BEAUTY
All Of Your Blackhead Questions Answered
By KAITLYNN BOOT
What Are Blackheads?
According to dermatologist Reena Rupani, “when [a] pore gets stuffed with debris, dead skin, oil pollution from the environment, that becomes a blackhead.” Blackheads are a common form of acne that appear as tiny dark spots on the skin; they are usually painless and occur most commonly on the face.
What Causes Blackheads?
Blackheads occur when a hair follicle, or pore, becomes clogged and inflamed. They can also be exacerbated by a surplus of keratin, an increased presence of bacteria on the skin, or hormonal changes. Excess oil is also a major factor, which can be affected by things like sweating or genetics.
They Affect People Of All Ages
Acne, including blackheads, is a common skin condition for young people, but it’s a myth that it only affects teenagers. One of the most common reasons adult women aged 20 to 40 visit the dermatologist is for acne, though experts still aren’t sure why blackheads especially persist into adulthood.
Can They Be Prevented?
According to Kiehl’s, there isn’t a cure for blackheads but there are some basic skincare steps you can incorporate into your daily routine to help prevent them from worsening. Use a mild, non-comedogenic face wash, and an oil-free moisturizer all while avoiding abrasive facial scrubs as they can cause more harm than good.
Do Pore Strips Work?
Dermatologist Shari Marchbein says, “Pore strips can help (very) temporarily to improve the appearance of pores, but there is no permanent change or improvements to the skin.” While pore strips can be helpful in removing surface-level gunk, they aren’t a permanent solution for blackheads as they don’t treat the root of the problem.