How To Get Rid of Blackheads and Minimise Pores

Combatting blackheads doesn’t get easier than this! Here are some tips, as well as a breakdown of what causes them.

Posted by Man For Himself | 12th October 2021

What Are Blackheads and Pores?

Pores refer to the small opening in the skin through which particles, such as oil and sweat, can pass.

Pores are actually hair follicles that can become clogged by too much sebum, making them expand and look bigger and can create a bump, called a ‘comedo’. In cases where these pores are open, the sebum, which is mixed with dead skin and deposits of skin pigmentation, reacts with air causing it to appear black. This black appearance is the reason why these sebum-clogged hair follicles are called blackheads.

They can appear in this form or as small lumps with a black top. Pores, however, appear as small holes on the skin. They may vary in size with some looking like small spots and others as very visible openings.

What Causes Blackheads?

Sebum

Sebum may keep your face moisturized, but an excess in secretion from the sebaceous glands may cause blackheads and pores to appear. For some individuals, sebaceous glands tend to produce too much oil regardless of hygiene, hormonal balance, diet or emotional state. Notably, if you naturally have oily skin, it is likely that you will develop enlarged pores or blackheads.

Skin elasticity

Younger skin can bounce back. Ageing skin, however, tends to lose the elastic properties that cause the pores to shrink after the sebum has been removed.

Hormones

Hormonal imbalance can cause an increase in the secretion of sebum. It is for this reason that blackheads and other related skin issues are more common among teenagers.

Diet

Excessive sugars have been noted to increase sebum secretion. Excessive consumption of greasy foods, refined sugars, dairy products and food with a high glycemic index can also promote the production of blackheads and acne.

Hygiene

For people who regularly wash their faces, blackheads tend to be less frequent. Such practices help remove excess sebum and dead skin from the skin hence reducing the chance of hair follicles being clogged. Don’t overdo it though! If the skin feels dry, the sebaceous glands can be stimulated to produce more sebum hence increasing the likelihood for the hair follicles to be clogged.

HOW TO GET RID OF BLACKHEADS

You can do it yourself or have a professional perform an extraction. Extraction can either be done through photopneumatic therapy or through the comedone procedure.

Blackheads can be treated using skincare products containing sulphur, benzoyl peroxide retinoids or salicylic acid. These treatments come in a variety of forms including gels, lotions, soaps and face masks.

Washing your skin regularly (with a gentle cleanser) and removing any makeup products before going to sleep will help prevent the occurrence of blackheads.