What is a blackhead?
Blackheads are a type of comedo.
Comedones occur when the pores in the skin become plugged with dead skin cells and sebum.
The top of the blackhead, which is visible on the surface of the skin, has a dark color.
Blackheads appear most frequently on the face, back, neck, chest, arms, and shoulders.
What is the difference between a blackhead and a pimple?
Blackheads are non-inflammatory. This means they are not infected, and they will not cause pain and discomfort in the same way as pimples and pustules.
They’re slightly raised, although they aren’t painful because they aren’t inflamed like pimples. Pimples form when bacteria invade the blockage in the hair follicle, causing redness and inflammation.
What causes blackheads?
Overproduction of skin cells by the body can cause blackheads.
Other factors include:
- the blocking or covering pores by cosmetics and clothing
- heavy sweating
- shaving and other activities that open the hair follicles
- high humidity and grease in the immediate environment
- some health conditions, such as stress, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- use of some steroid-based drugs, such as corticosteroids
How to prevent and treat blackheads?
Cleansing is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine. It removes makeup, unwanted oil and dead skin cells and it also helps to maintain skin’s natural moisture balance.
Our Top Tip: Always Double Cleanse.
Double Cleansing (washing your face twice) has become the new standard for daily skin care routines and it is great to micro-exfoliate the skin on a daily basis.
You can also use a facial cleansing brush. It is a great tool to stimulate circulation, complement exfoliation and improve skin tone and texture.
A truly enhanced cleansing experience!
There are two types of chemical exfoliants: AHA, or alpha-hydroxy acids, and BHA, beta-hydroxy acids.
The two most popular AHA’s are glycolic and lactic acids.
In cosmetics, BHA refers to salicylic acid.
Benefits:
-Removes dead skin cells
-Encourages healthy skin cell formation
-Stimulates collagen & elastin production
-Improves skin texture & appearance
-Reduces pigmentation & age spots
Apply your chemical exfoliant onto your skin, then rinse it off. You do not need to scrub to enjoy the benefits. Repeat twice a week for a clearer skin!
Vitamin A Corrector - use every third night
Vitamin A helps to regulate and slow oil flow. It’s an effective treatment for acne because of their ability to regenerate and heal the skin rapidly.
It reshapes the lining of pores, so oil can exit easily, instead of getting ensnared and resulting in clogged pores, pimples or blackheads.
Although this product is for all skin types those who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not recommended to use as it contains Retinol.