February 21, 2019
Blackheads can be incredibly frustrating, especially for those with oily-prone skin. The skin congestion manifests in tiny black spots on your nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. It can seem impossible at times to get rid of them.
If you have blackheads and are struggling with avoiding or removing them, I’m here to help you come up with a plan. But first, let’s take a look at exactly what blackheads are, how they form, and how they are different than their sister, the whitehead.
By: Kaitlyn, NP
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Both blackheads and whiteheads are trapped sebum (extra oil) in the skin. A whitehead has a protective layer of skin over the top, while a blackhead does not. Without a protective layer, the sebum is exposed to the air, oxidizes, and turns black.
Blackheads in general are more difficult to remove. I highly suggest using skincare products that have salicylic or glycolic acid in them. These products keep the skin exfoliated, preventing extra dead skin cells and oil from getting trapped in the pores.
A lot of at-home treatments seen on YouTube are just nose strips or black masks. You can certainly try these methods, but they are not the best option. A lot of times they damage the surrounding skin, causing more harm.
I highly suggest looking at skincare treatments such as facials or my favorite- the HydraFacial.
Facials are one of the easiest ways to get rid of blackheads. During the facial, the esthetician will:
HydraFacials, a specific type of facial, is basically a microdermabrasion on steroids. It uses a suction device that passes over the skin while ingredients (like glycolic and salicylic acid) exfoliate the skin and remove dirt debris, oil, and blackheads.
Unless you’ve been trained with how to remove blackheads with extraction tools, you’re probably going to cause more damage to your skin. You may even introduce bad bacteria, which will cause even more blackheads. Seeing a professional to have your blackheads and whiteheads removed is the safest and most effective way of clearing your skin!
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If you have any questions or would like a complimentary skincare consultation, fill out the form on our website or call our office at 513-791-9474 ext. 2.