Blackheads are a common skin condition that many people get. They occur when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This causes a bump to form and the top often looks dark or black. Squeezing and popping blackheads is tempting for some people, but it can actually make things worse. Here’s a quick look at what blackheads are, whether you should squeeze them, and better ways to remove them safely.
What are blackheads?
Blackheads, also called open comedones, are small bumps that form when dead skin cells and oil clog up a pore. The oil and skin create a plug that sticks to the wall of the pore. When this plug is exposed to air, it turns black, which is how these blemishes get their name.
Blackheads form on the face, especially in the oily areas like the nose, forehead and chin. Some common causes and risk factors for blackheads include:
– Excess oil production – This can clog pores more easily. Blackheads are common in teens and young adults when oil glands are very active.
– Hormones – Hormonal changes related to puberty, periods, pregnancy or birth control can increase oil production and block pores.
– Genetics – Some people inherit enlarged or overactive oil glands which make blackheads more likely.
– Medications – Certain drugs like corticosteroids, lithium, anticonvulsants and androgens can promote blackheads.
– Makeup and skin care products – Heavy creams, oils and makeup that aren’t non-comedogenic can clog pores.
While anyone can get blackheads, they tend to run in families and be more common in younger age groups with oily skin types. Men also tend to get more blackheads than women due to hormonal differences.
Should you squeeze blackheads?
It’s very tempting to squeeze those small black bumps, but dermatologists do not recommend picking or squeezing blackheads. Here’s why:
– It can damage skin – Picking can cause trauma and micro-tears in the skin. This can lead to further inflammation, bleeding, scarring or dark spots on the skin.
– It spreads bacteria – Squeezing blackheads pushes the trapped contents deeper into the pore. This can spread bacteria and make breakouts worse.
– It makes blackheads worse – Forcing a blackhead out can damage the pore walls. This makes them widened and more likely to clog up again.
– It can cause pain and swelling – Trying to extract blackheads can be painful. It can also cause redness, irritation and swelling of the surrounding skin.
– It leads to more blackheads – Aggressively squeezing out blackheads irritates the pores, which respond by producing more oil. This further clogs pores and causes more blackheads to form.
So even though it can be oh so tempting, squeezing or picking blackheads is never recommended. It almost always does more harm than good in the end.
When is it OK to extract blackheads?
Dermatologists generally advise leaving blackheads alone. However in some cases, gentle extraction by a professional can be appropriate. Here are a few instances when extracting blackheads may be OK:
– By an esthetician during a facial – With proper tools and technique, an esthetician may gently loosen and extract some blackheads during a facial treatment. They are trained to do this without damaging skin.
– During an appointment with your dermatologist – A dermatologist may extract stubborn blackheads that don’t respond to other treatments. They know how to do this in a sterile manner with minimal trauma to skin.
– Extraction of very large open blackheads – Large open blackheads that fail to clear up after proper skincare may need to be extracted. This should be done by a professional to limit skin damage and prevent scarring.
– Medical-grade extraction tools – Your dermatologist may use special tools like a comedone extractor to remove blackheads. This can be done more gently than squeezing with fingers and nails.
– When proper technique is used – Applying gentle, even pressure and using sterile tools helps minimize damage. Never squeeze or pick blackheads aggressively.
– With clean hands and face – Extraction should only be done on clean skin after washing the face and hands thoroughly to avoid spreading bacteria.
So in summary, it is only appropriate to extract blackheads in a very limited set of circumstances and when done properly by a skin care professional. Aggressive DIY squeezing is never a good idea.
How to get rid of blackheads safely
There are many better, safer ways to clear up blackheads without damaging your skin:
Use over-the-counter acne medications:
– Benzoyl peroxide – Kills acne-causing bacteria and helps dry out oil.
– Salicylic acid – Exfoliates and clears pore-clogging debris to prevent blackheads. Start with concentrations under 2% to avoid dryness and irritation.
– Retinoids – Derived from vitamin A, these help unclog pores and prevent blackheads. Retinol and adapalene (Differin) are common OTC options.
Try oil-free over-the-counter products:
– Oil-free cleansers – Use a gentle cleanser formulated for acne-prone skin twice a day. Avoid harsh scrubs.
– Oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer – Hydrate skin without clogging pores. Look for water-based, gel or oil-free formulas.
