Do you also have blackheads on your face? Let's talk about these blackheads!

When you look at your face in the mirror, have you ever noticed those little black dots on your nose or chin? Some people call these 'blackheads'. These are actually what we call blackheads. So today, let's talk about how these come about, why they come about, and what you can do about them, okay?

What exactly are these blackheads?

Simply put, your skin has tiny holes. We call these pores . These holes are where your skin breathes and sweats. But sometimes, these pores get clogged with oil (also known as sebum), dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. When these pores get clogged, if the pore is open, the clogged material is exposed to air and oxidizes . That's when it turns black and looks like a blackhead. It's like a cut apple turning brown after a while. That means a blackhead is not a clogged pore, but a collection of oxidized oil and dead cells.

However, if the pore is blocked, the contents inside appear white. That's what we call whiteheads . Blackheads and whiteheads are both forms of acne .

Why do we get blackheads? What are the causes?

Now you're probably thinking, 'Why on earth do I get these?' There's not just one reason why blackheads develop, there can be several factors that contribute to them.

• Oily Skin: If your skin naturally produces more oil, your pores are more likely to become clogged.
• Hormonal Changes: Especially during puberty, during the menstrual cycle, and during pregnancy, when hormones are changing dramatically, the skin's oil production can increase. This is also one of the causes of blackheads.
• Certain Cosmetics: Some makeup and creams are labeled as 'comedogenic' , meaning they are more likely to clog pores. So when choosing cosmetics, it's a good idea to check the label to see if it says 'non-comedogenic' .
• Sweating: When you sweat a lot, that sweat can combine with skin oils and clog pores. It's important to wash your face quickly, especially after exercising.
• Diet: Although there are different opinions on this, some studies have shown that high-fat, sugary, and dairy foods can increase acne and blackheads in some people. However, this does not affect everyone the same.
• Stress: Don't be surprised, even when you're under a lot of stress, it can affect your skin. Stress can cause hormonal changes and cause acne.
• Genetics: Sometimes these things run in families. If your parents had blackheads when they were young, you're more likely to get them too.
• Improper Face Cleansing: Is it normal for pores to become clogged if the dirt, dust, and makeup that accumulates throughout the day are not properly removed?

Where do blackheads appear most often?

Blackheads are most commonly seen on the face. Especially in the 'T-zone', which is the area above the nose, chin, and forehead . This is because there are more oil glands in this area. Apart from that, blackheads can also appear on the chest, back, neck, and upper arms.

Are these blackheads dangerous? Should we be afraid?

Most of the time, blackheads are nothing to be afraid of. They don't hurt much, but they can be a little annoying when they're on your face. Sometimes, if you squeeze them and rub them , they can become infected, turn red, become painful pimples, and sometimes even cause scars. So you need to be careful about them.

Never make these mistakes!

When we see blackheads, we can't help but want to squeeze them out. But that's not the right thing to do.

Never squeeze blackheads!

Because when you do that, the oil, dead cells, and bacteria inside the pore are pushed further into the skin. Then that area becomes swollen, red, and a big pimple can appear. The worst thing is that sometimes permanent scars can form in those areas. Also, if you squeeze it with dirty hands or nails, you can easily get infections.

Not only that, but don't do these things:

• Using Harsh Scrubs: Some people think that scrubbing too hard will make blackheads go away. However, this will only irritate and roughen the skin, making the problem worse.
• Over-washing: Washing your face too much can strip the skin of its natural oils, dry it out, and cause it to produce more oil.
• Using dirty items: If things like makeup brushes and towels are dirty, that's also a problem.

So what do you do? How do you control these blackheads?

Okay, so let's see what can be done about these blackheads. The best thing to do is to try to reduce their occurrence and treat them properly once they appear.

