Leave it for 20 minutes and wash off with a mild cleanser.
How do you make homemade blackhead removal? ›Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with ½ a teaspoon of organic honey. Mix it well and apply the mixture directly onto the areas of your skin affected with blackheads. Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse well with lukewarm water.
How do you close your pores after removing blackheads naturally? ›- Wash with cleansers up to twice a day. Skin that's often oily, or has clogged pores, may benefit from using a daily cleanser. ...
- Use water or gel-based products. ...
- Avoid oil and alcohol-based products. ...
- Moisturize every day. ...
- Use topical retinoids. ...
- Exfoliate your skin. ...
- Use a clay mask. ...
- Apply essential oils.
Next, the esthetician uses cotton- or tissue-wrapped fingers to apply gentle pressure to each blackhead or blemish. Some estheticians may also use a small metal tool called a comedone extractor to release the blackhead plug from the pore.
What is the tool that pushes out blackheads? ›A comedone or blackhead extractor is a stainless steel tool designed to remove the dirt and oil that cause blackheads and whiteheads. "It works by gently pushing the clogged sebum out of the pore," explains Rackley.
What is instant home remedy for blackheads? ›
Home remedies for blackheads are green tea, tea tree oil, salt scrub or sugar scrub. Green tea helps lower the oil production on your skin while tea tree oil can stop the growth of bacteria. The salt or sugar scrub exfoliates your skin and removes the dead skin that is clogging the open skin pore.
How do you push blackheads out without damaging your skin? ›- Wash your hands. ...
- Apply pressure around the clogged pore. ...
- Rock your fingers back and forth around the clogged pore. ...
- Feel the clog pop out. ...
- Cleanse the area with a mild astringent or toner.
They typically form when pores become clogged with dead skin cells and sebum, a naturally occurring oil in your skin. Unlike whiteheads, which occur when the pore is closed, blackheads take root when the pore is stretched open. When the sebum in the open pore is exposed to air, it turns a dark color.
Why do I have a million blackheads on my nose? ›Oil, Dirt, and Dead Skin Cell Buildup Are the Cause of Blackheads on Your Nose. "Blackheads are essentially an accumulation of skin oil and dead cells that get trapped within the pores on the nose," explains dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD.
Does baking soda remove blackheads? ›Exfoliating with baking soda or sugar and lemon works well to remove blackheads from your nose. Make sure you thoroughly clean your face to remove any excess oil and then steam your face to open up your pores. By doing this, you will be able to remove the blackheads more easily.
What is the best oil to dissolve blackheads? ›Jojoba oil is an essential oil that reduces the amount of excess sebum through absorbing. And excess sebum is what clogs pores and creates blackheads. All you have to do is wash your face with warm water and massage a few drops of Jojoba oil onto your skin. Leave on for five to ten minutes and then rinse off.
Does anything dissolve blackheads? ›For more stubborn blackheads, go with a retinoid cream
"Retinoids can help treat blackheads and clogged pores by reducing the stickiness of the cells that clog pores, as well as speeding up the rate at which the skin turns over and regenerates," Dr.
Unfortunately, however, there are no permanent and comprehensive fixes to said issue of blackhead pores/holes. But you can minimize the appearance of these pesky pits by tightening your pores and using techniques to prevent the holes from clogging again.
What tool does Dr Pimple Popper use to remove blackheads? ›Dr. Pimple Popper uses her comedone extractor tool to clean out all the pores, and it's so satisfying to watch.
What tool do dermatologists use to remove blackheads? ›Blackhead extractor
A blackhead extractor is a tool that helps dermatologists remove blackheads, or dirt-filled pores, from patients.
What is a blackhead vacuum? ›
A pore vacuum is a type of handheld device used to remove impurities and junk from the skin on your face. More specifically, pore vacuums remove blackheads, which form when small pores on your face get clogged with gunk like dirt and dead skin tissue.
How does Vaseline get rid of blackheads in 5 minutes? ›It's almost like steaming the face. 'Petroleum jelly dilutes the dried up oxidized oil, creating a hard-topped plug of oil in the pore which is then easier to squeeze out and clear.
What happens to blackheads if you don't squeeze them? ›What happens if you don't remove blackheads like these? They'll likely turn into deep blackheads and, eventually, pimples. Because blackheads are a type of clogged pore, they can become painful, red, and swollen, and can even develop pus down the road.
Why do my blackheads keep coming back? ›Why do they keep coming back?” The short answer is, areas, where blackheads keep returning could be caused by areas of grouped sebaceous glands or the concentrated area of blackheads, which may have increased bacteria. In addition, people can confuse blackheads with enlarged pores.
Should you squeeze blackheads? ›'You should absolutely not squeeze blackheads. Squeezing a spot can push the inflammation deeper and this can cause scarring of the skin,' she says. Squeezing a spot can push the inflammation deeper and this can cause scarring of the skin.
Why do I get so many blackheads? ›The most common cause is oil gland over-production, which can happen during hormonal shifts, such as puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy. Blackheads can also form when hair follicles are irritated or when dead skin cells do not shed regularly.
How do you get rid of blackheads that keep refilling? ›A key component for home care is salicylic acid, which can help exfoliate the skin and reduce blemish-causing bacteria. It is also important to choose skincare products with noncomedogenic ingredients that will not clog pores and to avoid greasy products that can worsen blackheads and other types of blemishes.
How does an esthetician remove blackheads? ›The esthetician will prepare your skin with light steam. This softens the plugs of debris and expands pore openings so the clogged material come out more easily. They may then exfoliate your skin. This also helps prepare the pores for easier extracting.
How do you stop a blackhead from refilling? ›The key to temporarily tightening up your clean pore is a clay mask. “Clay masks can be helpful for drawling out excess oil and toning or temporarily tightening the pores,” says Melissa. “A clay mask will further work to purify the follicle, minimize the appearance of the follicle, and absorb excess oil.
What happens to blackheads if not removed? ›What happens if you don't remove blackheads like these? They'll likely turn into deep blackheads and, eventually, pimples. Because blackheads are a type of clogged pore, they can become painful, red, and swollen, and can even develop pus down the road.
Can you pull out blackheads with tweezers? ›
“Gently press on each side of the blackhead until it begins to release,” she says. “Apply slow and even pressure, and once you are able, lightly pinch the tweezers and pull the blacked out material from the skin to extract it. If the blackhead does not release easily, do not continue to attempt the extraction.”
Do blackhead Removal Strips work? ›Do pore strips really work? In short, yes — but there is a caveat. While they can remove surface gunk, they don't remove the deeper components of blackheads within the pore, meaning you might still see some dark spots along your nose post-yank, notes Dr. Anolik.
How does Vaseline remove blackheads? ›It's almost like steaming the face. 'Petroleum jelly dilutes the dried up oxidized oil, creating a hard-topped plug of oil in the pore which is then easier to squeeze out and clear.
Why do I have so many blackheads even though I wash my face? ›Comedogenic products can lead to clogged pores, which can cause an increase in acne spots such as blackheads. If you're trying to prevent blackheads from returning, use noncomedogenic, oil-free products in your skin care routine. Look for cleansers and moisturizer products that are lightweight and gentle on the skin.