What are blackheads?
Despite an obvious lack of breakouts and blemishes visible on TV, Instagram and the cinema screen most people suffer varying degrees of acne, and blackheads are one of the most common types. Depending on influential factors such as genetics, environment and overall health, a person’s pimples can be prevalent and are generally considered undesirable.
Acne is a condition that affects most people at some stage of their life, it is the most common skin condition in the world. It occurs in many different forms and can appear on many different parts of the human body. Two of the most common types of acne breakouts are usually referred to as blackheads and whiteheads.
Blackheads are essentially a buildup of debris in our skin’s pores which then remain open and does not close over.
When we are born our skin starts an important and ongoing cycle of producing oil and discarding dead skin cells. This process is closely associated with our hormone balance which fluctuates at different rates during our lifetimes. When the skin works hard producing excess oil this allows the gathering of bacteria, dirt and sweat which clogs pores and causes pimples.
Blackheads can develop in almost any area of the body but occur most commonly on the face. Many of our clients are keen to treat those that appear both on and inside their nose area. These blackheads can be particularly unsightly and therefore unwelcome. Luckily at Ozmedica Clinic we have several effective treatments for these outbreaks.
What causes blackheads?
Both blackheads and whiteheads are caused because of an accumulation of dead skin cells, naturally occurring oil or dirt and bacteria building up inside our precious and delicate pores.
The issue with unsightly blackheads commences deep down beneath the skin layers with the part of our body called the sebaceous or oil glands. The sebaceous glands naturally secrete oils called sebum, these are stored in the hair follicle. Interestingly the follicle’s job is to overflow once it becomes full, thus keeping the skin healthy and moisturised. Nevertheless, this is how pimples and blemishes like blackheads are formed.
Specifically, with blackheads the pores remain open and the darker colour is due to a buildup of oil and melanin, which is a substance also responsible for the dark pigmentation of a person’s skin. They are scientifically referred to as open comedones.
Treatments for blackheads
Similar to treating whiteheads, the best techniques for reducing the appearance of blackheads would be our DermaSweep or Dermapod services, both available at Ozmedica Clinic.
Blackheads and whiteheads look different however they have very similar causes and can be treated with the same procedures. Our friendly experts are happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have about these types of breakouts.
DermaPod treatments help with blackheads by combining microdermabrasion with photo biostimulation and micro current implementation to fight the aging process on three levels. You can read more about the Ozmedica Clinic DermaPod treatments by clicking here.
DermaSweep addresses blackheads by gently lifting away the top layer of the skin, increasing circulation to enhance oxygenation and lymphatic drainage. The DermaSweep procedure then delivers high-performance skin specific infusions for targeted skin change on any wide variety of skin conditions. You can read more about the Ozmedica Clinic DermaSweep treatments by clicking here.
For some of our clients, depending on their individual situation and skin type, it could be recommended for them to undertake some of our other treatment options. When it comes to dealing with acne, these generally include microdermabrasion, chemical peels and LED light therapy.
Ideally an Ozmedica Clinic treatment will assist with removing the blackheads entirely and both DermaSweep and DermaPod techniques can be very effective especially when used in conjunction with other measures, including those you can do yourself at home, such as exfoliating and regular washing of the face and hair.
Harsh or rough treatments and home remedies (including excessive exfoliation and manually bursting the blemishes) can result in severe scarring later in life. It is not recommended to pop blackheads. Acne scarring is more difficult to remedy than the original pimples and outbreaks.
Long-term Benefits
Smoother and more consistent skin is the ideal scenario for many of our clients. A radiant and consistent complexion allows us to be confident and feel more beautiful within ourselves.
Unfortunately, the appearance of blackheads or pimples often results in feelings of self-consciousness and embarrassment. The redness, breakouts and uneven skin tone are frowned upon by those that suffer from acne. Also, because whiteheads appear most commonly on the face it is nearly impossible to shield them from others on a daily basis.
Because acne is partly caused by the presence of bacteria, treating the condition and minimising the amount of infectious oil that is present on the skin does indeed prevent the spread of pimples.
Feeling pleased and confident with how we look, especially our face, is the major ongoing benefit of a smooth and healthy-looking complexion. It boosts our self-esteem and general happiness, which is a positive for all our clients.