What are blackheads? What causes them? How can they be treated? 

Blackheads are a common skin problem affecting people of all ages, especially during adolescence, pre- and during menstruation, and pregnancy. Besides reducing self-confidence, they can also result in uneven and rough skin texture. Today, Romrawin Clinic will help you learn more about blackheads: what they are, what causes them, how to treat them, and how to prevent them. Read more in this article.

 

 

What are blackheads?

Blackheads are clogged pores. 100%Open comedones are small, hard nodules, approximately 0.1–3 millimeters in diameter, with a visible blackhead in the center. They are usually painless and do not cause inflammation. 

Generally, blackheads are caused by the blockage of sebum, dead skin cells, and dirt inside pores. When pores open and the clogged sebum comes into contact with air, oxidation occurs, causing the blackhead to turn black. This is not due to dirt on the skin itself.

 

 

What causes blackheads?

Generally, blackheads can be caused by several factors, including the following:

• The sebaceous glands produce too much oil.

When the sebaceous glands produce too much oil, this oil accumulates along with dead skin cells inside the pores, causing a blockage. When the pore opens, the clogged oil is exposed to air, leading to oxidation. This causes the blackhead to turn black and develop into a blackhead.

• Abnormal skin cell shedding.

Normally, the skin naturally sheds dead skin cells. However, when this process slows down or becomes abnormal, dead skin cells accumulate inside the pores. Combined with sebum, this leads to a blockage. When the pores open, the clogged sebum is exposed to air, causing oxidation and developing into blackheads.

• Hormone changes

When hormones in the body change, especially androgens, which stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil than normal, it leads to the accumulation of sebum along with dead skin cells within the pores, developing into blackheads. This is commonly seen during adolescence, before and during menstruation, during pregnancy, or when there is insufficient sleep.

• Not washing my face properly.

When you don't cleanse your face properly, or don't cleanse your skin adequately, makeup residue, sunscreen, excess oil, and dirt can remain on the skin. When these accumulate along with dead skin cells, they can clog pores and develop into blackheads.

• Using products that cause blockages.

Why do pimples keep appearing in the same spot? This can be caused by certain skincare products or cosmetics that contain comedogenic ingredients. Regular use of these products increases the chance of product residue and sebum accumulating inside the pores, leading to blockages and the easy development of blackheads, especially in those with oily or acne-prone skin.

• Eat foods high in fat.

Consuming a diet high in fat, such as greasy, fried, or processed foods, can trigger hormonal imbalances and inflammation in the body. This leads to increased oil production by the sebaceous glands. When this oil accumulates along with dead skin cells within the pores, it causes blockages, easily resulting in blackheads. 

• Facing accumulated pollution.

When skin is regularly exposed to pollution, dust, smoke, and PM 2.5, these impurity particles can accumulate on the skin and penetrate pores, causing blockages along with sebum and dead skin cells, leading to blackheads. Furthermore, pollution weakens the skin's protective barrier, resulting in increased oil production and a higher risk of acne.

 

Where are blackheads most common?

• forehead

Blackheads are commonly found on the forehead, especially in people with oily skin, who sweat easily, or have bangs. This is because the sebaceous glands produce more oil than normal, easily clogging the pores. Furthermore, the forehead is often sweaty and humid, leading to the accumulation of dirt and increasing the likelihood of blackheads.

• nose

Blackheads are commonly found on the nose, an area where blackheads are clearly visible, especially in those with oily or combination skin. This is because the pores in this area tend to be more open than elsewhere, allowing sebum and dead skin cells to clog them and expose them to air, resulting in blackheads.

• แก้ม

Blackheads are commonly found on the cheeks, especially the cheekbones or cheekbone area in people with oily and combination skin. This is because this area is particularly oily, resulting from the accumulation of sebum, dead skin cells, and dirt within the pores, leading to blockage and the easy development of blackheads.

• chin

Blackheads are commonly found on the chin, an area prone to recurring acne, especially in those during menstruation or hormonal changes, as well as those with oily or combination skin due to increased sebum production. Friction from wearing face masks further increases the likelihood of blackhead formation.

• breast

Blackheads are commonly found on the chest because this area is prone to friction from clothing, moisture buildup, and has a higher concentration of sebaceous glands. When sebum, dead skin cells, sweat, and dirt accumulate inside the pores, it causes blockages and increases the likelihood of blackheads forming.

• after

Blackheads are commonly found on the back because this area has a high concentration of sebaceous glands and is prone to sweating and friction from clothing. When oil, dead skin cells, sweat, and dirt accumulate inside the pores, it causes blockage and easily develops into blackheads.

