What are Blackheads & How are They Formed?

Blackheads are on the list of skin issues that most of us will have to deal with at some point. What are they? How are they formed? More importantly, how to clear blackheads and remove them from your nose may be a question you’re wondering about.

This article will not only answer your questions but will also delve into ways to how you get rid of blackheads. We’ll share two amazing products that show you how to get rid of blackheads on your nose and also how to remove deep blackheads.

Blackheads VS Whiteheads: What's the Difference

Before we tell you how to remove blackheads and whiteheads, we need to understand how these two differ from each other. While they’re both medically classified as “non-inflammatory” acne, they generally don’t indicate a skin infection. Both blackheads and whiteheads are pores that have been clogged with a combination of natural oils (or sebum) and dead skin cells.

Since they’re formed differently, whiteheads are closed pores while blackheads are open. Whiteheads have a covering of skin over the plugged follicle and appear white, hence the name.

Blackheads, on the other hand, contain melanin which has been oxidized (exposed to oxygen because there’s no skin covering) which turns the pores black. While you may think blackheads are worse because you usually can’t just squeeze them out, they’re actually similar to whiteheads since they both contain oil and dead skin.

What are the Causes of Blackheads?

As we’ve already mentioned, blackheads are primarily caused by a buildup of oil, sebum and dead skin cells that have become stuck inside the follicle. While it’s true that individuals prone to acne are more likely to develop blackheads, they can appear at any time, even on people who have never had acne before. The most common cause of blackheads stems from excess oil production in your skin.

This usually happens during various hormonal shifts in the body such as puberty, menstruation and pregnancy. Additionally, blackheads can also form when dead skin cells do not shed frequently enough, or hair follicles become irritated. Excess sweating and inconsistent skincare routines can also contribute to the cause of your blackheads.

How Can Blackheads Be Prevented?

The good news is that you can prevent these unsightly skin irritations from popping up on your face. The best blackhead treatment for preventing blackheads starts with maintaining a regular skincare routine. The most significant ways to do this include the following:

• Wash your face regularly: Experts recommend washing blackhead-prone or oily skin at least twice a day. Use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t irritate your skin. Contrary to widespread belief, rubbing and scrubbing won’t prevent blackhead formation.
• Exfoliate: Another effective way to remove oil buildup is to exfoliate the skin using a chemical exfoliator. The SK-II’s range features many products with their signature ingredient, PITERA™, which is perfect for exfoliating. PITERA™ Facial Treatment Clear Lotion contains AHAs and exfoliating properties to aid in blackhead removal gently.
• Choose oil-free products: Avoid using skin products that contain oil such as coconut, avocado or argan as this can encourage blackhead formation. Rather opt for oil-free make-up, sunscreens, lotions and face creams. This includes any home remedies or creams that you may make for skincare.

Types of Blackhead Issues

When it comes to dealing with blackheads, there are several issues that you should be aware of. The most significant are mentioned below.

Deep Blackheads

Not all blackheads are the same. While some can be removed using a product such as a clay mask, charcoal mask, chemical peel, or even a topical retinoid; other blackheads may require more intensive treatments. This is especially the case if they have become deep blackheads.

These types of blackheads occur when the sebum and oil have become too embedded into the follicle. No amount of squeezing, scratching, or applying regular blackhead removers will help.

In this instance, you may need to visit to a dermatologist who will remove the blackhead and recommend specialized acne treatments. These often include using salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acids (BHA).

Oil Production

One of the primary reasons many people suffer from acne vulgaris, (which includes blackheads) is excessive oil production. This means that if you naturally have oily skin, you will be more likely to develop blackheads.

Large Pores

Excess oil excretion also leads to larger pores. Larger pores in turn cause a dull skin appearance and may result in dirt and bacteria settling in your skin. An effective way to close larger pores is by using a hydration product, (more commonly referred to as an essence) after you have washed your face with warm water. Using PITERA™ Facial Treatment Essence to hydrate your skin after an exfoliating session will help reduce pore size.

