Blackheads
Blackheads, also known as “open” comedones, are follicles filled with excess oil, debris and dead skin cells which oxidise, giving them a black or dark appearance. Although anyone can suffer from blackheads, they appear most commonly on an oily skin type and can be present at the early stages of mild to moderate acne. Most people will experience blackheads at some point in their lives this can be due to many different factors including excess oil production or an insufficient use of a skincare regime.
As blackheads are most commonly seen on oily skin types, you may be able to identify them if you can see the following signs:
- Bumpy appearance with black/dark coloured spots, Individual or clustered
- Enlarged pores
- Excess oil production
- Build-up of dead skin cells
Book a consultation at Charmelle London with one of our experienced practitioners so we can assess your blackheads and provide expert advice on the treatments and products that can help you.
What Causes Blackheads?
Blackheads occur when open follicles are filled with excess oil, debris and dead skin cells. When the plug of oil, debris and skin cells is exposed to oxygen a process called oxidation occurs which results in the black/dark appearance. Although most commonly found on the T-zone which includes the forehead, nose and chin blackheads can appear anywhere where follicles are present on the face and body.
There are many reasons why blackheads can appear on the skin, factors that can contribute to blackheads:
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Non comodogenic products
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Medications
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Hormonal influences
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Lack of good nutrition
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Lifestyle and stress
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Free radicals including environmental factors, smoking and drinking
Frequently Asked Questions
Blackheads usually will not cause any pain or discomfort as they are usually not inflamed.
Yes, blackheads can be extracted from the skin. Extracting them yourself may not always be the best way as this could result in infection or scarring. We offer many different treatment options which extract or aid the release of blackheads.
Blackheads can sometimes smell due to the blockage of oil and debris within the follicle.
The removal of blackheads is virtually painless and there is no need to apply a numbing cream before the procedure.
After your treatment to reduce the production of blackheads it is important to follow the skincare regime recommended by your practitioner. This will aid the results of the treatment to gain the best results possible.
Usually once there is congestion causing a blackhead, the blackhead will sit within the skin for a while if a treatment or product is not used to aid the removal. This is why it is important to follow a good skincare regime day and night. Weekly exfoliation, use of professional products or professional treatment will help prevent blackheads from forming.
Blackheads are most commonly found in the T- zone including the forehead, cheek, nose and chin areas but can be found anywhere where there is a follicle present on the face and body.
Blackheads may go away naturally on their own, but in most cases will need some form of exfoliation or treatment. Regular exfoliation with a good exfoliating product and use of non comodogenic products can help to prevent blackheads recurring, but will not remove existing blackheads. At Charmelle London we recommend having blackheads removed in a safe, clinical environment.
Trying to remove blackheads yourself can cause inflammation and scarring. To avoid this, it is advisable to go ahead with a treatment carried out by a practitioner to reduce the risk of scarring the skin and improve the overall appearance of the skin
