No one is spared from blackheads . Although they are generally less visible than pimples , the fact remains that these impurities are unsightly, block pores and give a dull complexion .
Fortunately, blackheads can be removed and prevented from appearing with a good skincare routine .
What is a blackhead?
Causes of blackheads
How to prevent blackheads?
How to extract blackheads?
What is a blackhead?
Blackheads, also known as comedones , occur when the pores of the skin become clogged with excess oil and dead cells, preventing them from closing. In contact with air, the sebum oxidizes and turns black, hence the appearance of blackheads. So, contrary to popular belief, it’s not about dirt.
Blackheads are mainly found in the regions where the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, are located. In people with combination skin, blackheads often appear in the famous T-zone of the face which includes the forehead, nose and chin. Blackheads can also appear on the chest, back and shoulders.
Illustration of the T-zone on a woman’s face – appearance of blackheads
Matis Institute
Causes of blackheads
Blackheads are caused by excessive sebum production and an accumulation of dead cells, but several factors aggravate this problem:
badly cleansed and badly removed skin (here is how to remove your makeup properly );
the use of products that irritate or dry out the skin, which promotes the production of sebum;
the use of comedogenic or greasy cosmetics, which contribute to blocking the pores of the skin;
oily or acne-prone skin;
hormonal changes and imbalances .
Marina Demeshko/iStock
How to Prevent Blackheads
Simple gestures and appropriate skin care help prevent the appearance of blackheads:
- Clean the face
It is essential to cleanse your skin well daily with gentle products, morning and evening. For even more effective cleansing, a facial brush or sponge can be used.
In order to absorb sebum, remove the accumulation of dead skin and release dirt, you can also do gentle scrubs, facial exfoliations or masks once or twice a week.
The Body Shop
The Body Shop Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleansing Sponge –
To buy
Yves Rocher
Gentle illuminating scrub, Yves Rocher –
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The best face masks according to your skin’s needs
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Remove make-up from the skin
Before going to bed, it is essential to remove make-up in order to remove make-up residue and not block the pores of the skin.
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Moisturize the skin well
In the morning and in the evening, moisturize your skin well with an oil-free and non-comedogenic cream.
Amazon
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer for Sensitive and Oily Skin, Amazon –
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Use the right products
You must also make sure to use the right products for your skin type and to avoid drying or irritating it. We therefore favor the use of gentle products to cleanse the skin.
In the case of creams and makeup, it is recommended to choose only non-comedogenic and oil-free products.
You can also opt for products containing salicylic acid which helps fight blackheads thanks to its purifying and anti-inflammatory properties. Many skin products contain it, including cleansers, moisturizers and anti-blemish products.
Amazon
Bioderma Sébium Dilated Pore Corrector, Amazon –
To buy
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Avoid sun exposure
As with acne , sun exposure is limited to avoid drying and thickening of the skin, which would promote the accumulation of sebum.
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Avoid pinching blackheads
To avoid contaminating and infecting the skin around them, we refrain from crushing or pinching the blackheads.
Moyo Studio/iStock
How to extract blackheads
It’s all natural, when blackheads appear, we have only one desire: to remove them. Here are some techniques for doing so.
Before Extraction
We make sure to clean and disinfect the skin of the face as well as our hands. You can also use a cream containing salicylic acid to soften the blackhead.
To soften the skin and open the pores, start with a steam bath . We pour boiling water into a bowl then, with our head covered with a towel to prevent the steam from escaping, we lean our face over the bowl for about 10 minutes.