How are Blackheads Treated? The Dos and Don'ts

There are many ways to treat blackheads. These can range from choosing the right skincare product, using a pore strip to open pores or even investing in a quality blackhead remover.

Some people even go as far as investing in blackhead extractors or visiting dermatologists for chemical peels or an acid cleanser. What are the dos and don’ts of blackhead treatment?

Home-Based Natural Remedies

It’s common to ask, “How to remove a blackhead on face in 5 minutes?” This may lead to squeezing blackheads or even soaking stubborn blackheads in warm water. Some people may also choose to use kitchen ingredients such as baking soda or sugar to remove their blackheads. Often all these ingredients do is scratch the skin, causing redness and inflammation.

Other home remedies, such as tea tree or other essential oils, can do more harm than good. As an oil, these substances may just end up pushing more oil into the follicles, further clogging them. Additionally, since your skin can be quite sensitive, some ingredients and solutions can cause allergies.

Products to Help Remove Blackheads

Rather than risk aggravating your blackheads or the rest of your skin, it’s always recommended to start your treatment by adding the best facial for blackheads to your skincare routine. That’s why SK-II provides you with the best products to remove blackheads safely and effectively. These products come in the form of exfoliators and essences, as discussed below.

Exfoliators

Exfoliators are products that remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Experts recommend using a chemical exfoliator that cleanses and removes blackheads without scratching the skin.

Clear Lotion

Clear Lotion is a hydrating toner that exfoliates the skin after washing. Using the SK-II PITERA™ Facial Treatment Clear Lotion has the added advantage of containing AHAs which not only exfoliates but also conditions.

Post-Blackhead Removal Routine

Once you have removed the blackhead from your skin, it’s important to follow up with quality hydrating products. Dehydrated skin increases oil production, which will cause the blackheads to return.

Hydrating Skin with Products

You may be tempted to reach for products that contain retinol, vitamin C, or even hyaluronic acid. Usually, this requires buying more than one product, and when not applied together may not produce the desired results.

It’s for this reason that SK-II’s PITERA™ Facial Treatment Essence is more effective. With more than 90% PITERA™ in one easy-to-apply formula, you can expect faster cell turnover renewal while at the same time adding the necessary moisture to your skin.

SK-II PITERA™ Facial Treatment Clear Lotion

With so many skincare products on the market, you may be wondering if SK-II PITERA™ Facial Treatment Clear Lotion is the best option for treating your blackheads. The answer should always be a resounding yes! Here are the top reasons why.

Benefits

SK-II has over 26 years of experience and research in the skincare industry. This means you can be assured that SK-II exfoliating products will exfoliate your skin to remove residual impurities and dead skin surface cells.

In addition to exfoliating blackheads, PITERA™ products also condition the skin surface and work well on normal, dry, combination and oily skin. With their antioxidants, vitamins and amino acids, you can look forward to silky smooth, blackhead-free skin. It’s no wonder that so many people love the effects of PITERA™ blackhead removal products.

SK-II PITERA™ Facial Treatment Essence

After you have successfully removed blackheads, the next step in your skincare routine should be to add SK-II PITERA™ Facial Treatment Essence.

Benefits

A unique yeast-derived formulation has been specially designed to stimulate your skin’s natural reproduction of Hyaluronic Acid. You therefore won’t need to buy an additional product to add this vital supplement to your skin.

By boosting natural Hyaluronic Acid production, your skin is treated from the inside. SK-II’s PITERA™ Facial Treatment Essence also reduces any UV damage and reduces redness. You’re only getting a post-treatment to prevent blackheads but an overall skin treatment that leaves your skin looking healthy and youthful.

In Conclusion

There’s no need to struggle with blackheads. Especially when you can use PITERA™ products that have been specifically designed to treat and reduce the visible formation of blackheads. It’s the perfect product to increase hydration and remove the oily buildup that causes blackheads.