 

 

What is the difference between clogged pores (blackheads) and whiteheads (whiteheads)?

Blackheads and whiteheads, while similar in appearance, differ significantly in several aspects. Blackheads are caused by sebum and dead skin cells clogging the pores. When exposed to air, they oxidize, turning the head black. They appear as hard, hard bumps that are difficult to squeeze out and can develop into inflamed acne if not properly cared for. Whiteheads, on the other hand, are formed from the accumulation of sebum and tiny hairs clustered together inside the pores, resulting in a clearly visible black dot without a raised bump. They can easily reappear even after being removed.

 

 

How to treat blackheads?

Generally, there are several ways to treat blackheads, including the following:

• Pimple popping

Pimple extraction is another option for treating blackheads. This involves using clean, sterilized tools and should be performed by a knowledgeable professional in a certified clinic. Self-examination is not recommended as it may result in incomplete removal of blackheads, inappropriate force, inflammation, infection, or scarring.

• Laser treatment for blackheads.

Laser treatment is another option for treating blackheads and clogged pores. Currently, there are various types of lasers available, such as CO2 Laser, V Beam, etc. Pico laser This method uses laser energy to open clogged pores, making it easier to remove the blockage. It minimizes skin damage and reduces the risk of scarring. It is often suitable for deep-seated blackheads or those that are difficult to extract.

• Use medication to treat blackheads.

Acne medication is another option for treating clogged pores and blackheads, but it should only be used under the close supervision of a doctor. This is because some medications may have side effects, so it's essential to choose the right one for each individual. Commonly used medications include antibiotics, vitamin A derivatives, or hormone-regulating drugs. The doctor will determine the appropriate medication based on skin condition, the location of the acne, and the severity of the problem to ensure effective treatment and reduce the chance of recurrence in the long term.

• Use an exfoliating product.

Using exfoliating products is another option for treating blackheads. This involves choosing skincare or cosmeceuticals containing exfoliating agents such as AHA, PHA, BHA, and LHA to accelerate the skin's natural exfoliation process. This reduces the accumulation of dead skin cells within pores, a major cause of blackheads. However, exfoliating products should not be used too frequently, as this can thin the skin, cause irritation, and increase sun sensitivity. 

 

 

How to prevent blackheads and clogged pores.

Preventing blackheads and clogged pores can be achieved by maintaining proper and consistent skincare, as follows:

• Cleanse your skin properly. Achieve a thorough double cleansing experience by using a gentle facial cleanser suitable for your skin type, free from irritating ingredients, and without leaving your skin feeling dry or tight after washing.
• Choose products that won't clog pores. Choosing products that are non-comedogenic or oil-free can reduce the chances of clogged pores and control excess oil on the skin, especially for those with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin.
• Avoid high-fat foods. In particular, oily foods, fried foods, processed foods, as well as sweets and sugary drinks, can trigger hormonal imbalances and inflammation, which are contributing factors to acne breakouts.
• Avoid touching your face frequently. Because our hands may accumulate dirt and bacteria, touching our skin can allow these impurities to enter pores and easily trigger acne.
• Drink plenty of water. Because water helps retain skin moisture, balances the skin, and allows the skin cell renewal process to function normally, when the skin is not too dry, the body will not stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce excessive oil. This helps reduce the chance of clogged pores and prevents acne in the long term.
• Get enough rest. Because sleep helps balance hormones in the body and reduces stress, when hormones function normally, the sebaceous glands won't produce excessive oil, thus reducing the chances of developing blackheads and clogged pores.
• Change your pillowcase often. Because pillowcases accumulate oil, sweat, dirt, and bacteria, repeated contact with the skin can clog pores and lead to acne. Changing your pillowcase regularly can help reduce the chances of acne breakouts.

Blackheads are caused by the blockage of sebum, dead skin cells, and dirt within pores. When exposed to air, these components oxidize, turning the blackhead black. Even without inflammation, if left untreated, they can develop into inflamed acne and leave scars. Therefore, preventing blackheads is crucial. This starts with proper cleansing, choosing non-comedogenic products, avoiding touching your face frequently, avoiding high-fat foods, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough rest. These measures can help reduce the chances of developing blackheads. For those with persistent, deep-seated, recurring blackheads who wish to treat them, it is recommended to consult a doctor to assess your skin condition and plan appropriate treatment. This will help restore smooth and healthy-looking skin in the long term.

 

*Results may vary depending on individual skin conditions. Consult a doctor before undergoing this procedure.

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