Blackheads and whiteheads appear when pores become clogged with excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. The medical community calls these types of bumps comedones. Sounds familiar?
If the pore closes up, you’ll see a tiny bump that looks white or flesh colored. These are whiteheads or closed comedo (plural -nes).
If the pore fills with debris but stays open, you’ll see a blackhead or open comedo (plural -nes). Blackheads are small, dark lesions that appear on the skin, often on the face and neck.
Comedones occur when the pores in the skin become plugged with dead skin cells and an oily, protective substance known as sebum. Both blackheads and whiteheads are a feature of mild acne, but they can appear without other signs of acne being present.
What are the causes of blackheads and whiteheads?
Factors that contribute to the production of blackheads and whiteheads,
Change of hormone (during puberty, pregnancy or use of birth control pills)
Blockage or covering on pores by cosmetics and clothing
High humidity and grease in the immediate environment
Some health conditions, such as stress, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Medications that encourage rapid skin cell turnover
Use of some steroid-based drugs, such as corticosteroids
How to treat blackheads and whiteheads?
Cleansing with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is the preferred ingredient for treating blackheads and whiteheads because it breaks down the materials that clog pores. Dr Jane Skincare, Clarifying Cleanser contains salicylic acid.
Start exfoliation. We recommend chemical exfoliation.
Make sure you are using all the right skin care products with the right skin care regime.
Always remove your make up properly.
Use medicated topical treatments such as retinoid and adapalene. Always consult a Doctor prior to usage.
Consider chemical peel or our propriety treatment Acne Control Treatment which is gentle and non abrasive to the skin.
Consider facial extraction. Facial extraction does not prevent new forming blackheads and whiteheads, but it removes existing blackheads and whiteheads. Click here to book Acne Facial with us.
Be sure to speak to Doctors about your blackheads and whiteheads concern. Every individual condition is different, and each require different approach.
The treatments listed above is not exhaustive for treating blackheads and whiteheads. Make an appointment with us for an evaluation and a proper treatment plan.