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Definition: Blackheads

Fri, 05/16/2008 - 2:00pm by bellasugar
2,999 Views - 24 comments

I throw around terms like pimples, acne, blackheads, and milia pretty loosely, but there are distinctions between these various forms of bumps on your face. Since we already know all about acne and milia (those pestering deep white bumps), I thought I'd explain exactly what blackheads are so that you'll have a better understanding of your skin and the best products to use for your specific trouble areas.

Blackheads are comedones (clogged pores) that are blocked by excess oil and dead skin cells. The black color isn't because of dirt or makeup (a common misconception); rather it is from sebum that has been oxidized by the air. They are a type of acne vulgaris and typically appear in the T-zone. Blackheads are easily removable by extractions and by regular exfoliation.

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24 Comments Add a Comment

  • romaniagrl's picture
    romaniagrl
    4

    Where did you find that yucky picture? Yes blackheads stink and most people get them in that exact spot. You just have to do regular maintenance.

    21 weeks 1 day ago Report Comment
  • super grover c's picture
    super grover c
    5

    these are my biggest skin problem! i have HUUUUUUGE pores. it's seriously disgusting. does anybody know of anything that can sort of block up pores so the stuff doesn't turn dark?

    21 weeks 1 day ago Report Comment
  • bailaoragaditana's picture
    bailaoragaditana
    7

    Yikes! Those look worse than normal! I try my best to keep on top of mine, but I find that too much exfoliation and extraction doesn't do very much good - it tears my skin up too much. Which means I have to leave them for a few days, ugh.

    21 weeks 1 day ago Report Comment
  • psychotic_virus's picture
    psychotic_virus
    9

    I hate blackheads. I used to have a lot of them but I started to use Neutrogena black head astrogen and wash and mash for black heads and now I have a lot less of them. Yay. It is so hard to get rid of them though.

    21 weeks 1 day ago Report Comment
  • ediebaby's picture
    ediebaby
    10

    ugh, i have'em too, but not as bad as the person in the pic or maybe it is lol anyways thx for the tip psychotic_virus.

    21 weeks 1 day ago Report Comment
  • katella133's picture
    katella133
    12

    @puddlesworth-to give the definition of a blackhead. That seemed obvious to me.

    @psychotic_virus-thanks for the tip, I dont' really get pimples but I do get blackheads and they definitely suck.

    21 weeks 1 day ago Report Comment
  • ladychaos's picture
    ladychaos
    13

    I went to a derm who gave me this stuff called azalax (sp?) cream, and it works to shrink your pores. I get tons of blackheads, and since I've been using that cream, along with my many exfoliation methods, I've seen my skin get soo much clearer! The only thing that sucks is that unless you have really great insurance that covers the cost (or a good amount of the cost) for prescriptions, a tube of that stuff will run you about $120 (but it does last a hella long time).

    21 weeks 1 day ago Report Comment
  • Bearwoman's picture
    Bearwoman
    14

    I actually saw a post online the other day where, if you have blackheads, you are encouraged to use earwax remover!

    21 weeks 21 hours ago Report Comment
  • Dublin62505's picture
    Dublin62505
    16

    Prescription Tazorac gel (if you are prone to oily skin) or Tazorac cream (if you have combo/dry) is great at eradicating blackheads.

    21 weeks 8 hours ago Report Comment
  • mn48225's picture
    mn48225
    17

    Nasty pics. GROSS. ::shivers:: Retin-A works or you can have an esthetician give you an extraction but it takes weeks to prep your skin for that.

    21 weeks 8 hours ago Report Comment
  • lindac's picture
    lindac
    19

    Do they have a vacuum device that will suck those things out? I hate, hate, hate them - and like most everyone else here - I get them right where that picture shows them.

    21 weeks 6 hours ago Report Comment
  • any's picture
    any
    21

    yuck that pic is really gross...

    i hate black heads, i used biore, deep cleansing pore strip...

    20 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment

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