Blackheads, also known as "open comedones", are slightly raised fatty clusters that appear on the skin due to clogged pores. The term "blackheads" comes from the fact that their surface is dark.
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Blackhead or open comedo: what is it?
Summary
- Blackheads, or open comedones, are benign lesions that can sometimes be unsightly
- What causes the emergence of blackheads?
- How to get rid of it?
Published August 10, 2022,
updated on June 20, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
5 min read
Blackheads, or open comedones, are benign lesions that can sometimes be unsightly.
Blackheads are retentional lesions that appear as a result of the accumulation of excess sebum (hyperseborrhea) and a deposit of dead cells known as corneocytes (hyperkeratinisation) which block the hair canals. This mixture, when in contact with air, oxidises, forming a small, hard, black ball on the surface.
If left untreated, blackheads can rupture and release their contents outward, either spontaneously or when pressure is applied with fingers or a comedone extractor. Blackheads can also progress to a inflammatory stage and form red and painful acne spots. They primarily appear on the face (especially on the forehead, nose, and chin), the décolletage or the back, which are areas rich in sebaceous glands.
What causes the emergence of blackheads?
There are certain factors that can exacerbate the development of blackheads, including:
Hormonal disturbances during puberty, pregnancy, contraceptive pill intake, or menstrual periods activate the sebaceous glands, promoting the appearance of blackheads;
Theapplication of comedogenic products, such as occlusive makeup products, hence the need to familiarise oneself with the ingredient list of the skincare product before any purchase;
Skins with a tendency to be combination to oily are more affected by blackheads. Indeed, these skin types naturally produce an excessive amount of sebum and their pores are much more dilated than other skin types;
Poor skin hygiene, such as going to sleep without having previously removed makeup or not moisturising the skin daily.
How to get rid of it?
Of course, the first step to take is toavoid handling and dislodging them with your fingers. Your nails are real breeding grounds for bacteria, which can infect them and worsen the situation. There are other more effective tricks to get rid of them.Adopting anon-comedogenic and suitable skincare routineis one way to combat blackheads and prevent their occurrence. This routine should include the following treatments:
At the end of a long day, the first thing to do is to remove your makeup. Indeed, sleeping with makeup on can clog pores and promote the appearance of new blackheads. Therefore, in the evening, it is mandatory to cleanse and use a washing care product, even if you never wear makeup. Firstly, remove traces of makeup, pollution and impurities on the skin with a micellar water or a makeup removing oil. Continue with our cleansing gel for a deeper yet gentle pore cleansing, thus freeing the skin from impurities.
Even thoughexfoliation is not advised in the case of inflammatory acne, it is however strongly recommended to do it regularly if you have blackheads. Indeed, it helps to gently remove dead cells that can lead to pore blockage, but also existing blackheads. Instead of opting for a mechanical scrub (with grains), you can favour the daily application of a care product based on fruit acids (A.H.A.), such as glycolic acid orlactic acid. Both act by eliminating the most superficial layer of the epidermis (horny layer) and prevent the formation of blackheads.
Once a week, in addition to your weekly exfoliating treatment, perform a purifying mask with green clay and charcoal. It works deeply to extract sebum and other impurities, thus helping to unclog the pores.
Next, choose thepurifying tonercontaining salicylic acid, known for its exfoliating action. It helps to break down the substances that clog the pores. It is also known to limit the growth of microorganisms.
Conclude your skincare routine by applying a moisturising cream suitable for your skin type. For instance, for combination to oily skin, opt for the purifying face cream enriched with zinc PCA and bamboo extract. Zinc PCA is a natural active ingredient that acts on inflammation, regulates sebum production, and inhibits bacterial proliferation. On the other hand, bamboo extract absorbs excess sebum.
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