Blackheads are an annoying skin condition that can be hard to get rid of. They’re caused by a buildup of dead skin cells and excess oil in your pores, which make them appear black on the surface of your skin. The blackness of the oil is from oxidation, the process of oxygen combining with the oil in your pore causing a chemical reaction, much like a banana turning brown.
Blackheads can leave you feeling heavy—if only your instagram filter could follow you for the day.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to treat blackheads. Here’s what you need to know about what causes blackheads and how to treat them.
What causes blackheads?
We already hit on oxidation, but blackheads (technically called open comedones) happen when dead skin cells clump up in a pore and become trapped beneath the surface. This causes an accumulation of oil, which oxidizes and turns black when exposed to oxygen.
So how do you get blackheads?
Blackheads happen because you have an over production of oil from hormones. This happens during puberty, pregnancy or after taking hormonal birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Diet can also be a major contributor to blackheads. Believe it or not, what you eat effects your hormone levels and can help make your skin glow or give you that unwanted shine.
What are the consequences of blackheads?
Besides being unsightly, they expand your pores. This means, even after removal, you will still have that round dot. You need to allow time for the affected area to heal. Without an effective treatment plan, pores may continue to attract dirt and dead skin, creating a vicious cycle of removal, exposed pores, and reinfection.
What are the worse thing you can do if you have blackheads?
Over the counter nose strips can be one of the worse DIY treatments. You can see the results when you look at the strip, but they are actually doing more damage than good. They strip the top layer of dead skin off the nose, but leave the deeper layer of oil below. This will cause the pore to expand. Each time you you use the strip you might notice more and more dirt and build up. You think wow this is working. In reality, it is just proof of more damage.
What should you do?
You should find out why your getting blackheads first! Is it diet? Is it hormones? Is it your genetic makeup? Maybe the products you are using aren’t meant for your skin pigmentation, your pores, your genetics.
At Glowsthetics, we always start with a consultation and a skin-assessment. First, we want to get to know you. What’s worked for you in the past, what hasn’t, and what you want in the future. We know that different people have different skin types and different expectations. Not all products and not all treatments are created equal.
We always make sure you understand the why before the what. After all, if you don’t know why you are doing something, it is hard to build good skin care habits.
Lastly, the best part, relax!!! Skin treatments are a chance for you. As a guest at Glowsthetics, you enjoy a customized luxury facial while getting expert advice and a at home treatment/maintenance plan.
After your treatment, we guarantee you a filter free glow. Instagram will be jealous.
For a free virtual consultation, visit or booking page or give us a call (470) 747-8355.
