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 appearance of blackheads?
- How to get rid of it?
Published August 10, 2022,
updated on June 20, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
5 min read
Topics:
Blackheads, or open comedones, are benign lesions that can sometimes be unsightly.
Blackheads are retentional lesions that appear as a result of an accumulation of excess sebum (hyperseborrhea) and a deposit of dead cells called corneocytes (hyperkeratinization) that block the hair canals. This mixture, when exposed to air, oxidizes, forming a small, hard, black ball on the surface.
If not treated, blackheads can rupture and release their contents outward, either spontaneously or when pressed with fingers or a comedone extractor. Blackheads can also progress to a inflammatory stage and form red and painful acne pimples. 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 appearance of blackheads?
Several factors can exacerbate the development of blackheads, including:
Hormonal imbalances 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 familiarize oneself with the ingredient list of the skincare product before any purchase;
Skin types that lean towards 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 removing makeup beforehand or not moisturizing 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 care:
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. First, 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 recommended in cases of inflammatory acne, it is, however, strongly advised to do it regularly if you have blackheads. Indeed, it helps to gently remove dead cells that can lead to pore obstruction, but also existing blackheads. Instead of opting for a mechanical scrub (with grains), you can favor the daily application of a care product based on fruit acids (A.H.A.), such as theglycolic acid or thelactic acid. Both work 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 tonerwith 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 moisturizer 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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