Acne is a very common skin condition that affects most people at some point in their lives. Blackheads are a type of acne that often develops on the face and has the appearance of small, black or dark spots. While acne can be stressful from a cosmetic perspective, a solid skin care and treatment routine can improve the look and feel of your complexion.
Blackheads result from clogged pores, which can sometimes accumulate oil and dead skin cells. In some cases, the skin over the blemish remains intact, which causes the development of a whitehead. Should the skin over the blemish open, the air oxidizes the sebum (i.e., oil) and turns it into a darker colour.
While anyone can develop blackheads, certain factors can increase your chances of experiencing this type of acne:
Some medications can also boost the risk of minor skin issues. This includes drugs like corticosteroids and bi-polar medications like lithium.
Many people can control blackheads and other forms of acne with over-the-counter treatment options. For instance, topical ointments containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid help turn over dead skin cells to prevent them from clogging pores, as well as eliminating bacteria and reducing oil.
Retinoids are also available over the counter, and these drugs work by facilitating a faster turnover of dead skin cells. Retinoids also enhance collagen production, which keeps skin smooth and supple. When using retinoids, be sure to follow the instructions to avoid skin peeling and discoloration.
Your dermatologist can recommend a prescription treatment, such as topical ointments with drugs like tretinoin and adapalene, if over-the-counter methods are ineffective. Depending on the type of acne you have, you may also benefit from medication that combines benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics, as these drugs help mitigate bacteria on the skin.
Doctors can use other methods to unclog pores. A chemical peel uses a solution to remove the top layer of dead and damaged skin, while microdermabrasion involves an instrument that can slough off the top layer of skin. Laser therapy is another option, as this treatment leaves the top layer of skin intact but uses intense beams of light to eliminate bacteria and reduce oil production.