If you’ve ever struggled with blackheads, you know how annoying they can be.
The acne type forms when pores are clogged with oils and sebum that oxidize and turn dark in color once exposed to air. And if you have blackheads, you’re probably guilty of picking at them every now and then. No judgment — they’re super tempting to try and squeeze out. But is that doing more harm than good?
TODAY Style spoke with Dr. Paul M. Friedman, director of the Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston, and Dr. Diane S. Berson, a New York City-based dermatologist about how to safely and effectively remove pesky blackheads.
The safest way to remove blackheads is by seeing your dermatologist.
Both Berson and Friedman say not to remove a blackhead yourself as you can cause more harm than good. “Picking your acne just pushes the inflammation deeper and causes the follicle to rupture, turning simple clogged follicles into inflamed, red and angry acne,” said Friedman.
They both agree that the best solution is to go to a dermatologist who will properly remove it through chemical peels, microdermabrasion and/or extractions. “We commonly perform chemical peels with salicylic acid, glycolic acid or lactic acid in addition to microdermabrasion to remove sticky skin cells and unblock pores, thus reducing acne formation,” he said.
If you do squeeze a blackhead yourself, remember to gently push, cleanse and wear sunscreen.
We’re only human and sometimes the temptation to take matters into our own hands gets the better of us. So if you do decide to remove a blackhead yourself, Berson stresses the importance of doing it gently and not squeezing. Afterward, she says to clean the area with a mild cleanser — maybe even one that contains salicylic acid — and pat the area dry. Apply a retinoid on it during your nighttime skin care routine to help it heal. She also recommends using a mask with sulfur to calm any irritation.
Read Complete Article at Get Rid of Blackheads
Also Read: At-home Laser Skin Resurfacing
