A deep blackhead is a type of acne that is characterized by its blackish appearance.
It is essentially a deeply embedded, hard plug made of skin debris and sebum that blocks the pores on your skin. A deep blackhead is typically hard to remove as it is a result of waste accumulated over a long period of time; deep blackheads can remain on the skin for years if left untreated.
A regular blackhead, in contrast, has not yet hardened and may be more easily removable. In other words, a regular blackhead is a predecessor of a deep blackhead.
Blackheads, both deep and regular, may form anywhere that you have pores. However, these most commonly appear on the T-zone of the face— the forehead, nose, and chin as these areas are highly concentrated with sebaceous glands. Occasionally, you can find blackheads on the neck, chest, back, shoulder, and conchal bowl (the rounded bowl-shaped part) of the ears.
What causes deep blackheads
As with other kinds of acne, excess production of sebum is primarily responsible for the formation of blackheads. When the excess oil, along with dead skin cells, accumulates within the pores, it gets clogged up with a plug. In the case of a blackhead, the clogged pore opens up on the surface of the skin. When the built-up content comes in contact with the air, it is oxidized and turns black.
How to remove blackheads
Deep blackheads are very stubborn, and you may have a tough time getting them out with your regular exfoliation process. Prodding and pricking are not advised as that is rarely effective and can cause more damage to your skin. However, they can be conquered and you can get rid of them. Read on to see how to remove deep blackheads safely.
Below are some healthy ways to remove them:
Use Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide has potent anti-inflammatory properties and may be helpful for managing inflammation around infected blackheads or treating the inflammation that may accompany blackhead extraction. It may also be a useful tool for removing the buildup of dead skin cells and excess sebum
Benzoyl peroxide is available with varying concentrations in different forms like gels, body wash, face wash, face foam, acne cream, and lotion. You can use one or more of these as per your requirement, but don’t overdo it as it may lead to excessive dryness which can be counterproductive.
Use tea tree essential oil
Tea tree essential oil for blackheads is considered to be an alternative approach and has limited research to back it up. However, in a study comparing tea tree essential oil and benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of acne, it was found that both are equally effective. It was also noted, however, that tea tree oil worked slower than benzoyl peroxide. More studies are warranted for the use of tea tree oil as a treatment for deep blackheads, but it is well-tolerated, so there is no harm in trying.
Retinoids
Retinoids may prevent the skin cells from clumping together and manage sebum levels. Most importantly, they can improve skin cell turnover. That means that they may help with quicker healing and reduced discolouration of the skin after you have got your blackheads out. Retinoids may also help with collagen formation and leave your skin looking healthier.
You can use over-the-counter topical drugs containing retinoids for treating your blackheads. However, prescription retinoids are generally stronger and may be more effective than the over-the-counter variants, so do not hesitate to reach out to your dermatologist.
How to prevent deep blackheads
Some people may be more prone to developing deep blackheads than others. There are a variety of factors that play a role in the formation of deep blackheads and a few of them are in your control. Here are some of the simplest ways to keep deep blackheads at bay:
- Follow a skincare routine that includes cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturization.
- Choose products that suit your skin type.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Address blackheads and whiteheads as soon as they appear.
- Follow a diet high in fruits, nuts, and vegetables and low in processed carbohydrates, and added sugars.
