Controlling Blackheads

Methods of Controlling Oily Skin and Blackheads

Hi there,

I really like your site. It is very helpful - thanks!

I was wondering if you have any information about chemical peels. I am 21 and have recently begun getting blackheads which are very stubborn!

I eat very healthy foods and am an active person, so I think my hormones must have gone a bit crazy or something!!

I heard that chemical peels can help with this sort of thing?

Keep up the good work.

XX

Shaye

Chemical Peels Used to Remove Blackheads

You heard right that chemical peels are sometimes used to remove excessive or stubborn blackheads. A superficial peel is normally used for blackhead removal, which is good news since these peels carry fewer risks and less downtime than deeper peels.

Glycolic acid or salicylic acid are commonly used for superficial peels. In addition to removal of blackheads, you can expect a temporary reduction in excessive oil production which would inhibit new blackhead formation.

The B-Lift or salicylic acid peel is especially useful in patients with oily skin who have acne and blackheads. After a superficial peel, the skin will probably become red and dry. Then it will flake and peel over the next five days or so. Most people can return immediately to their normal activities.

How Blackheads Form

In the normal skin renewal process, sebum combines in the hair follicles with dead skin cells ready to be sloughed off. When everything is in balance, the mixture rises to the skin's surface and the sebum spreads over the skin giving a healthy, moist appearance. The dead skins cells are rubbed, washed or shaved away.

Blackheads and whiteheads are formed when hair follicles become plugged up with the sebum/skin cell mixture which then hardens and cannot exit normally. If the plug forms below the surface, it is a whitehead. If it is on the surface and exposed to air, the plug oxidizes and turns black.

Less Aggressive Blackhead Treatments

1. Retin-A

Retin-A is frequently prescribed for blackhead removal. It works in very much the same way as a superficial peel but over time. It too irritates the skin and can cause some redness. This is managed by adjusting how frequently the cream is applied. As skin adjusts to the Retin-A, it can be applied more frequently. Continued use prevents new blackhead/whitehead formation.

While Retin-A is very effective for whiteheads and blackheads, patience is essential. It may take six to nine weeks to see a noticeable difference. The flaking and irritation side effects are usually the worst in the first two weeks of application.

2. Blackhead Extraction

Blackheads can be physically extracted using a comedone extractor which is a handheld metal tool with a small doughnut-shaped head. The hole of the "doughnut" is centered on the blackhead and gently pressed. This pushes down the surrounding skin and causes the blackhead to extrude. This treatment is typically part of a facial performed by a qualified esthetician.

3. DIY Facial Masks

There are several facial masks which are quite effective for removing blackheads. The best include clay (kaolin), AHAs or BHAs and calming botanicals such as chamomile and witch hazel. My favorite is Booth's Calming Tomato Peel Mask.