Although acne gets more attention, blackheads are just as challenging to treat while maintaining our skin. Fortunately, ourdermatologists in South Florida have helpful tips to remove blackheads properly without scarring or skin inflammation.
What Causes Blackheads?
Blackheads form when pores are clogged by dead skin cells, oil, dirt, or leftover makeup residue. Blackheads have an open surface that causes the color to darken, unlike whiteheads. Those with oily skin may be more prone to blackheads than people with drier skin. Our board-certified dermatologists have expert insight to help properly treat your blackheads.
How to Properly Treat Blackheads?
Do Not Pick or Scratch
Resist the urge to pinch and scratch at all costs! Picking or pinching your blackheads can cause face scarring or worse damage to the skin. Properly remove the blackheads with one of our tips below before pinch or scratch your face. If the temptation is too much, clip your nails to decrease the chances of inflammation, scarring, or infections.
Wash ALL Your Makeup Off Before Bed
We’ve heard this so many times, but it is the most underrated advice to help take care of our skin. Blackheads form when pores get clogged from dirt, oil, and even makeup residue. Take the time to wash off all your makeup before bed.
Cleanse Skin with Salicylic Acid
Cleansing the skin at least once a day with salicylic acid will help clear blemishes and break down anything that clogs pores including oil, dirt, makeup, and excessive dead skin cells. Although ourdermatology treatments specialists recommend washing your face twice a day, we only recommend utilizing salicylic acid once a day to not dry out the skin too much. If you have sensitive skin and see a reaction to the salicylic acid, discontinue using it immediately.
Exfoliate Regularly
Gently exfoliating your skin regularly can help eliminate excessive amounts of oil or dead skin cells that clog pores. Exfoliating benefits include clearing blemishes, fighting breakouts, and brightening dull looking skin. Our dermatologists in Delray Beach highly recommend purchasing a mild exfoliator with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) or utilizing anatural exfoliant. Both help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and decrease inflammation for healthy appearing skin.Ourbest dermatologists for acne treatment in Palm Beach suggest exfoliating a skin brush and a gentle cleansing wash if you do not have sensitive skin. If you do have sensitive skin, our dermatologists professionals suggest to not over-exfoliate, or skin irritation can occur and inflamed blackheads.
Applying a Clay Mask or Charcoal Mask
Applying a clay mask or charcoal mask at least once a week can drastically clear blemishes, purify skin, and reduce visible signs of aging. Clay masks easily draw oils and toxins to unclog pores. Charcoal masks act like a magnet to draw out impurities such as dirt, oil, makeup residue, and pollutants. While searching for the perfect clay mask or charcoal mask, look for noncomedogenic or dermatologist recommended to minimize skin inflammation.
Purchase Oil Free and Non Comedogenic Makeup
Using makeup that is not oil free or non comedogenic could be causing a skin reaction resulting in clogged pores and blackheads. To properly treat blackheads, purchase cleansers, exfoliators, makeup, and sunscreen that is oil free, fragrance free, non comedogenic, or dermatologist recommended. These products utilize natural ingredients that will minimize skin inflammation and irritation
Avoid At-Home Blackhead Remedies
Although it is tempting to buy all the blackhead treatments at the store, at-home remedies are not beneficial at properly removing blackheads or treating clogged pores. Pore strips or at-home treatments can strip your skin of beneficial natural oils and cause your skin to be inflamed or irritated. Consult with a professional first.
Invest in Chemical Peels
As well as healing acne scars or visible wrinkles,chemical peels are a cosmetic procedure that can help properly treat blackheads. Although it is not a primary treatment, it helps properly remove blackheads without scarring and inflaming the skin. Additional benefits of chemical peels are diminishing the signs of aging by reducing wrinkles, lines, and uneven skin tone or dull complexion.We suggest consulting with one of our board-certified dermatologists in South Florida to discuss the benefits of chemical peels or one of our cosmetic treatment services.
Consult with a Board- Certified Dermatologist
Our South Florida dermatology can assist provide a wide selection of dermatology treatments including treating acne and blackheads. Our board- certified dermatologists specialize in medical, surgical, and cosmeticdermatology services.Contact either our Delray or Wellington locations to consult with one of our dermatology professionals. Our team is here to help treat and rejuvenate your skin.Schedule an appointment today!