Let's develop good skincare habits (Good Skincare Routine)

• Gently cleanse your face: Wash your face twice a day, morning and night, with a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. This type of cleanser is better than using soap bars.
• Non-comedogenic products: Choose products like makeup, moisturizer, and sunscreen that are labeled as 'non-comedogenic.' This means they are less likely to clog pores.
• Exfoliation: Gently exfoliating your skin once or twice a week helps remove dead skin cells and keep pores clean. You can use products that contain salicylic acid for this. Salicylic acid is a substance that helps dissolve oil and penetrate deep into pores to help clean them. AHA acids like glycolic acid are also good. But you need to be very gentle when using these, otherwise they can damage the skin.
• Moisturizing: People with oily skin think they don't need moisturizer. That's wrong. If the skin doesn't get the moisture it needs, it will try to produce more oil. Therefore, use an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products

There are creams and gels for blackheads available at the pharmacy. The most common ones contain:

• Salicylic Acid: As mentioned before, this penetrates and cleans pores.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: This helps kill bacteria and unclog pores. However, it is a bit harsh and can dry out and redden the skin. So start with a low concentration (2.5% or 5%) and work up to it.
• Retinoids: These are made from vitamin A and speed up cell turnover and reduce the appearance of clogged pores. The retinoid called Adapalene is now available in pharmacies. Retinoids can cause some dryness and peeling of the skin at first. So start with a small amount at night only. You should definitely wear sunscreen during the day.

Things you can do at home (Home Remedies - Be careful!)

There are some things you can do at home, but you have to be very careful when doing these.

• Steaming: Steaming your face for 5-10 minutes will open up your pores a bit. It's best to wash it off with a gentle cleanser afterwards. But never squeeze blackheads while steaming.
• Clay Masks: A clay mask, especially one with bentonite clay , can help absorb excess oil and dirt from the skin. Use about once a week.
• Things to be careful of: Some people rub things like lemon and toothpaste on blackheads. These can damage the skin and make the condition worse. Therefore, it is wise to stay away from such things.

When to see a doctor

If you do these things and your blackheads don't reduce, if they keep getting worse, or if they are causing you emotional distress, the best thing to do is see a dermatologist.

A doctor can:

• Prescribe more potent medications (prescription medications) that are appropriate for your skin type.
• Safely remove blackheads using specialized equipment (Professional Extraction).
• Suggest treatments like chemical peels . These gently remove the top layer of skin, unclog pores, and help reveal new skin.
• Help create a skincare routine that works for you.

Myths and truths about blackheads

There are many stories about blackheads. Let's see which of them are true and which are false.

• Myth: Blackheads are dirt on the skin.

Fact: No, that's not entirely true. A blackhead doesn't turn black because of dirt, but because the sebum and dead cells trapped inside the pore are exposed to air and oxidized.

• Myth: Blackheads only occur in young people.

Fact: Blackheads can be more common at a young age due to hormonal changes. However, blackheads can occur at any age, even in adults.

• Myth: Scrubbing vigorously will remove blackheads.

Fact: No, it doesn't. Scrubbing too hard can damage the skin, make it red, and make the condition worse. Exfoliating gently is the right way to go.

• Myth: Blackheads appear after eating oily foods.

Truth: This is a bit complicated. While some studies show a link, it doesn't directly affect everyone's blackheads. It's important to eat a balanced diet.

So, the last thing I have to say to you is this... (Take-Home Message)

Blackheads are a common skin problem that many people have, so don't worry too much about them.

The most important thing is to follow proper skin care habits and be patient.

Remember these things:

• Don't squeeze blackheads. That can make the problem worse.
• Use gentle products that are suitable for your skin.
• Products containing things like salicylic acid can help with blackheads.
• If it's difficult to control with home remedies, if the condition is severe, or if it's causing you a lot of psychological distress, definitely see a dermatologist. They will give you the right solution.
• Healthy skin doesn't happen overnight. With patience and proper care, you too can achieve healthy, radiant skin.

So, I hope this information has been helpful to you. Take care of your skin, okay?

` Blackheads, Blackheads, Skin Problems, Acne, Facial Spots, Skin Cleansing, Dermatology, Skin Care