Danger: Popping your blackheads.

Blackheads or "open comedones" are dark coloured plugs in the pores. Indeed, the role of pores is to allow sebum and sweat to flow freely. However, if the pores become clogged with impurities, dead cells or an excessive amount of sebum, a blackhead forms. In fact, upon contact with air, this unsightly mixture begins to oxidise and turn black, hence its name. They are primarily located in the T-zone of the face, namely the forehead, nose and chin.

Several factors can promote their occurrence: hormones, makeup, the use of unsuitable or comedogenic skincare products, the intake of certain medications, etc... Similarly, individuals with combination to oily skin types are more prone to developing these imperfections as they naturally tend to secrete a higher than normal amount of sebum.

Even though it may be tempting, picking and dislodging blackheads yourself is a bad idea, despite them being unsightly and bothersome. By doing this, you not only risk exacerbating them by infecting them with the germs present on your fingers and nails, which will lead to the formation of an acne spot that will become superinfected, but you also risk causing irreversible damage to your skin by leaving scars.

Furthermore, if the treated area has not been disinfected, this can lead to their proliferation on the skin. Moreover, as a general rule, they are either half emptied or poorly squeezed, which creates an inflammatory phenomenon. Similarly, avoid using patches to remove blackheads on the nose or chin. This method is quite harsh on the skin. If you absolutely wish to remove them, we strongly advise you to make an appointment with a dermatologist or a professional to remove them without damaging the skin.

To remove blackheads or prevent their occurrence, establishing a good daily skincare routine is essential for the skin. Here are some basic steps to adopt on a daily basis:

• The foundation of a clear complexion begins with cleansing both morning and evening using a cleansing product that is suitable for your skin type. This will help to remove excess sebum, dead skin cells and impurities on the surface that can clog pores. In the evening, remember to first thoroughly remove makeup residues and other dirt from your skin using a makeup remover ;

• Unclog the pores with the peeling mask containing red fruit acids once or twice a week. Indeed, this treatment not only helps to detach dead cells and increase exfoliation, without damaging the skin, but also to cleanse the inside of the pores;

• Perform a purifying mask with charcoal andgreen clay once or twice a week to absorb excess sebum and purify the skin. Before applying the mask, remember to dilate the skin pores by performing a steam bath;

• To conclude this beauty routine, don't forget to hydrate your skin. During the day, rely on a sun cream with a minimum SPF 30 to protect you from the sun. Indeed, the latter can promote the secretion of sebum. In the evening, apply a purifying night serum which will help to regulate sebum production.

Of course, this basic routine can be supplemented with other treatments such as the use of a purifying toner with salicylic acid which will help to refine the skin texture, remove dead cells and tighten the pores.