Blackheads are caused by clogged pores. Although they usually appear on the face, patients do get them in other places such as their chests, neck, shoulders, and even their backs.
Prevention is the best medicine
Good skin care habits are your best weapon against getting blackheads. Oil production along with skin cell debris tends to be the primary cause of pesky blackheads. So, the goal is to minimize these too. This is a three-prong approach:
- Wash regularly, at least once a day.
- Use oil-free, non-comedogenic products.
- Exfoliate gently.
Blackhead Treatment
Even when you’re conscientious about your skin care, it may not be enough to avoid blackheads. When you have breakouts first, try over-the-counter (OTC) retinol type medications designed for treating this type of acne.
But if you’ve tried OTC medications and they aren’t enough to get your blackheads or other acne-related problems under control, please know that we offer other dermatological treatments.
- Medication – When OTC treatments don’t clear up your skin, it may be time to consider prescription treatments. Several of the ones I prescribe include Tretinoin—a stronger prescription version of retinol that works faster and more effectively.
- Manual Extraction – Using a specially designed instrument called a comedone extractor, we can remove blackheads manually.
- Microdermabrasion – A microderm treatment is a great way to open clogged pores and extract some blackheads.
Here for your dermatological needs
We are here for all your cosmetic and medical dermatologic needs.