What are blackheads and how can you get rid of them?

Blackheads are small blockages in your hair follicles (part of your pores). Pores help drain sebum and sweat from your body. When sebum and dead skin cells accumulate, blackheads can form. These can occur on your forehead, chin and nose, but also on other parts of your body such as your back or ears.

Blackheads are often confused with pimples, but they are not the same thing. When bacteria accumulate in a blackhead and the hair follicle becomes inflamed, a pimple can develop. However, pimples can also occur without blackheads.

How do blackheads occur?

Blackheads occur when sebum and dead skin cells clog your pores. Sebum keeps the skin and hair follicles supple and comes out through the pores. However, these pores can become blocked (by sweat, bacteria or dead skin cells, for example), preventing the sebum from reaching the surface. This can result in black or white accumulations. These are also called blackheads or whiteheads.

Excess sebum and clogged pores can be caused by hormones, (incorrect) diet, make-up and harmful ingredients in skin care products. It can also be caused by medical conditions and use of certain medications.

How to remove blackheads?

Squeezing blackheads can be tempting, but try to avoid it. This is because you can damage the skin and increase the risk of inflammation. Also, the bacteria on your fingers can make the inflammation worse.

If you still want to remove blackheads, the best methods are the following:

• Exfoliating: This helps keep your skin clean of dead skin cells.
• Nose strips: These can remove large blackheads, but use them in moderation to avoid irritation.
• Comedone spoon: Use these to squeeze out blackheads.
• Beautician: This is the best way to get blackheads removed. They can treat blackheads properly without damaging the skin.

Preventing blackheads

Preventing blackheads is even better than having to treat them. With the right care that suits your skin type, you can reduce blackheads in the long run. Of course, this depends on the cause of your blackheads.

Diet and lifestyle: Eat foods rich in vitamin A (such as spinach) and vitamin C (such as oranges), as these vitamins contribute to skin renewal and repair. Adjust your diet to see if by eating differently you can prevent pimples and blackheads.

• Proper cleansing and care: Cleanse your skin every morning and evening with water and a mild facial cleanser and then take care of it with, for instance, a day cream to prevent blemishes.
• Facial masks: Use a facial mask that cleanses pores regularly.
• Drink water: Hydrate your skin by drinking at least 2 litres of water a day.