– Oil-blotting sheets – These convenient sheets soak up excess oil throughout the day to help keep pores clear.
Use professional blackhead treatments:
– Facials – An esthetician can perform a deep cleanse facial to clear out blackheads and provide extractions if needed. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion can also help.
– Light therapy – In-office light treatments like LED or IPL help kill acne bacteria to reduce breakouts and blackheads.
– Extractions – As mentioned earlier, an esthetician or dermatologist may provide extractions if blackheads are large or stubborn.
Improve your skincare routine:
– Wash face twice daily with a gentle cleanser. Oil-based makeup removers can help dissolve oil and debris in pores.
– Exfoliate 2-3 times per week to slough off dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliants with AHAs and BHAs work best.
– Use oil-free, non-comedogenic products labeled “non-acnegenic” or “won’t clog pores.”
– Spot treat persistent blackheads with acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
– Moisturize daily with a lightweight, oil-free lotion to keep skin hydrated but not greasy.
– Avoid heavy makeup and oils around the face. Remove makeup thoroughly before bed.
See a dermatologist if needed:
See your dermatologist if over-the-counter remedies aren’t improving blackheads. Prescription-strength acne medications are available. Laser treatments can also help destroy oil glands and improve blackheads.
How to prevent blackheads
While you can’t always prevent blackheads entirely, these tips can help reduce their frequency and severity:
– Wash face twice daily and after sweating heavily.
– Exfoliate 2-3 times per week to keep pores clear.
– Use oil-free skincare and cosmetic products.
– Avoid rubbing or touching your face.
– Remove makeup thoroughly before bed.
– Use oil-absorbing sheets to manage oily skin.
– Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
– Manage stress levels which can influence hormones and oil production.
– Take medications as directed; consult your dermatologist about potential blackhead-promoting side effects.
– Get facials monthly or as needed to deep clean pores.
– See your dermatologist to discuss prescription acne treatments if over-the-counter options don’t help.
– Consider laser treatments to destroy oil glands and reduce blackheads long term.
Home remedies to avoid
There are many DIY treatments people try to remove blackheads at home. However, these remedies have risks and may damage skin:
– Aggressively squeezing, picking or puncturing blackheads
– Using harsh scrubs, loofahs or rough wash cloths
– Applying duct tape or pore strips to rip out blackheads
– Using harsh ingredients like lemon juice, baking soda, ethanol, etc. which can burn or irritate skin
– Taking supplements like fish oil, evening primrose oil, zinc or vitamins without medical supervision
– Applying natural oils like coconut oil, tea tree oil or apple cider vinegar which can clog pores
It’s best to stick to proven, gentle over-the-counter acne products and visit a dermatologist if those aren’t working. Harsh DIY treatments often do more harm than good.
When to see a dermatologist
You should make an appointment with a dermatologist if:
– Over-the-counter remedies aren’t reducing blackheads after 2-3 months of consistent use.
– Blackheads are widespread and severe across the face.
– Blackheads are leaving dark spots or scars after healing.
– You experience frequent blackhead breakouts before your period.
– Blackheads are painful, swollen or infected.
– You have a family history of severe acne.
A dermatologist can evaluate your skin and determine if prescription acne medication, chemical peels, laser treatment or extraction is needed for stubborn blackheads.
Conclusion
Blackheads are a common type of acne that affect many teenagers and adults. While squeezing them may seem tempting, it can lead to skin damage, scarring and even more blackheads. Dermatologists recommend leaving blackheads alone and using other proven treatments to clear them up safely. This includes over-the-counter acne products, professional facials and laser treatments if needed. With a consistent skin care routine, most blackheads can be managed at home. See a dermatologist if you have severe or persistent blackheads that don’t respond to over-the-counter remedies.
| Don’t | Do |
|---|---|
| Squeeze or pick at blackheads | Use over-the-counter acne treatments |
| Use pore strips or heavy creams/oils | Get regular facials for extractions if needed |
| Apply lemon juice, baking soda or harsh ingredients | See a dermatologist for stubborn blackheads |
| Rub, touch or pick at your face | Gently wash face twice daily |
| Use thick makeup or oils near blackheads | Exfoliate 2-3 times per week |
| Try risky DIY treatments | Moisturize with oil-free, non-comedogenic lotions |