There is no need to worry though. There are some proven ways in which you can get rid of deep blackheads and even prevent them from coming back. And, those are exactly what we are going to look at here. 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. Now that we know what deep blackheads are and where they can be spotted, let’s see how they are formed.
What Causes Deep Blackheads And How Do They Form?
As with other kinds of acne, excess production of sebum is primarily responsible for the formation of blackheads (1). 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 (2). 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.
Best Techniques To Remove Deep Blackheads
Incorporate Salicylic Acid Into Your Skincare Routine
Salicylic acid is a naturally occurring chemical substance that is used to treat acne in the form of topical agents or chemical peels. Well known for its exfoliative actions, it can not only help remove dead skin cells but also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties (3). Salicylic acid may be effective against deep blackheads as it is oil-soluble and able to penetrate deeper into the skin than other water-soluble acids used in skincare routines. So, along with removing surface-level skin debris, it may clear up excess sebum deep in the pores and help to unclog the deep plugs in blackheads. It also dries out dead skin cells and prevents them from clumping together, reducing the formation of potential blackheads on your face (3). You can use a moisturizer, toner, face wash, or an exfoliant containing salicylic acid as part of your regular skincare routine. Consult your dermatologist if you wish to get your deep blackheads treated with a chemical peel as it may contain salicylic acid in very high concentrations.
Look To 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 discoloration of the skin after you have got your blackheads out. Retinoids may also help with collagen formation and leave your skin looking healthier (4). 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.
Use Benzoyl Peroxide While Treating Your Blackheads
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 (1). 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 (5).
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 (6). 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. You can use steam inhalation with tea tree oil to help loosen the pores and slough off some debris and excess oil. Other treatment methods like chemical peel application, using an extractor tool, and more are best done under the guidance and supervision of a dermatologist. This brings us to the next question— when should you go to your dermatologist?
When Should You See A Dermatologist?
At-home treatments for removing deep blackheads may sometimes be insufficient, especially if your deep blackhead is really deep and hardened. They are also removable, but since using extraction tools or chemical peels by yourself is not recommended, you may need to contact your dermatologist. Another situation would be if you suspect that your deep blackheads are infected. Infections can occur if you prick or prod your blackheads and break the skin in the process. Signs of infection may include:
Fever Swollen blackheads Sore blackheads
Even with a good dermatologist, the process of removing deep blackheads may sometimes be unpleasant. To avoid or lower your risk of developing deep blackheads again, you can follow certain preventive guidelines.
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.
In a nutshell, deep blackheads are a type of acne characterized by dilated and clogged pores with deeply embedded plugs made up of skin debris and sebum. You may be more prone to getting deep blackheads if you have oily skin. Despite being stubborn and tough to remove, deep blackheads can be removed using a few effective techniques like topical application of retinoids or salicylic acid or through medical procedures like extractions. Luckily, a good skincare routine and healthy lifestyle choices can help you prevent deep blackheads from developing on your skin. Do deep blackheads leave holes in your face? After removal, blackheads may leave behind marks which look like holes on the skin. These are essentially enlarged pores which got deepend and widened with buildup. These holes or enlarged pores usually heal with time and shrink back to their original size. How does baking soda remove deep blackheads? Anecdotal evidence suggests that making a paste of baking soda and toothpaste and applying it on the face may help remove blackheads along with dead skin cells and buildup. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that baking soda can help remove deep blackheads. Is it better to pop blackheads or leave them? Popping blackheads may lead to scarring, skin irritation, and infections. On the other hand, leaving them be may cause blackheads to get embedded even further and make removal a more challenging task. The recommended course of action is to apply safe and proven home remedies or consult a dermatologist.
