What are comedones “blackheads”?

What are comedones “blackheads”?

A comedo (plural: comedones) is a blockage of a hair follicle in the skin. There are two types of comedones:

• Open comedones (blackheads): These have an open pore and become black due to oxidation of sebum and dirt.
• Closed comedones (whiteheads): These have a thin layer of skin over the blockage, making them white or skin-colored.

Both types are most common on the face – especially the nose, chin and forehead – but can also occur on the back, chest or shoulders.

What causes comedones?

Comedones are often caused by a combination of factors:

• Excessive sebum production
• Dead skin cells that build up
• Hormones (especially during puberty, menstruation or stress)
• Use of comedogenic cosmetics
• Poor cleansing of the skin
• Unhealthy diet and lifestyle

How can you prevent comedones?

Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent or reduce comedones:

1. Cleanse your skin daily

Use a gentle, non-comedogenic facial cleanser to remove dirt, oil and makeup. Cleanse morning and night.

2. Exfoliate regularly

An exfoliant based on salicylic acid (BHA) penetrates deep into the pores and dissolves sebum. This helps prevent clogged pores.

3. Use non-comedogenic products

Choose skin care and makeup that are specially formulated not to clog pores.

4. Hydrate your skin

A well-hydrated skin is less likely to become unbalanced. Use a light, oil-free moisturizer.

5. Avoid excessive touching of your face

Your hands contain bacteria and dirt that can aggravate comedones.

6. Watch your diet

Diets high in sugar and dairy can contribute to skin problems. A healthy diet with lots of vegetables, fruits and water helps your skin from the inside out.

7. Consider professional treatments

Treatments such as deep cleansing, chemical peels or LED light therapy can help reduce stubborn comedones.

Finally

Comedones are annoying, but with the right skin care and lifestyle, you can often keep them under control. Prevention is better than cure – so be kind to your skin, use the right products and give it the attention it deserves.