Blackheads? Here’s what you need to know…
Ever find yourself in front of the mirror with an overwhelming urge to squeeze that stubborn blackhead?
You’re not alone. Almost everyone will suffer with blackheads at some point in their lives. But here’s the real kicker – popping them might be doing more harm than good, cautions Marvice, Master Skin Therapist.
What exactly are blackheads?
“A blackhead (known as an open comedone) is a pore or hair follicle that has become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin,” explains Marvice. They tend to appear on the areas of the face most prone to oil – your nose, chin and T-zone.
When the trapped oil and skin cells are exposed to air, they oxidise and turn that familiar dark colour. It’s not dirt, so scrubbing harder won’t help – in fact, it might make things worse.
Should you pop them?
Spoiler: Probably not!
While there’s something so satisfying about squeezing blackheads yourself, it can lead to inflammation, scarring and even push the blackhead deeper into your skin, explains Marvice.
Book in for a professional extraction and we’ll ensure your skin stays happy and healthy.
Preventing blackheads
The best way to deal with blackheads? Don’t let them form in the first place, says Marvice.
Prevention is all about keeping your pores clean and unclogged, so a good skincare routine is your first line of defence:
Keep your skin clean
Washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser is a must. If you’re prone to blackheads, try something with salicylic acid, like Diego dalla Palma Deep Cleansing Gel. It’s brilliant for keeping those pores clear, without drying out your skin.
Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliating is another crucial step. Chemical exfoliants like enzyme and BHA are gentler and safer to use at home, advises Marvice. I recommend exfoliating twice a week to stop dead skin cells from building up and clogging your pores.
Using Diego dalla Palma Professional Fruit Enzyme + Banana Lightening Enzymatic Face Scrub is safe for everyone even for those have sensitive skin and Diego dalla Palma Professional BHA + Charcoal Mask is great for oily and combination skin type.
Treating blackheads
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, blackheads can still pop up. When that happens, it’s time to bring out the big guns.
Salicylic acid is your BFF
For treating existing blackheads, salicylic acid is my star player, says Marvice. “I like to use Diego dalla Palma Professional BHA + Charcoal Mask in combined with Blackhead Squeezing Balm to treat those stubborn blackheads in the treatment room. It works wonder and makes the manual extraction so much more comfortable for my client. It gets deep into your pores and helps break down the oil that causes blockages.”
Add retinoids to your routine
Retinoids are another excellent option, especially if you’re dealing with stubborn or frequent blackheads. They help regulate oil production and keep your pores from clogging in the first place. “Diego dalla Palma Professional Regenerating Serum with Micro-encapsulated Retinol is the super star. What makes it different from other brands is it doesn’t irritate and drying our client’s skin,” says Marvice.
Professional blackhead treatments
We offer a choice of professional treatments, including:
Chemical peels to remove layers of skin and reduce blackheads.
Hydradermabrasion to gently remove the top layers of your skin which frees the clogs that cause blackheads.
Manual Blackhead extraction (included in the your facial, except Hydradermabrasion), a simple procedure to get rid of blackheads and we’re really good at doing it.
Clear, glowing skin
Remember, prevention is easier than cure. With the right skincare routine, you can minimize blackheads and keep your skin looking fresh and clear.
And if you ever need a little extra help, we’re always here for you. Whether it’s a deep-cleansing facial, professional extractions or just some skincare advice, we love to help. Call LUMIÈRE Spa Downtown Vancouver at 604.569.2628 to book your consultation. The consultation is complimentary when you book your facial.