Blackheads are a skin problem that can cause uneven skin and cause annoyance. However, if you know the correct treatment and prevention methods, you can effectively reduce the problem of blackheads or other types of acne.
Blackheads are abnormalities of the hair follicles that cause acne. They look similar to blackheads, but are different in that they contain a clump of fine hairs along with oil or dead skin cells. They most commonly occur on the nose, but can also appear on the scalp, chest, back, and elsewhere. Blackheads can affect both men and women, and are more common in adults than in children.
What causes blackheads?
Blackheads are caused by abnormalities of the hair follicles, which cause the hair follicles to have an abnormal amount of fine hairs that cannot fall out with time. When combined with the produced oil and dead skin cells, it causes acne that looks similar to blackheads. This type of acne may or may not cause inflammation, depending on other factors. The factors that cause blackheads to become clogged include:
- Abnormal functioning of male hormones in the skin
- The amount of linoleic acid in sebum, which is on the outer layer of the skin, is reduced, causing the skin to be less protected.
- The immune system produces proinflammatory cytokines.
- Propionibacterium Acnes (P. Acnes) bacteria cause acne by producing too much free fatty acids.
- The condition in which the body has excess water before menstruation, making it easier to feel damp.
- Exposure to chemicals such as hair products, Isopropyl Myristate (IPM), Propylene Glycol, and some dyes that can trigger acne.
- Damaged hair follicles are caused by skin injury, such as squeezing pimples, not washing your face gently, using chemicals, or having laser skin treatments.
- Smoking
- Eating foods that cause acne, such as foods high in fat and sugar, etc.
Are these beliefs about acne true or not?
There are still many people who believe that blackheads are caused by other reasons besides not keeping clean. But these beliefs are both true and not true. For example:
- Eating chocolate causes acne Diet is a small part of the factor that causes acne. However, there is no research to confirm that eating chocolate causes acne. It was found that eating foods that are made from milk or carbohydrates may stimulate acne. However, the results of the study are still under investigation.
- Washing your face frequently can help reduce acne. Washing your face too often can irritate your skin, and scrubbing or cleaning your face too much can trigger acne. Therefore, you should only wash your face twice a day with a mild soap and after washing your face, you should wipe it with a clean cloth to prevent bacteria.
- Popping pimples can help prevent acne. Popping pimples can spread the bacteria that builds up in the pimples throughout the skin, causing more pimples. It can also cause scarring on the skin.
- The more makeup you wear, the more acne you cause. Wearing makeup doesn’t always cause acne because if you choose products that don’t contain acne-causing ingredients or choose products that are friendly to your skin, it won’t clog your pores and cause acne. In addition, you should thoroughly remove makeup before going to bed and clean your makeup tools regularly.
How to effectively treat blackheads
In some cases, blackheads do not need to be treated by a doctor because they can be cured on their own, such as those caused by cosmetics or clogged hairs. They can be treated by plucking out the fine hairs or using a blackhead cover. However, during treatment, the skin in the area where the acne occurs must be kept extra clean to prevent it from coming back. You should take care of yourself as follows:
- Choose oil-free cosmetics to avoid clogging pores.
- Wash your face twice a day with mild soap and water.
- No smoking
- Reduce your intake of foods high in sugar, fat, or dairy products.
If you want blackheads to go away quickly, you can treat them with medication. Most medications used are topical medications, which must be applied at least 1-2 times a day, and it may take several weeks before the symptoms start to improve. Acne topical medications that are effective usually contain:
- Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat mild acne and can be used during pregnancy, but it can cause dryness, irritation, or allergic reactions. It can also stain clothing.
- Azelaic acid is a drug that can be used in combination with antibiotics or other drugs for treatment, but has side effects such as causing swelling, redness, peeling, itching, or burning in the area where the drug is applied.
- Salicylic Acid, Sulfur and Resorcinol are used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne. Side effects of these medications include severe skin irritation, unusual redness in the area treated, warmth to the touch, and dangerous overdose in large amounts.
- Glycolic Acid is a drug used to treat acne and restore the skin. If used continuously for a long time, it can have adverse effects on the deep layers of the skin. It can also cause irritation because this drug is an acid.
- Retinoids are acne medications that come in the form of topical medications. They are readily available, but be careful of side effects, as they can cause irritation, swelling, and blisters.
For those with chronic acne that does not respond to medication, the doctor may recommend laser treatment for blackheads. The laser used is a Long Pulsed Alexandrite Laser with a wavelength of 755 nanometers, which is specifically used to treat the face. This method will help eliminate blackheads completely.
How to prevent blackheads
Initially, blackheads can be prevented by a simple method: always keep your face clean. In addition, there are other methods, such as:
- Wash your face at least twice a day with a mild soap.
- Use products that help control facial oil to prevent acne.
- Choose makeup that does not contain oil to prevent makeup from clogging your facial pores.
- Always remove makeup before going to bed.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Use water-based hair products and avoid letting your hair cover your face to prevent clogged pores from hair products.
However, if blackheads still appear on the face or the symptoms become more severe, you should see a dermatologist to find the cause of the blackheads and receive treatment that is specific and suitable for each person’s skin condition.
Blackheads are not a problem to worry about if you know how to treat and prevent them properly. However, if left untreated, they can turn into inflamed acne, which can have negative effects on your skin.