Squeezing blackheads

Comedones, commonly known as blackheads, are non-inflammatory skin lesions. They form when the openings of the sebaceous glands (pores) become blocked by an excess of sebum and dead skin cells.

We distinguish between open comedones, or blackheads, whose contents oxidize when exposed to air, giving them a dark color. On the other hand, closed comedones, known as whiteheads, are located beneath the skin surface and are not exposed to air.

The main cause of comedone formation is the overproduction of sebum, often genetically or hormonally determined. External factors (environmental pollution or stress) and abnormal keratinization of the skin also contribute to their formation. These imperfections most commonly appear in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), especially in individuals with oily or combination skin. It is important not to confuse them with sebaceous filaments, which are a natural element of healthy skin.

Skin care experts, including dermatologists and beauticians, strongly discourage self-removal of blackheads. Improper procedures can seriously damage the skin and lead to inflammation, infections, and even the formation of permanent scars.

Professional skin cleansing requires sterility and precision. It is difficult to meet such conditions at home, which makes self-removal attempts not only risky but often also only provide short-term results.

Squeezing skin imperfections carries a serious risk of bacterial infection. By manipulating the lesions with dirty hands, bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes can be introduced deep into the skin. This results in:

• inflammation and swelling,

• painful abscesses,

• permanent scars,

• stubborn pigmentation marks,

• micro-wounds that become a gateway for further infections.

Particularly dangerous is squeezing lesions in the so-called "triangle of death", around the nose and mouth, as an infection from this area can spread all the way to the brain. It is also important to remember that in some individuals, neuropathic acne may develop, characterized by a compulsive need to squeeze skin lesions.

It is not recommended to extract blackheads yourself. However, if you decide to do so, hygiene is essential. Thoroughly wash your hands and cleanse your skin. To make it easier to remove the blemishes, soften the skin and open the pores - a warm shower or steam bath will help with this.

Remove the blackhead with the utmost care. Use the pads of your fingers wrapped in a sterile gauze - never use your nails. Alternatively, you can use a specialized tool, such as a blackhead remover spoon.

After the procedure, be sure to disinfect the cleansed area. Then apply an antibacterial tonic or hydrolate - both products will help restore the skin's proper pH and soothe any irritations.

Forget about risky home methods of squeezing blackheads. Professional cosmetic clinics offer much safer and more effective solutions in the fight against comedones. Some of the proven methods for their removal include:

• manual skin cleansing,
• ultrasonic peeling,
• diamond microdermabrasion,
• chemical peels using exfoliating acids like AHA,
• hydrogen cleansing,
• ultrasonic therapy,
• laser treatment,
• comprehensive therapies like Acnelan or Aquapure.

When comedones are very stubborn, it is advisable to visit a dermatologist who can prescribe appropriate medications. Remember, the key to success is proper skin care after the procedure.

To effectively fight blackheads, it is necessary to use well-chosen cosmetics with active ingredients. The most important substances that combat blackheads are:

• salicylic acid (BHA), which deeply cleanses pores,
• AHA acids, such as glycolic, almond, lactic, or citric acid,
• azelaic acid,
• pyruvic acid,
• retinoids, including retinol, which normalize skin function,
• niacinamide, regulating sebum secretion and anti-inflammatory action.

It is also worth looking for ingredients that regulate sebum secretion, such as:

• clays, especially kaolin clay,
• activated charcoal,
• plant extracts, e.g. green tea extract,
• fruit enzymes,
• antioxidants,
• benzoyl peroxide.

Always choose non-comedogenic cosmetics. These products do not clog pores, actively supporting skin cleansing, regeneration, and toning.

Effective combatting of blackheads requires consistent, daily care for the skin. The key to healthy, blackhead-free skin is comprehensive skincare routine, including:

• precise makeup removal,
• two-step skin cleansing (oil and gel to remove impurities and unclog pores),
• regular exfoliation of dead skin cells (e.g. gentle enzymatic peeling),
• proper skin hydration to help regulate sebum secretion,
• using cleansing masks, e.g. based on clays,
• using non-comedogenic, pore-unclogging cosmetics.