Tips for Removing Blackheads
Treating Whiteheads
& Clear Clogged/Plugged Pores
That May Lead to ACNE
Looking for tips for removing blackheads & treating whiteheads? Look no further!
Here, I give you a quick breakdown of what blackheads and whiteheads are and also include simple steps you can take to prevent them.
Blackheads
Blackheads, also known as open
comedones, are follicles that have a wider than normal opening.
They are filled with plugs of sebum and sloughed off cells and have undergone a chemical reaction resulting in the oxidation of melanin.
This gives the material in the follicle the typical black color.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads, also known as closed
comedones, are follicles that are filled with the same material, but
have only a microscopic opening to the skin surface.
Since the air cannot reach the follicle, the material is not oxidized, and remains white.
Treatment
Tips for removing blackheads
& treating whiteheads are outlined below. Do take note that
treating whiteheads and blackheads takes time.
Most treatments take several weeks to months before a noticeable change is seen.
Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect and may also decrease the chemical reaction that changes the lining of the hair follicle.
This may help reduce the plugging that causes comedones.
Benzoyl peroxide may be used for a mild case of comedones or to help prevent formation of others.
Tretinoin (Retin-A, Avita, Renova) is the mainstay of treatment for whiteheads and blackheads.
Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and works by increasing cell turnover and reducing the "stickiness" of the sloughed cells.
It causes expulsion of the plugged material and converts closed comedones into open comedones.
The material in these newly converted open comedones can be easily extruded.
Tretinoin can be irritating, so specific instructions on how to use it can be found here.
Antibiotics have not been shown to help whiteheads or blackheads.
Isotretinoin (Accutane) is used for severe cystic acne and has many side effects.
It is very effective for comedones when used properly, but is not usually prescribed for mild acne of either type.
Extraction may be used by a health care provider on open comedones.
This process is performed using a device called a comedone extractor.
This is a small, metal, circular instrument that is centered on the comedone and pushes down the surrounding skin, causing the plug to extrude.
Finally
Whiteheads and blackheads are types
of acne that affect many people.
There are many Tips for removing blackheads and whiteheads, and other good treatment options are available too, so there is no need to "suffer" with this condition in silence.
A primary care provider can initiate treatment for acne and follow mild to moderate cases. Severe cases or those resistant to treatment should be seen by a dermatologist.
Return to previous Blackheads recommendations.
