Blackheads and Whiteheads - The Pesky Fly on Your Nose

Hi!

Ever noticed tiny spots on your nose? Those bad boys not only ruin a great picture, they can make you squirm when you look at them up-close with a microscope. Commonly recognized as blackheads or whiteheads, those tiny spots can do wonders on your self-esteem. They're very much like pesky on your nose. You can shoo them away but they will always come back. Likewise, blackheads or whiteheads are always present and need great treatment to remove them. 

Before we discuss different treatment methods, let's find out more about blackheads and whiteheads:

Blackheads Before & After

What are Blackheads?

Dr. Zoe Draelos, a dermatologist from North Carolina, states, "A blackhead is a wax plug in a pore made up of dead skin cells, debris and bacteria. What causes them is a blockage in the pore that prevents the gland from secreting and shedding what it needs to (oil, dead skin cells, etc.) Then, as the wax plug slowly gets pushed towards the skin's surface, it comes in contact with the air, which oxidizes it and turns black." 

What are Whiteheads?

Dr. Dendy Engelmann, board certified dermatologist for Clearasil, explains "In those who are acne prone, the cells lining the follicle (or pore) are stickier. This can cause the opening of the follicle to get clogged. When this happens dead skin cells, sebum (or oil), and bacteria become trapped leading to a closed comedone (AKA whitehead)."

Although, whiteheads are similar to blackheads, they differ by having a microscopic opening to the skin surface. As air cannot reach the follicle, the material isn't oxidized and hence remains white. 

How to Treat Blackheads and Whiteheads?

1. Golden Pearl Blackhead Removing Mask

This product is widely available in Pakistan but if you live elsewhere and would like to get hold of a similar product. Here's a video which shows another alternative. 

2. Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Lotion

3. Beauty Rx Skincare by Dr. Schultz High Potency Active Cleanser

Dermatologists such as Dr. Zoe Draelos highly recommend this product as it contains benzoyl peroxide. This ingredient "breaks apart the wax plug, loosening it so that it can break free from the pore."

4. Biore Warming Anti-Blackhead Cleanser

This product is ideal isn't harsh on the skin as Beauty Rx Skincare by Dr. Schultz High Potency Active Cleanser is. It contains salicylic acid and is specifically designed for people with sensitive or dry skin. 

5. Boscia Pore Purifying Black Strips

6. Blackhead Remover Tool

If you are getting a whitening facial done at home, be sure to have a blackhead remover tool nearby. As you go through the cleansing steps, the skin will begin to loosen up and it will become easier to extract whiteheads/blackheads with this tool.

7. Clearasil Daily Clear Tinted Acne Treatment Cream 

You can use this acne treatment cream along with the aforementioned cleansers. You can reapply it multiple times during the day. Dr. Draelos states, "The longer the active ingredient is on your skin, the more time it has to work."