HOW TO GET RID OF BLACKHEADS BY MID FLORIDA DERMATOLOGY

As an esthetician, I am asked all the time how to get rid of blackheads.  Dr. Gutierrez of Mid Florida Dermtology has wonderful blogs and this was one of them:

"Pesky, annoying and persistent. We all agree… Blackheads and acne can be frustrating.  But, what exactly are blackheads?  And what can you do to treat them?

Blackheads are essentially blocked pores.  They represent the earliest form of acne.  You have sebaceous glands all over your body, with exception to your palms and soles.  These glands are more numerous on your face, scalp, chest and back.  Sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily waxy material that helps to protect the skin.  Sometimes, due to hormones, these glands are over productive and produce too much sebum.  In combination with skin cells, makeup, or other facial products, the extra sebum blocks the pore and creates the “comedo” or blackhead.  When these blackheads combine with bacteria known as propionibacterium acne and other inflammatory factors of the skin, the classic angry pimple forms as a pustule or cyst.

Many treatments exist to treat and prevent blackheads and acne, ranging from over the counter products, diet changes, and prescriptions.  Scientific studies have recently shown that diets low in sugar help to decrease acne lesions and lower excessive sebum production.  This diet is also known as a “low glycemic index.”  The Mediterranean diet is also a healthy low glycemic lifestyle plan.  Be sure to include plenty of fresh vegetables and lean meats.  Consult your nutritionist to see how to change your daily eating habits in a positive way.

Over the counter treatments can be helpful to treat blackheads, including benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.  Try to incorporate a facial wash with either of these ingredients to your skin care regimen. 

When it comes to choosing facial lotions, sunscreen, and makeup, simply look for the term “non-comedogenic,” which means the product is proven to NOT clog your pores.  If you use waxes, pomades, or hairspray for your hair, try to pin or keep your hair away from your face at all times.  These products, over time, can lead to persistent blackheads. 

Another trick is to incorporate weekly exfoliation into your regimen with a facial scrub.  This removes dead skin cells and skin care products that can build up over time leading to blackheads.

If you haven’t seen any improvement after trying over-the-counter treatments, schedule an appointment with your dermatology provider.  Blackheads and acne, while frustrating to the patient, are seen frequently in the office and many prescription treatments are available.  This includes topical and oral antibiotics, which treat the bacterial etiology of comedones, and retinoids, topical creams that target the over active sebaceous gland.   Combination treatments target the multifaceted nature of acne. 

Various procedures can also be beneficial to help remove blackheads.  Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and comedone extractions can be performed by your dermatology provider or by an aesthetician.  Remember to be patient and persistent with your treatment plan.  Many treatments take months before significant improvement may be seen.  As always, ask your dermatology provider for which treatment plan is best for you and your skin."

I recommend to my clients to use a purifying masque a couple of times per week.  I love Apriori Beauty's Celloxylin Pure Detox Purifying Masque to help rid the pores of pollutants and dirt that regular cleansings can't reach.

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