How to target blackheads
Blackheads are a common yet tricky skincare complaint that can affect all skin types, often appearing across the nose, chin and even cheeks. But how can you help to minimise them effectively and prevent more from developing in the future? Follow our expert guide to help keep your pores clean, clear and blackhead free.
What exactly are blackheads and what causes them?
The technical name for a blackhead is an open comedone that can appear as an open blackhead or a closed whitehead on the T-zone, back, chest and arms.
Blackheads occur when a hair follicle becomes filled with oil and bacteria and the debris turns black due to oxidation. Although this is different to having a clogged pore, even though the two skin issues look similar, they should be treated differently.
Clogged pores, which are also called sebaceous filaments, form when the oils that line the pore build up, making it appear wider than usual. Blackheads are caused by a buildup of bacteria and excess oil that irritates the hair follicle and increases oil production.
Can blackheads be prevented?
there are many ways that you can help to prevent blackheads from forming such as cleansing and exfoliating. Cleansing your skin will help to remove any debris in the pores that can contribute to blackheads while regular exfoliation – either physical or chemical
What products and professional treatments are there
A cleanser containing a chemical exfoliant such as salicylic acid is an effective way of preventing and targeting blackheads. Chemical exfoliants reach the deep layers of the skin without physically scrubbing the surface of the skin.
If you want to introduce a chemical exfoliant to your everyday routine, try a cleanser such as Blemish + Age Cleanser. Its gentle formula removes excess sebum and makeup from the pores while accelerating skin surface exfoliation and smoothing irregularities. This helps to refine the appearance of the pores, minimising blemishes and brightening the look of the skin.
You can also follow this with Skinceuticals’ Blemish + Age Toner which is formulated with a combination of exfoliating agents: LHA, glycolic and salicylic acids. With regular use, you should start to see an improvement in the appearance of ageing signs and open pores.
Chemical exfoliants are in serums such as <SkinCeuticals’ Blemish + Age Defense. This potent yet lightweight serum combines a range of alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids – including salicylic and glycolic