Having blackheads is completely normal and a common denominator for all skin types. Yes, it is true that depending on your habits and genetics, you may be more prone or your pores may appear more visible.
We bring good news, it is possible to improve the size of the pores and keep them clean without damaging the skin. In this article, we will provide some useful tips to help you eliminate blackheads safely and effectively without causing harm to your skin.
What are blackheads?
Blackheads, also known as open comedones, appear when the pores are clogged due to excess sebum production, accumulation of dead skin cells and other external factors. Unlike closed comedones, blackheads have an opening on the skin's surface, allowing the material accumulated in the pore to be oxygenated and oxidized, hence their dark color.
Why do they appear and where?
Blackheads appear when the skin's pores are clogged due to excess sebum production, dead skin cells, and other external factors. This can occur for various reasons, such as:
- Oily skin: people with Oily skin tend to produce more sebum or even in excess, which increases the risk of pore blockage.
- Excess dead skin cells: if not properly removed, dead skin cells can accumulate in the pores and contribute to their blockage.
- Cosmetics: using makeup and skincare products can contribute to pore blockage if the skin is not properly cleaned to remove them.
- Hormones: hormonal changes can increase sebum production, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
- Sweating: excessive sweating can contribute to pore blockage, especially in hot and humid climates.
- Environmental factors: exposure to polluted air or tobacco smoke can clog the pores.
In general, blackheads are the result of a combination of factors and usually appear in the T-zone of the face (forehead, nose, and chin). Their prevention and treatment may require changes in diet, lifestyle, and skincare habits. Although blackheads are not harmful to health, they can be a bit aesthetically annoying for some people.
How often should they be removed?
The frequency with which blackheads should be removed depends on each person and the severity of the pore blockage. In general, it is recommended that blackheads be treated by applying a chemical exfoliant (BHA or AHA), once a week, especially if you have Sensitive skin or are prone to irritation.
We do not recommend performing manual extractions at home, as you can worsen the situation and end up contaminating the skin and producing an even bigger pimple, in addition to irritating it. It is important to note that the frequent removal of blackheads alone will not resolve the issue of pore blockage.
To prevent the appearance of blackheads, it is important to maintain good facial hygiene, choose the appropriate cosmetic products for your skin, and maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Additionally, professional treatments such as facial cleanings, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion can also be effective in preventing and treating blackheads.
If in your case, your skin presents many blackheads, our recommendation is to perform a deep facial cleansing once a month at a facial treatment center such as the All Yours cabin.
In All Yours, you will find our star treatment, the deep facial cleansing that deeply cleanses the skin and pores to keep your skin impurity-free for as long as possible.
Methods to prevent the appearance of blackheads
The best actives to keep blackheads at bay are salicylic acid or glycolic acid (AHA), in addition to ingredients like niacinamide or green tea that regulate sebum production and therefore the accumulation of oil in the pores.
Skin cleansing with suitable products
To keep the skin clean, it is important to effectively remove all impurities and product and makeup residues that we have accumulated during the day, and go to bed with glowing and clean skin.
So the first advice is:
Clean your skin morning and night with a gentle Facial cleanser that is suitable for your skin type. Cleansers containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid can help prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells and reduce sebum production.
Important, at night perform double cleansing with an oil balm and a water-based cleanser, thus ensuring the removal of all impurities and that no dead cells or makeup or sunscreen residues accumulate in our pores.
Some products that can be very helpful:
Facial cleansing jelly from Quinque
Formulated with 95% natural ingredients. Its key actives are CBD, which calms and regulates sebum secretion; salicylic acid, which deeply cleanses the pores and keeps blackheads at bay; as well as AHA , which exfoliates and removes dead cells.
Say goodbye to imperfections, remove foundation, powder, and lipstick residues without drying the skin thanks to its gelatinous texture.
Facial cleanser of Green Tea and Salicylic Acid from Meisani
Water-based cleanser, that does not dry out the skin, vegan and cruelty free. It is ideal for removing impurities while preparing the skin to absorb the following treatments because it gently exfoliates. It contains green tea water, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against skin aging; vegetable glycerin, to provide hydration to the skin; and salicylic acid, a perfect ingredient for cleaning and blurring pores.
Exfoliate the skin from impurities
Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can accumulate in the pores and contribute to their clogging. It is important to use Exfoliants gentle and non-abrasive products to avoid damaging the skin.
For sensitive skin, we recommend using chemical exfoliants once a week or even every night if the product contains moisturizing ingredients such as:
The Aloe and BHA Facial Toner from Benton
The stars of its formula are salicylic acid (BHA), with a presence of 0.5%, and other botanical ingredients, such as aloe vera, which soothe irritation and deeply hydrate. It is a clean beauty cosmetic because its formula is respectful of your skin.
If you suffer from Sensitive skin or have acne-prone skin, you can use this toner because it works wonders on your Face: it removes dead cells, reduces pores, and instantly refreshes the skin.
If your skin is resilient, you can also use a gentle and hydrating mechanical exfoliant once a week, such as:
The facial exfoliant with arrowroot and turmeric from Mamita Botanical
It contains 100% biodegradable rosehip particles that perform a gentle exfoliation on your skin. Its main ingredients are:
Shea butter, a great cell regenerator, ideal for preventing skin aging, as well as hydrating and softening the skin; Turmeric , ingredient with antioxidant and soothing properties, will illuminate your skin and repair it from external damage and sweet almond oil, anti-inflammatory and soothing, deeply hydrates your skin.
Maintain proper hydration
Although it may seem contradictory, hydration is important to prevent the appearance of blackheads. When the skin is dehydrated, it produces more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture, increasing the risk of pore blockage. Therefore, it is important to maintain proper hydration with a Moisturizing cream light and oil-free.
Our favorites:
Moisturizing cream day By Mukk
UVB and UVA radiation, and pollution can cause long-term problems for our skin. This cream contains red microalgae Kappaphycus alvarezii, vegetable glycerin and seawater, which help retain moisture, safflower oil and vitamin E, antioxidants that eliminate free radicals and algae Undaria pinnatifida, which prevents air pollutants from reaching the skin and prevents signs of aging.
Moisturizing cream Calendula by Aromatica
The perfect Moisturizing cream for sensitive skin, thanks to a fantastic combination of natural ingredients. Instead of water, it contains calendula extract as the main ingredient, of which it contains 48%! To multiply the soothing and hydrating effects of calendula, they added aloe vera to the cocktail; an ingredient that never disappoints for its ability to soothe and regenerate the skin without overwhelming it.
Additionally, the cream provides the nourishing properties of coconut oil, and the anti-inflammatory and purifying power of chamomile extract. Discover it!
In addition to these tips, it is important to use the right cosmetics for your skin condition. It is also advisable to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to prevent excessive sebum production and avoid tobacco and exposure to polluted environments.
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