Erase blackheads: dermatologist tips| Dr Dray

Summary

In this video, the creator shares expert tips and tricks for treating blackheads, offering practical advice for managing and preventing them. Key tips include washing your face twice a day, using oil-free moisturizers, avoiding blackhead strips, skipping extractions, and wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen. The video also explores effective skincare products, such as salicylic acid exfoliants, clay masks, and retinoids. The creator stresses the importance of protecting the skin from damage, addressing common skincare myths, and offering practical solutions for those with oily or combination skin. This guide provides valuable insights for anyone struggling with blackheads.

Takeaways

• 😀 Consider washing your face twice a day to help reduce blackheads, but adjust based on your skin type and sensitivity.
• 😀 Washing your face after workouts can prevent the build-up of oil, sweat, and makeup, which could contribute to blackhead formation.
• 😀 Always use an oil-free moisturizer after washing your face to prevent dryness and aggravating acne or blackheads.
• 😀 Blackhead strips (like Biore Pore strips) offer only temporary results and may irritate the skin, causing more harm than good.
• 😀 Avoid doing extractions yourself; they can cause scarring and worsen acne. Leave extractions to dermatologists.
• 😀 Never skip sunscreen! UV rays can damage the skin and make blackheads more prominent. Opt for an oil-free sunscreen to help prevent blackhead formation.
• 😀 Use chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid two to three nights a week to help clear out the pores and reduce blackhead visibility.
• 😀 Salicylic acid is more effective than alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) for treating blackheads, as it targets oily surfaces and penetrates pores more effectively.
• 😀 Microdermabrasion is an underwhelming treatment for blackheads and can be costly with only temporary results.
• 😀 Clay masks, especially those with kaolin or bentonite, can help control oil and improve the appearance of blackheads when used a few times a week.
• 😀 Avoid squeezing blackheads, as it can lead to irritation, inflammation, and scarring. If you do, apply a cool ice pack to reduce inflammation.
• 😀 Avoid using self-tanner on your face, as it can make blackheads more visible by binding to oil and dirt in the pores.
• 😀 Choose mineral makeup over traditional makeup, as it can help absorb oil and prevent worsening of blackheads. Products like Dermablend or Bare Minerals are good options.
• 😀 Retinoids, such as adapalene, can help regulate skin cell turnover and prevent pores from becoming clogged, making them an effective treatment for blackheads.

Q & A

What are blackheads and how do they form?

Blackheads are a type of acne caused by a build-up of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells in the pores. When exposed to air, this mixture oxidizes, turning black. In dermatology, blackheads are referred to as 'open comedones,' in contrast to closed comedones like whiteheads.

How can I prevent blackheads from forming on my skin?

One of the best ways to prevent blackheads is by washing your face twice a day, in the morning and evening, to remove excess oil, dirt, and pollutants. If you exercise during the day, consider washing your face afterward to remove sweat and oils that may contribute to blackhead formation.

Are blackhead strips effective in treating blackheads?

Blackhead strips, like the Biore Pore Strips, provide only a temporary solution. They remove the superficial part of the blackhead but don’t address the underlying cause. In many cases, they can also irritate the skin and worsen the problem over time.

Should I attempt extractions to remove blackheads at home?

It’s not recommended to perform extractions at home. This can cause more harm than good, leading to irritation, scarring, and worsened acne. Extractions should only be done by a dermatologist or trained professional.

Why is it important to use sunscreen if you have blackheads?

Sunscreen is important because UV radiation damages the skin, causing pores to become more prominent and blackheads more noticeable. Using broad-spectrum sunscreen helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays and prevents further damage to the skin structure.

What is the best exfoliating product for treating blackheads?

Chemical exfoliants, specifically salicylic acid, are the best for treating blackheads. Salicylic acid works by targeting oily pores, helping to clear out the build-up that causes blackheads. It can be found in both leave-on products and wash-off exfoliants.

Can I use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) for blackheads?

While AHAs like glycolic and lactic acids can exfoliate the skin, they are not as effective for blackheads compared to salicylic acid. AHAs are water-soluble and don't concentrate on the oily areas where blackheads form, so they are less targeted in addressing the issue.

What is the role of microdermabrasion in treating blackheads?

Microdermabrasion can temporarily improve the appearance of blackheads by exfoliating the skin, but it is generally underwhelming and does not provide sustained results. It is also costly and can lead to irritation if not done correctly.

Are clay masks helpful for reducing blackheads?

Yes, clay masks can help reduce blackheads. Masks containing kaolin or bentonite clay can absorb excess oil and dirt from the skin, which may help prevent blackhead formation. However, they should be used no more than two to three times a week to avoid skin irritation.

What makeup ingredients should I avoid if I have blackheads?

If you have blackheads, you should avoid makeup containing ingredients like dyes (e.g., red and yellow dyes), coconut oil, and long-lasting formulations. These can clog pores and worsen the appearance of blackheads. Instead, consider mineral makeup that contains ingredients to absorb excess oil.