Blackhead removal. Are professional treatments the answer to your blackhead struggle?

Blackheads. These irritating, little black spots that appear out of nowhere and do not want to go away. They seem like an easy problem to deal with… until you actually try. You use every product available on the market, from salicylic acid-based skincare to these weird torture devices you’ve seen on social media, and nothing seems to work. Heck, some of these solutions actually turn your blackheads into full-on acne breakouts! So you give up on DIYs and start looking for some professional blackhead removal treatments. You search through pages and pages of beauty salon advertisements, getting more and more confused as you go. Finally, you come across this article.

To find an actually effective blackhead removal method, we need to understand the nature of the problem better. Let’s take a closer look at the issue and see whether or not you can resolve it in a beauty salon!

What are blackheads, actually?

Many people that struggle with skin problems, especially acne, live with that terrible stigma of being “dirty” or “unhygienic”. Unfortunately, many people still believe that excessive sebum production, pimples and blackheads come from a lack of cleanliness. And while certain skin conditions definitely can be affected by improper skincare (or lack thereof), you can be the cleanest person in the world and still suffer from acne.

What even are blackheads? Basically, when openings of hair follicles on your skin are clogged by dead skin cells and oils (sebum), they form tiny bumps called comedones. If the skin around it remains closed, it appears as a whitehead – however, if it opens, exposure to the air causes the contents of the follicle to oxidize, turning black. Voila, now you have a blackhead.

Are we all equally prone to getting blackheads? Not really. Increased production of sebum and certain environmental factors can contribute to their development – which explains why oftentimes acne and blackheads come hand in hand. Hormonal imbalance that causes excessive seborrhea is usually to blame, sometimes paired with an increased presence of bacteria on the skin that causes acne and/or abnormal formation of keratin.

Can you prevent blackheads from appearing?

Well, it’s a similar story to acne – certain care routines can make the situation better, however, there is no foolproof way to stop them from forming if you are naturally prone to getting them. Washing your face with a good cleanser every morning and evening, avoiding excess oil in makeup and skincare products, regular (mild!) exfoliation and adding salicylic and/or azelaic acid to your skincare routine can help, but do not feel bad if you are getting blackheads despite having a rigid regime – it’s truly an unequal fight!

Can you remove existing blackheads from your face?

Yes, of course! However, it’s important to choose the right approach.

Although it may seem tempting to try to get rid of the problem on your own, you can seriously hurt yourself by trying to simply “squeeze them out”. There are a few things that can go wrong – you may push the blackhead deeper into the skin, introduce more bacteria into it and/or irritate the skin around it, leading to inflammation or even scarring. Furthermore, even if you succeed, most probably you will quickly see another blackhead forming in the same spot. This approach leads to nowhere – the much wiser way to deal with the issue is to visit a professional. 

Best blackhead treatments

There are actually quite a few treatments that help with blackhead removal on the nose, chin, cheeks and other problematic areas. Many medical aestheticians are trained in safe manual blackhead extraction, oftentimes offered as a part of a deep cleansing facial. Other treatments that can support your fight with blackheads include:

• Microdermabrasion – is a golden standard for blackheads. By using a medical-grade device with an abrasive surface, the aesthetician gently sands away the thick outer layer of the skin, which works as a deep exfoliation.
• Chemical peels – applying a strong chemical solution causes top layers of your skin to peel off, revealing smoother skin underneath. Usually, a few sessions are recommended.
• Laser treatments – a precise beam of a laser destroys skin’s outer layer, simultaneously encouraging collagen production. Usually, a few sessions are recommended.

All of the aforementioned are safe blackhead removal methods for both men and women. Your dermatologist or aesthetician can prepare a customized:  plan for you, that may consist of a few different treatments spread over time. This way, you will not only achieve your goal of blackhead-free skin but will also be able to maintain it.

Blackhead removal treatments near me

Are you interested in getting rid of these annoying black dots once and for all? You will quickly find the best beauty salons in your neighbourhood on Booksy. Check the ratings, read opinions, see before & after photos and book your appointment with just a few clicks – all of that and more only on Booksy!