A few things are certain in life: death, taxes and, er, blackheads. Every man, at some point, is likely to have dealt with blackheads in his life — especially during his formative years.
But, what exactly are they and, more crucially, how can we avoid them and get rid of them in our adulthood?
What Are Blackheads?
Unlike blemishes, spots or zits, blackheads are small and dark bumps (hence their name) that appear on your skin, often due to clogged hair follicles. According to the NHS, about 95 per cent of people aged 11 to 30-years-old are affected by acne and blackheads, and boys are the most susceptible between 16 to 19-years-old. Just like the spots and blemishes in your teen years, blackheads are a form of acne that, typically, form on the face. However, they can appear elsewhere on the body.
'Blackheads are essentially a type of acne that can affect most people, usually appearing on the face, neck and back,' explains Harley Street Skin Repair Expert, Lorena Öberg. 'A combination of oils, dirt and keratin clogs the pores and turns dark or black in colour as it oxidises. An open pore differentiates a blackhead from a whitehead, whiteheads are the same but the pore is closed.'
Blackhead Symptoms
Typically, blackheads look like small, black or yellow bumps that develop on the skin. Despite what you may think, blackheads are not filled with dirt, but rather with the inner lining of a hair follicle. This is what produces the darker colour of the blackhead.
Where Do Blackheads Appear?
- Face
- Back
- Neck
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Arms
As blackheads originate from hair follicles and sebaceous glands, you can get blackheads anywhere on your body. However, as Öberg explains, you're more likely to get them in certain places over others. 'Sebaceous glands are all over the body as their function is to hydrate and keep the skin healthy. You are likely to get blackheads where your skin is naturally more oily and vulnerable to environmental factors, such as, the T-zone area on your face, neck and back.'
What Causes Blackheads?
'We get blackheads when a build up of dead skin cells, bacteria and oil clogging a hair follicle or pore causes an opening at the surface of the skin,' says Öberg. Typically, most people will stop experiencing blackheads in their mid-twenties. 'Although, blackheads can occur at any age if someone is still experiencing symptoms – when their pores over-produce oil causing them to become clogged up again.
'Generally speaking, most people don’t feel conscious or worried about the appearance of their blackheads when they reach this age. Most people would also assume more men have blackheads in adulthood but they are often confused with stubble from shaving.'
Why Are Men More Likely to Get Blackheads?
Blackheads, of course, are not just a male issue — we all experience them at least once in our lives. Men, however, are more likely to experience blackheads. 'Statistically speaking, more men are susceptible to blackheads because their skin is naturally oilier than women’s skin. Men typically have larger pores and sweat more than women do, which results in more blackheads.'
How to Get Rid of Blackheads
When it comes to dealing with blackheads, there's two ways to go about it. Firstly, prevention — nixing the risk of blackheads before they appear — and direct treatment, once you notice them appearing on your skin and it's a little too late.
Thankfully, both approaches are simple to undertake, as Öberg explains. 'Twice a day, without fail, you should wash your face with water, cleanse and moisturise. Using a regular exfoliator will also prevent and unclog pores which will stop hair follicles from becoming congested, as the oil, dead skin and bacteria is lifted in the exfoliation process. You should try and stick to a cleansing routine that helps balances and cleans your skin.'
Face Wash for Blackheads
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Developed with dermatologists and skincare experts, this gentle and frangrance-free hydrating cleanser protects your skin barrier and will help it retain natural moisture.
Garnier Pure Active Anti-Blackhead Gel Wash
If you have oily skin that's prone to blackheads. this deep-cleaning daily cleanser will unclog your pores and reduce the appearance of blackheads.
Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Foaming Face Wash
Containing antibacterial tea tree oil and calming with hazel, Boots' face wash works to keep your skin clear and healthy at a price that wont break the bank.
Non-oily Moisturisers for Blackheads
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturiser
La Roche-Posay's mattifying moisturiser will help oily skin that's prone to shine and, with an oil-free formula, produce hydration for eight hours.
Combining an oil-free moisturiser with spot-fighting ingredients, Clean & Clear's dual-action moisturiser is a must if you're dealing with blackheads regularly.
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Proofing Moisturiser
Lightweight and oil-free, Neutrogena's spot-proofing moisturiser provides 24-hour hydration without clogging your pores.
Exfoliators for Blackheads
Exfoliating Rub for Men
Made with charcoal and licorice root, Lumin's exfoliator will help to unclog pores, loosen blackheads and remove dead skin cells.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This fast-absorbing liquid exfoliator fights blackheads and breakouts, and is suitable for combination to oily skin.
Clinique Scrub Exfoliating Scrub
Suitable for all skin types, this exfoliator gives your skin a healthy glow and has a cool, invigorating finish.
Alternatives
If you don't want to invest in exfoliators and cleansers, there's a low-tech solution to blackheads that you'll want to give a try. 'A gentle hot steam to relax and open up the pores could be successful in removing some blackheads,' Öberg advises. 'Follow this process with a cleanse and splash of cold water to tighten your pores. Cold water also promotes blood circulation which helps brighten and freshen up your face. Don’t forget to moisturise afterwards to create a protective barrier.'
Should I Pop and Squeeze Blackheads?
Although it may be tempting, it's best to avoid popping or squeezing blackheads when you begin to notice them emerging. 'Try to avoid picking them. Remember the pore is already open so by removing the sebum will just cause the area to become inflamed and sore,' says Öberg.
