Dr Sandra Lee 660

What Causes Blackheads?Blackheads, also known as open comedones, form when dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria become trapped in a hair follicle. This is due to a clogged pore that doesn’t let the skin cell and oil debris escape. As a result, a blackhead forms. They can appear on the nose, chin, forehead, chest, and other areas of the body. To prevent blackheads from forming, it’s important to regularly wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oils. Exfoliating two to three times per week can also help to keep pores unclogged and avoid the buildup of dead skin cells. However, if blackheads do form, there are ways to treat them. One method is popping or squeezing the blackheads. Dr. Fua can incorporate all of these treatment options into your acne treatment plan, depending on what works for your skin.

If topical treatment alone does not improve acne, or if acne is severe or extensive, oral medications are the best option. If you’ve tried several topical medications without success, or if your condition is severe, oral acne medications are usually the next step in the treatment process. Treatment usually includes oral antibiotics and applying a prescription gel or topical cream to the skin. Depending on people with acne, treatment may include using prescription creams to prevent acne, taking antibiotics to kill bacteria that contribute to acne, or, if acne is severe, taking stronger medications such as like isotretinoin, or even minor surgery. Even if you have tried topical acne treatments such as creams or gels without any lasting results, laser therapy may be the right solution for you. While I would like you to try natural remedies first, if you are not seeing improvement and severe hormonal acne is making your quality of life worse, other treatments can make a real difference. While it may take a while, treating hormonal acne from the inside out until your hormones are in their natural, happy balance will allow your skin to truly heal.

✅ Blackheads and Acne Treatment: Skin Cleaning & Removal Guide

Blackheads (open comedones) are a type of mild acne that form when pores get clogged with dead skin cells and excess oil (sebum). When exposed to air, this plug oxidizes and turns black—hence the name.

Here’s a step-by-step medical and skincare-based approach to treating and removing blackheads and acne safely.

🧬 Causes of Blackheads & Acne

Excess sebum production
Clogged pores from dead skin cells
Hormonal changes (especially during puberty, menstruation, or stress)
Certain cosmetics or skincare products (comedogenic)
Poor cleansing routine
Bacterial activity, particularly Cutibacterium acnes

🛠️ Blackhead Removal: Step-by-Step Skin Cleaning

1. Cleanse Gently, Twice Daily

Use a gentle cleanser with salicylic acid (BHA) to exfoliate pores.

🧴 Examples:
- CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

2. Exfoliate (2–3 Times per Week)

Use chemical exfoliants:
- Salicylic acid: penetrates pores, breaks down oil
- Glycolic or lactic acid: removes surface dead skin

🚫 Avoid physical scrubs—they can irritate acne-prone skin.

3. Apply a Clay or Charcoal Mask

Use 1–2 times weekly to absorb oil and unclog pores.
Common ingredients: kaolin, bentonite clay, activated charcoal.

4. Use Topical Treatments

Retinoids (e.g., adapalene, tretinoin): normalize cell turnover and prevent clogged pores
- Differin Gel (OTC) is a common option
Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%–5%): kills acne-causing bacteria
Niacinamide: reduces inflammation and sebum production

5. Manual Extraction (If Needed, Done Safely)

Best done by a dermatologist or licensed esthetician
At home:
- Steam your face for 5–10 minutes
- Use clean hands or an extractor tool
- Disinfect the area before and after
- Never force extraction — it can cause scarring or infection

💆‍♀️ Professional Blackhead & Acne Treatments

Treatment Type	Description
Chemical Peels	Use acids like glycolic/salicylic to deeply exfoliate
Microdermabrasion	Physical exfoliation with fine crystals or a diamond tip
HydraFacial	Cleanses, extracts, and hydrates the skin using a machine
Laser Therapy	Reduces oil production and kills bacteria
Prescription Retinoids	Stronger than OTC, available via dermatologist