Blackheads, those small, dark spots on your skin, can be a nuisance. While it’s tempting to try and remove them yourself, doing so can lead to more harm than good. Let’s explore why professional intervention is a safer and more effective option for dealing with blackheads, ensuring your skin remains healthy and vibrant.
Lack of Sterility
One of the primary concerns with at-home blackhead removal is the lack of a sterile environment. Even the cleanest of spaces can’t compare to the controlled, sterile field a professional setting offers. Using tools or fingers to extract blackheads without proper sterilisation can lead to various complications, as elaborated on below.
Spread of Bacteria
When blackheads are squeezed or picked at, the pressure applied can push bacteria deeper into the skin or across its surface. This is particularly concerning for individuals who may already have compromised skin barriers due to conditions like eczema or rosacea, as their skin is more susceptible to infections.
Moreover, the spread of bacteria can accelerate the formation of new acne lesions, not just in the area where the blackhead was but also in other parts of the face and body. This is because the bacteria involved in acne, primarily Propionibacterium acnes, can proliferate under the skin’s surface and create new blockages in the pores. These blockages can then develop into blackheads, whiteheads, or even more severe forms of acne, such as cysts and nodules, which are more difficult to treat and can lead to significant discomfort and emotional distress.
Risk of Infection
The skin is a barrier against external pathogens, and any breach in this barrier, no matter how small, can allow bacteria to enter. When blackheads are improperly removed, we increase the risk of such infections through the spread of bacteria we looked at above. Infections can then lead to more severe skin issues, including painful pimples, cysts, and even systemic infections in more extreme cases.
Trauma to the Skin
Physically extracting blackheads, especially using fingernails, unprofessional tools, or untrained hands, can cause trauma to the skin. Nicks, bumps and cuts can manifest as redness, swelling, and bruising. Furthermore, the excess and undue pressure applied to the skin can damage the delicate tissues surrounding the pore, leading to further inflammation and worsening of the skin’s appearance.
Increased Risk of Scarring
One of the most significant risks of DIY blackhead removal is the potential for long-term scarring. Aggressive picking and squeezing can damage the skin’s surface and underlying layers, leading to scars that may be permanent. Unlike blackheads, which are temporary and treatable, scars can be a lasting reminder of a momentary lapse in judgement.
Damage to Pore Structure
Our pores are more delicate than they appear. The structure of a pore is more intricate than it might appear. Each pore is an opening to a follicle, which houses a hair and a sebaceous (oil) gland. These glands produce sebum, an oily substance that helps keep the skin moisturised and protected. When blackheads form, it’s due to a blockage in this pathway, typically from a mix of sebum and dead skin cells.
Attempting to remove these blockages through squeezing, poking, or using improvised tools can apply uneven pressure on the pore. This pressure not only risks pushing the blockage deeper but can also stretch the pore opening or tear the delicate tissues around it. Over time, repeated damage can lead to permanently enlarged pores. Unlike temporary blackheads, enlarged pores cannot revert to their original size and can significantly affect the skin’s appearance, giving it a rough and uneven texture.
Damaged pore structures are more susceptible to future blockages. When the pore’s shape is altered, it can disrupt the flow of sebum to the skin’s surface, making it easier for dead skin cells to accumulate and form new blackheads or other forms of acne.
Incomplete Extraction
Without the proper tools and techniques, at-home blackhead removal is often incomplete. Parts of the blackhead can remain in the pore, leading to quick recurrence. This can create a vicious cycle of constant picking and squeezing, which only exacerbates skin issues and can lead to more severe acne problems.
Potential for Bruising
The force applied during DIY extraction can cause bruising. This is particularly true for sensitive skin types or areas of thin skin, such as around the eyes. Bruises can take longer to heal than the blackheads themselves and can be difficult to cover with makeup, leading to self-consciousness and frustration.
Professional Blackhead Removal
Given the risks associated with DIY blackhead removal, seeking professional help is a wise choice. Trained professionals have the tools, techniques, and expertise to safely and effectively remove blackheads without causing damage to your skin. They can also provide personalised advice and treatments to prevent future breakouts, ensuring your skin remains healthy and clear.
Opting for professional blackhead removal not only protects your skin from immediate harm but also contributes to its long-term health and appearance. Professionals can also guide you on proper skincare routines and products to prevent blackheads from forming in the first place, helping you maintain smooth, clear skin without the need for frequent extractions.
Facial for oily skin and blackhead removal in Singapore
If you want to save yourself the trouble of botched blackhead removals, then consider getting a professional black head removal facial at SkinLab. A facial can not only help with the appearance of blackheads but target your oily skin, preventing more blackheads from forming. Here are some options:
Extraction Facials: Performed by a skilled aesthetician, this facial involves the manual extraction of blackheads using special tools. This method can be highly effective, but it’s important that it’s done professionally to prevent skin damage or scarring.
HydraFacial: This is a multi-step treatment that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration. It involves a machine that delivers various serums tailored to your skin’s needs, making it a versatile option for different skin types and concerns.
If you want to know more about these and other treatment options, book a consultation today.
