Deep-rooted blackheads are acne that usually affects the face, neck, and chest but can develop on any body part. They develop due to the deposition of sebum and dirt on the skin. Deep-rooted blackheads removal involves using home remedies or OTC skincare products.
You can consult a dermatologist about the medically available solutions for blackheads.
What are Deep root blackheads?
Blackheads indicate acne vulgaris and cause small bumps on your skin due to clogged hair follicles. These outgrowths are called “blackheads” because their surface looks dark or black. This skin condition can affect the skin of the face, neck, chest, and shoulders.
Deep-rooted blackheads are also known as open comedones. They are embedded deeper into the skin. If the pores are large or the clogging with the dead skin cells and debris goes deep into the skin, it becomes a deep root blackhead. Dealing with this type of acne can be challenging as they are deep and stubborn.
What are the causes of Deep root blackheads?
Deep root blackheads occur when a hair follicle or pore becomes clogged with dead skin cells, oil, and sometimes bacteria. The black color comes from the surface of these clogs oxidizing when exposed to air.
Some of the major causes leading to this dermatological condition include;
Excessive Oil Production: Overactive sebaceous glands can produce too much oil, leading to clogged pores.
Dead Skin Cells: Accumulated dead skin skills and debris can lead to blocked pores if not properly removed.
Hormonal Changes: Alterations in the hormonal levels, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or menstruation, stimulate the sebaceous glands in the skin. This increases oil production and thus leads to deep blackheads.
Medication: Medicines, such as steroids, hormones, and antiepileptics, can increase the risk of developing acne.
Dietary habits: Poor diet involving excessive sugary and high carbohydrate foods can make the skin prone to compromised skin health and promote blackheads.
Stress: Chronic stress can stimulate oil production, leading to clogged pores.
Poor Skincare Routine: Poor face cleansing routine can lead to oil buildup and dead skin cells, clogging pores and causing blackheads.
How are Blackheads diagnosed?
The diagnostic procedure for blackheads includes the following;
Visual Examination: Dermatologists conduct a thorough visual inspection of the affected areas. They look for small, dark, and slightly raised spots that are the classic signs of blackheads.
Skin Type Assessment: A skin doctor evaluates the individual’s skin type. People with oily skin or combination skin are more prone to developing blackheads.
Skincare history: Dermatologists ask about personal skincare routines, makeup use, and general lifestyle habits. Poor hygiene, heavy makeup use, and certain dietary choices can contribute to developing deep blackheads.
Medical History: The doctor takes the patient’s medical history, including any medications they are taking or any underlying medical condition the patient is suffering from.
Home remedies to get rid of Deep root blackheads?
You can remove the deep-rooted blackheads at home with natural remedies. It’s important not to squeeze or pick at blackheads, as this can cause inflammation and potentially lead to acne scarring.
However, consult a skin specialist before using the following home remedies to avoid complications;
Exfoliation
Cosmetic exfoliation removes dead skin cells, sebum, and debris from your skin’s surface. It provides gentle cleansing to your skin and returns a smooth appearance. When selecting physical exfoliants, avoid harsh substances like ground nuts that could irritate your pores, active breakouts, or sensitive skin.
Opt for gentle solutions, such as DIY natural concoctions or OTC scrubs containing mild ingredients, for instance, oatmeal. Generally, you should follow the product’s specific instructions, but the basic instructions for skin exfoliation include;
- Apply a thin exfoliant layer on your skin.
- Ensure it’s spread uniformly.
- Gently massage the product into your skin; avoid scrubbing.
- Leave it on your face for 15-20 minutes. The time can vary depending on the product type.
- Rinse your face with lukewarm water.
Exfoliation helps maintain healthy skin but always choose the gentle exfoliator options for your skin type to avoid complications.
Scrubbing
Deep blackheads are stubborn and difficult to remove. However, gentle scrubbing with a mild scrubber can help deal with them effectively.
Scrubbing the skin involves the following steps;
Cleansing: Clean the face to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil. Use a cleanser that best suits your skin.
Use a scrub: Select a facial scrub suitable for your skin type. Scrubs containing salicylic acid are notably effective for blackheads as they penetrate and dissolve the pore. You can also ask a dermatologist about the best scrub for your skin.
Gentle Scrubbing: Apply the scrub gently, using circular motions. Avoid applying too much pressure or scrubbing harshly, as this can lead to irritation and inflammation. Gentle and prolonged scrubbing is more beneficial than a brief, harsh scrub.
Rinse the face: Rinse your face properly with warm water. Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer that best suits your skin type. Scrubbing your face once or twice weekly can help remove the deep-rooted blackheads and prevent acne.
A few of the natural scrubs include;
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an extract of the tea tree plant. This is a common ingredient in many skincare products and cosmetics. Tea tree is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent that helps in deep skin cleansing.
Tea tree oil for the skin has a mild nature and has a few uncommon side effects.
- Apply a few drops of the tea tree oil directly to your skin.
- Massage gently until it absorbs.
- You can also mix this oil with other skincare products and masks.
Green tea
Green tea possesses antibacterial properties that help fight off the skin’s acne-causing bacteria. It helps unclog the pores and remove debris. Green tea in scrubs cleanses and hydrates the skin.
- Green tea leaves can be used in various face scrubs.
- You can also combine the extract of the leaves with clay to make a face mask
Steaming Extraction
Steam is an effective home remedy for deep-rooted blackheads removal and skin pores, which can help reduce blackheads. It unclogs the trapped sebum or dead skin cells under your pores and improves blood circulation. The steps to perform steaming extraction for blackheads include;
Preparation: Boil water and keep it in a bowl. Ensure the heat from the steam is bearable. If it’s too hot, allow the water to cool first.
Steaming: Gently lean over the container and cover your face with a towel. Be careful not to get too close to avoid burning your skin. Maintain this position for 5-10 minutes, allowing the steam to open your pores.
Cleansing: Rinse your face with warm water. This is important to remove the unclogged sebum and dead skin cells from the loosened pores by steaming.
Moisturizing: Dry your face with a soft towel. Practice gentle patting instead of rubbing. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can irritate your skin. Moisturize the treated skin properly.
Facial masks
Face masks, including nonprescription medicinal agents, can also provide antifungal and cleaning properties to the skin.
Some examples of facial masks for blackheads and acne include;
Charcoal Masks: Activated charcoal is known for its oil-absorbing properties. This makes it an ideal ingredient for removing blackheads. It acts like a magnet to pull out impurities from the pores.
Clay Masks: These masks, especially those containing kaolin or bentonite clay, can help remove excess oils and unclog pores. They also often contain sulfur, which breaks down dead skin cells to prevent clogging.
Peel-off Masks: As a remarkable blackhead solution, the mask peels off the top layer of dead skin cells, pore-blocking dirt, and hair follicles. However, their usage requires caution as they may sometimes be harsh on the skin.
Salicylic Acid Masks: Known for its potent pore-unclogging abilities, salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that dissolves skin cells, causing blockage. It’s an outstanding ingredient for combating blackheads and acne.
Sulfur Masks: Sulfur breaks down dead skin cells and unblocks pores. In addition to that, it can effectively reduce skin oiliness, a key contributor to blackhead formation.
Conclusion
To effectively manage deep-rooted blackheads, maintain a consistent skincare routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. Home remedies and a balanced diet can support skin health and the removal of blackheads. Consult a dermatologist for stubborn acne or scars before initiating home treatments.