We’ve all scrutinized our skin in a magnified mirror at some point or another but what exactly are those black spots we are judging? In this blog, we unravel the myths and give you the truth behind blackheads, what they are and why we get them.
The science behind the dreaded blackhead
We have around 5 million hair follicles (or as they are more commonly referred to; ‘pores’) on the body, hundreds of thousands of them are on the face. Below the surface of the skin and attached to each pore is the sebaceous gland – this glands function works by producing and releasing sebum in order to help protect and lubricate the surface of the skin.
We shed around 1 million skin cells every day, when these dead cells are mixed with excess sebum they collect and sit within the hair follicle causing a plug.
Is the ‘black’ in a blackhead dirt?
These pores are open to exposure and when the blockage oxidises, it turns black. Usually slightly raised, the blackhead does not get its distinct colour from ‘dirt’, it’s simply because it has been uncovered to the air.
Why are blackheads most noticeable on the nose?
The forehead, nose and chin are more susceptible to blackheads as the pores are larger therefore the sebaceous gland beneath naturally produces more oil.
Why me?
Blackheads are genetically inherited but certain lifestyle choices can make blackheads either better or worse. High-carb, high-fat diets, alcohol and caffeine are all thought to be linked to the arise of blackheads. As well as this, stress influences hormone production which can trigger excess oil production.
That black spot may not be a blackhead!
It’s important to know the difference between a blackhead and sebaceous filaments. Unlike blackheads which are the result of plugged follicles, sebaceous filaments are just the exposed tip of a pore’s natural sebum flow.
Treating and preventing blackheads
- Ensure you’re cleansing your skin every morning and evening. A double cleanse regime will firstly ensure any surfaced make-up and grime is removed, whilst the second cleanse will work to purify deeper into the pores.
- An exfoliator should be used 1-2 times weekly but over-exfoliating can scrub away the skins natural oils. This then triggers the sebaceous glands to produce even more oils to make up for the stripped oils.
- High grade exfoliation treatments such as Skin Peels and Microdermabrasion are non-invasive techniques for removing the upper most layer of the skin and encouraging cell-renewal, leaving it supple and vibrant.
- Seek advice from a professional! Regular facial treatments are beneficial for all skin types. As well as receiving a full skin analysis, your therapist will also extract any blocked blackheads.
- Look for products that contain Salicylic Acid, this ingredient will gradually and gently unclog the pores by assisting in skin-cell turnover.
- Whatever you decide to do, do not skip moisturising. The skin may feel oily but it’s vital to always keep the surface hydrated. If your moisturiser is too heavy, opt for a light-weight product.
We hope this blog has answered your questions, should you require more information about the topic discussed or treatments mentioned click here to book a complimentary consultation where your therapist can assess which treatment will work best for you.