Can You Get Rid of Blackheads?

Anyone who has had blackheads knows how annoying those small, black spots can be. Apart from making your skin look dull and tired, blackheads can be so difficult to get rid of. In fact, even your attempts to remove them (like squeezing and picking) can do more harm than good and lead to more blemishes.

Getting to know blackheads

Contrary to popular belief, blackheads are not trapped dirt, but are made of oxidized sebum and dead skin cells settling on your pores. Exposure to oxygen in the air oxidizes these substances and turns them dark, forming a blackhead. There are also cases where a blackhead can turn into a pimple or pustule.

Blackheads commonly occur on the face, but also on other parts of the body, such as the:

• Chest
• Back
• Neck 
• Shoulders 
• Arms

Open comedone is the technical name for a blackhead. It forms when something clogs the opening of hair follicles in the skin. Anything that blocks the pores can result in the formation of small, dark spots and other types of acne. These include hair products on the skin, sweating heavily and not showering/washing face, and even tight clothing.

Treating blackheads

Instead of squeezing and popping blackheads, it is a much better idea to see an expert or consider aesthetic treatments that can properly remove them. You can also consider treatments and skin products that can help improve their appearance. These include:

• OTC acne medications – OTC products with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and benzoyl peroxide can help kill bacteria, remove excess sebum, and get rid of dead skin cells. These are available in creams, gels, and even face washes and toners.
• Prescription acne medications – When OTC products aren’t enough, your dermatologist or aesthetic doctor may prescribe stronger medications. Prescription retinol or tretinoin is one common treatment, as it can help clear pores and promote cell turnover. 
• Clay or charcoal mask – Clay masks help absorb oil, dirt, and other impurities in the pores, making it effective in removing blackheads. Charcoal masks, on the other hand, absorb excess sebum, cleanse pores, and helps remove dirt and blackheads. 

Aesthetic treatments for blackheads

The safest way to deal with blackheads, of course, is to see a dermatologist or an aesthetic doctor. They can professionally extract the blackheads or perform aesthetic treatments that can remove or improve their appearance.

At Cutis Laser Clinics, we have a number of procedures that can help treat blackheads and improve the tone and texture of the skin. These include:

• DiamondTome Microdermabrasion – This exfoliation procedure removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells. It uses natural diamond chips that can help clear away dirt and debris, resulting in a more vibrant complexion. It can be done alone or combined with other treatments like our Medical-Grade facials.

• Hydra Dermabrasion – This uses a non-irritating cleanser that can remove sebum, bacteria, and cosmetic residue in the pores. It also involves a T-zone intensive care that can clean the pores from excess sebum and blackheads.  Hydra Dermabrasion can also nourish and moisturize the skin, as well as reduce the appearance of aging. 

• Cutis Anti-Acne Peel – This chemical peel uses a high yet safe concentration for clearing out pores. This can unclog and kill bacteria, which helps reduce acne. This is a good choice for mild and moderate acne vulgaris on the face, neck, and back.

• Clarifying Medical-Grade Facial with Sapphire – This combines Sapphire Blue Light Therapy, DiamondTome Microdermabrasion, extractions, and a specialized mask. It helps clarify congested skin by removing dead skin cells and killing bacteria. The use of gentle extraction can clear the pores of blackheads and pimples.
• VI Peel – This stronger type of chemical peel uses a special formula that can improve skin tone, clarity, and texture. It can address a range of skin problems such as acne, acne scars, pigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles. It also stimulates the production of collagen, resulting in a firmer and more youthful skin. 

Manage clogged pores and blackheads with the tips and treatments mentioned above. You can also contact Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore and schedule a consultation with our Harvard-trained aesthetic doctor, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez, to determine the right treatment for you skin concerns.