What causes back and chest acne. How to prevent body acne breakouts. Which treatments are most effective for clearing body acne. When to consult a dermatologist for persistent body acne. How to develop a skincare routine for acne-prone body skin.

Understanding Body Acne: Why It Occurs on the Back and Chest

Body acne, particularly on the back and chest, is a common skin condition that affects many individuals. It occurs when pores become clogged with dead skin cells and excess oil, leading to the formation of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. The upper body is especially prone to acne due to the high concentration of oil-producing glands in these areas.

Can body acne differ from facial acne? While the underlying causes are similar, body acne often presents unique challenges due to the larger surface area and thicker skin on the back and chest. This can make treatment more complex and sometimes require different approaches compared to facial acne.

Types of Body Acne

• Blackheads: Open clogged pores
• Whiteheads: Closed clogged pores
• Papules: Small, red, inflamed bumps
• Pustules: Pus-filled pimples
• Nodules and cysts: Larger, more severe acne lesions

Common Causes of Back and Chest Acne

Understanding the root causes of body acne is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. Several factors can contribute to the development of acne on the back and chest:

Hormonal Fluctuations

Do hormones play a significant role in body acne? Absolutely. Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy, can trigger increased oil production in the skin. This excess oil can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts on the back and chest.

Diet and Nutrition

Recent studies have suggested a link between diet and acne. High glycemic index foods, dairy products (especially skim milk), and whey protein supplements have been associated with increased acne severity. Monitoring your diet and identifying potential trigger foods may help in managing body acne.

Exercise and Sweat

While exercise is beneficial for overall health, excessive sweating in tight clothing can exacerbate acne on the back and chest. The combination of sweat, friction, and bacteria creates an ideal environment for acne formation.

Skincare Products and Clothing

Are your skincare products or clothing contributing to body acne? Possibly. Oil-based moisturizers, certain laundry detergents, and tight-fitting synthetic fabrics can all irritate the skin and clog pores, leading to acne breakouts.

Preventing Back and Chest Acne: Effective Strategies

Prevention is key when it comes to managing body acne. Implementing these strategies can help reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts:

1. Shower promptly after exercise to remove sweat and bacteria
2. Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing during workouts
3. Use non-comedogenic skincare products
4. Change bed sheets and pillowcases regularly
5. Avoid touching or picking at existing acne lesions

Is it possible to completely prevent body acne? While complete prevention may not be achievable for everyone, these strategies can significantly reduce the occurrence of breakouts and minimize their severity.

Effective Treatments for Back and Chest Acne

When preventive measures aren’t enough, various treatments can help manage body acne effectively. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the acne and individual skin characteristics.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Which OTC treatments are most effective for body acne? Look for products containing the following active ingredients:

• Salicylic acid: Helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation
• Benzoyl peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and removes excess oil
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): Promote skin cell turnover and reduce clogged pores
• Tea tree oil: Natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent

Prescription Medications

For more severe cases of body acne, a dermatologist may prescribe stronger treatments:

• Topical retinoids: Promote skin cell turnover and prevent clogged pores
• Oral antibiotics: Reduce inflammation and fight acne-causing bacteria
• Hormonal treatments: Help regulate oil production in hormone-related acne
• Isotretinoin: A powerful oral medication for severe, resistant acne

Developing a Skincare Routine for Acne-Prone Body Skin

Creating an effective skincare routine is crucial for managing body acne. Here’s a basic framework to follow:

1. Cleanse: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic body wash twice daily
2. Exfoliate: Incorporate a chemical exfoliant (such as salicylic acid) 1-2 times per week
3. Treat: Apply acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil
4. Moisturize: Use a light, oil-free moisturizer to keep skin hydrated
5. Protect: Apply non-comedogenic sunscreen to exposed areas during the day

How often should you exfoliate body skin prone to acne? While exfoliation can be beneficial, over-exfoliating can irritate the skin and worsen acne. Stick to 1-2 times per week and adjust based on your skin’s response.

Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Changes for Body Acne

In addition to conventional treatments, some natural remedies and lifestyle modifications may help improve body acne:

• Green tea: Apply cooled green tea as a toner for its anti-inflammatory properties
• Aloe vera: Use pure aloe vera gel to soothe inflamed skin
• Stress management: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
• Dietary adjustments: Consider reducing dairy and high-glycemic index foods
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help flush toxins from the body

Can dietary changes alone clear up body acne? While diet can play a role in acne development, it’s unlikely that dietary changes alone will completely clear severe acne. A comprehensive approach combining skincare, lifestyle changes, and appropriate treatments is often necessary for best results.

When to Consult a Dermatologist for Body Acne

While many cases of body acne can be managed with over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle changes, there are times when professional help is necessary. Consider consulting a dermatologist if:

• Your acne is severe or cystic
• Over-the-counter treatments haven’t been effective after several weeks
• You’re developing scars from your acne
• Your acne is causing significant emotional distress
• You suspect your acne may be related to an underlying medical condition or medication

How long should you wait before seeing a dermatologist for body acne? If you’ve been consistently using over-the-counter treatments for 6-8 weeks without improvement, it’s time to seek professional help. Earlier consultation may be warranted for severe or rapidly worsening acne.

Addressing Emotional Impact and Building Confidence

Body acne can have a significant emotional impact, affecting self-esteem and confidence. It’s important to address these psychological aspects alongside physical treatments:

• Seek support from friends, family, or support groups
• Practice positive self-talk and affirmations
• Focus on overall health and well-being, not just skin appearance
• Consider speaking with a mental health professional if acne is causing severe distress

How can you boost confidence while dealing with body acne? Remember that acne is a common condition affecting millions of people. Focus on your positive attributes and the progress you’re making in treatment. Wearing comfortable, breathable clothing that makes you feel good can also help boost confidence while your skin heals.

Body acne, particularly on the back and chest, is a complex condition with various causes and potential treatments. By understanding the factors contributing to your acne and implementing a comprehensive skincare routine, you can effectively manage and reduce breakouts. Remember that persistence and patience are key – it may take several weeks to see significant improvements. If over-the-counter treatments aren’t providing relief, don’t hesitate to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice and more advanced treatment options. With the right approach, clearer, healthier skin is achievable.

Here’s Why Back and Chest Acne is So Common & How to Treat It

As if dealing with facial acne isn’t bad enough, other areas of your body can also be prone to acne breakouts. Body acne is when the skin on the upper-half of your body develops pimples.

What is acne on the back and chest?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that nearly everyone deals with at some point in their life. For most people, pimples and acne breakouts develop on the face, chest, and back, where your glands can easily become blocked.

Acne breakouts are the result of your skin pores becoming clogged by dead skin cells and oil. When your pores become clogged, bacteria begins to form and inflamed pimples will show on your skin. Chest and back acne commonly appears as blackheads, whiteheads, and papules.

What causes back and chest acne and who does it affect?

We’re going to dive into some of the causes and solutions. But, before you change up your routine too much, we always recommend consulting with a professional. Your best bet to getting clearer skin is scheduling an appointment with our dermatologist, Dr. Jaclyn Wetli.

In the meantime, you might be wondering why you have pimples on your chest, shoulders, and back. If you notice sudden or random breakouts, this could be a result of a recent change made in your diet or skincare products or perhaps related to taking to a new medication. If you continuously have acne in these areas, this could be a result of an ongoing issue like hormonal fluctuations or dehydration.

Although acne on your chest and back can form as a result of many things, here are some of the most common sources:

• Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations often happen in our teenage years, but adult women also experience changes in their hormones during and around the time of their period. These hormonal fluctuations can cause inflammation and acne breakouts on your chest.

