What we call “blackheads” are a form of acne, a frustrating problem for many. Blackheads are one of the most common acne problems and are experienced by people of every age.
What causes blackheads?
There are many causes of blackheads but basically blackheads occur when sebum, dirt, and oil get trapped in the skin producing a clogged pore with a dark appearance. Hair follicles have glands which secrete the oily substance called sebum. While sebum keeps skin supple and hydrated, over-production of sebum plugs up pores, causing blackheads. Commonly, hormonal change in teen years, during menstruation, and pregnancy trigger excess sebum production, especially in adolescence. Cosmetics and heavy sweating can trigger extra sebum that causes blackheads too.
How to Prevent Blackheads
Daily cleansing is the best way to prevent blackheads on the nose and face. However, excessive facial washing can be counter-productive, causing irritation. Whatever you do, don’t pick or squeeze blackheads. Picking and squeezing only cause more irritation, inflammation, and acne scarring. Scrubs do little more than further the irritation.
Some people have success with over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide, which has comedolytic and antibacterial properties. These gels and creams are widely available at drugstores. We recommend the ZO line of anti-acne products available at True Med Spa. Another way to prevent blackheads is to refrain from touching your face, which bring germs in contact with the skin. It’s easy to forget to wash your hands before touching your face so try to get into the habit or not touching your face at all. If you don’t, you’re spreading bacteria and germs to your face. Cleaning hands with soap and water is all that’s needed.
How to Get Rid of Blackheads
Blackheads can be a difficult and embarrassing skin condition, but there is hope for blackhead sufferers. Sometimes a professional medical intervention is the best way to remove blackheads. Why is this important? As we’ve discussed, it’s quite easy to make mistakes in treating them. Also, you may use the same product to treat the problem, but if you’re not getting positive results you wished for, it’s time to see a professional..
Doctors and aestheticians have special tools to treat blackheads and provide better medications and oral antibiotics – to get rid of blackheads and prevent blackheads from coming back. Also, am aesthetician will know how to reduce blackheads and how to get rid of blackheads from your back and other areas.
Acne Facials to Treat Blackheads
Our True Acne Facial is an effective way to get rid of non-inflammatory or comedonal acne (whiteheads and blackheads). Comedones occur when pores get clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Facial exfoliation takes off the top layer of skin, which unclogs pores and helps oil flow naturally through the follicles, thus avoiding future breakouts. Extractions remove the existing comedones, which both helps your appearance and also lessens the likelihood of developing a pimple (which occurs when a comedone becomes inflamed).
For the best results, we also recommend our Acne Hydrafacial MD, True Acne Photofacial, and/or True iPixel Laser treatment to effectively minimize acne causing bacteria and acne scars. Intense Pulse Light (IPL) is one of the safest FDA approved acne treatments available for any skin type. We find that people typically have the best results using a combination of the Acne Hydrafacial and the Acne Photofacial.
When getting facials for acne, the aesthetician will perform each of the following procedures:
- Visia Skin Analysis: Our medical aesthetician performs a Visia Skin Analysis to thoroughly evaluate your skin conditions, such as acne, acne scars, sun damage, pores size and skin tone. While older skin is less likely to have breakouts, sometimes there can be deep congestion (blackheads) due to a build up of dead skin on the outer most layer.
- Cleansing and skin evaluation: The aesthetician wipes away any excess oil and dirt with a cotton pad or sponge. He/she then looks at your skin with a magnifying glass to evaluate your acne, sun damage, dehydration, and/or other conditions.
- Exfoliation: By definition, an exfoliant removes the top layer of your skin, which primarily consists of dead skin cells. Exfoliation is either a mechanical or chemical process: Mechanical exfoliants are scrubs or other course products that rub away dead skin. Chemical exfoliants are acids and enzymes that slough off dead skin.
- Extractions: An extraction is the physical unclogging of a clogged pore. The aesthetician uses a specific technique on each acne lesion, forcing the pus, bacteria, and sometimes blood up through the clogged follicle opening. It is a procedure that should only be performed by an experienced aesthetician as it can damage your pores if done incorrectly.
Anti-Acne Facial Products
Our full line of medical grade acne facial products are available as your take home regime to help you achieve optimal results. ZO® Non-Hydroquinone Hyperpigmentation System was designed by Zein Obagi, MD for to treat skin discoloration gently, safely and effectively. It is a perfect treatment for sensitive skin to restore even skin tone. The ZO System soothes, brightens and restores skin after treatments for beautiful results. The ZO formula also includes Ossential® Daily Power Defense and Oclipse-C™ Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 for optimal skin protection throughout the day.
Acne Treatment in Downtown Scottsdale
True Med Spa in Downtown Scottsdale works with blackhead patients in their teens, 20s, and adult years to create a customized and personalized skin care regimen that will fight to banish blackheads and restore skin tone. If you’re looking to get rid of blackheads and acne on your skin, schedule a consult with True Med Spa today.