Can blackheads be scrubbed away?

Having acne prone skin, I have dealt with blackheads for as long as I can remember. With so many blackhead removing scrubs available in the market, it’s difficult to choose one. But WAIT! Can blackheads be actually removed using scrubs? Let’s dig a little into the world of blackheads *gross*

What are blackheads?

A skin pore is a unit of hair follicle and sebaceous glands. Sebum can be overproduced and may clump with dead skin cells to form plugs in the pores. This plug is exposed to the environment thus getting oxidized and turning black in colour.

As you can see from this picture, scrubs act superficially and remove just whatever is exposed to the surface. Of course a good scrub can help in the removal of dead skin which can decrease blackheads to a small extent.

Thus the only true way to remove a blackhead is to remove the entire unit and not just the tip. This can be done in 2 ways:-

Mechanically by extraction with the use of a specially designed tool. But this method has a risk of scarring if done too abrasively and incorrectly.

I have had various experiences at the parlor where the beautician almost kills you trying to remove those pesky blackheads and weeks later you realize that she has scarred you in the process. Even nose strips work, but they may be damaging to the nearby skin as well.

Chemically by blackhead dissolving/pore clearing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, retinoid, glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide dissolves the plugs while, glycolic acid is a great exfoliant and salicylic acid keeps pores clean. Retinoid is an all in one ingredient.

These creams/gels are easily available with the chemist. This method is a better option because it treats the cause of the problem. Some products that I use can be found in this article – My anti-acne skin care routine.

Whatever the removal method, unless you follow a healthy skincare routine in the long run, blackheads will return because excess sebum production is usually caused by your body type.

Happy clearing 🙂