• Diet: Studies have shown that dietary factors may contribute to the development of acne. Patients who drink skim milk and/or have whey protein supplements may find this to be an exacerbating factor for acne. Additionally, high glycemic-load foods (high fat or high sugar foods) can cause acne flares. If you think your diet is causing problems with acne, try cutting back on skim milk, protein shakes, soft drinks, juices, and desserts.

• Supplements/ medications: An excessive amount of vitamin B12, B2, and B6 can also cause acne flares. Certain medications may also contribute to acne flares especially on the chest and back. It is best to discuss with Dr. Wetli if you think that this may be contributing to your acne.

• Exercise: Although exercise is a great way to stay healthy, excessive sweating in tight or restrictive clothing can cause acne breakouts on your chest or back. When working out, wear loose-fitting tops that won’t cause friction from rubbing on your skin. Showering shortly after a workout will also help wash off any sweat and prevent it from building up and clogging your pores.

• Laundry detergent, makeup and perfumes: Some laundry detergents and perfumes have dyes and other harsh chemicals that can be harmful and irritate your skin. Makeup can also cause irritations to skin and clog pores. Avoid applying makeup and perfume to your chest area, avoid using dryer sheets, fabric softener, and try using dye and perfume-free detergents.

• Oily moisturizers: Certain skin care products can trap moisture and cause your skin to break out in pimples. People with dry skin often use oil-based lotion, but these types of moisturizers block pores and trap dirt and bacteria. If you experience dry skin, you should talk to a dermatologist to get recommendations on moisturizers that are safe to use.

What is the best way to treat back and chest acne?

Identifying and understanding the causes of your chest and back acne is the first step toward treating it and preventing future breakouts. Meet with our dermatologist, Dr. Wetli. She will evaluate your skin and come up with a personalized treatment plan for your unique needs. Some steps you can take prior to meeting with Dr. Wetli include:

Bathe regularly using gentle cleansers to keep the area clean and prevent breakouts. Apply antibacterial body soap to the area around the breakout to clean it after sweating or getting dirty.
Change your thick, oil-based moisturizer for non-comedogenic lotions to keep your skin hydrated without clogging your pores. Avoid touching, picking, or popping the pimples on your chest and back. Your hands often have oil and dirt that can spread and lead to bacteria on other parts of your skin. Picking and popping your pimples will irritate the skin and make your breakout worse – and since the skin on your chest is extremely thin, it can scar easily.

If your chest acne won’t go away after trying on your own, remember that treatment plans are not a one-size fits all. This is why over the counter products don’t always work, and why it’s best to seek the professional opinion of a dermatologist.

Schedule an appointment for acne treatment

Our dermatologist, Dr. Wetli, is a specialist in acne, acne treatments, and acne scar treatments. When you’re ready to learn more about your treatment options or create an acne skincare routine, use our simple online scheduling form to set up an appointment! We look forward to helping you improve the health of your skin so you can look and feel your best.

8 Ways to Get Rid of It

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You may be able to reduce chest acne by showering and exfoliating regularly and using certain products.

Although acne treatments are usually discussed for areas like the nose and chin, acne doesn’t just develop on the face. If you’re more prone to acne from risk factors such as hormones or oily skin, you may develop blemishes anywhere on your body — including your chest.

Acne develops when your pores get clogged. Pores exist around your entire body, and your chest is no exception. If you have acne-prone skin, you might see the following types of acne on your chest:

• blackheads
• cysts
• pimples
• pustules
• whiteheads

Though chest acne isn’t always as visible as pimples on your face, it can be quite a nuisance. Here are eight ways you can fight chest acne before pimples develop or help clear a breakout after pimples have formed.

If you don’t shower daily, you may develop chest acne more easily. Regular showers help remove elements that block your pores. This includes:

• bacteria
• dead skin cells
• dirt
• oil (sebum)

To reduce your chances of chest acne, make sure you hit the shower every day. This includes colder and drier months when you may think you don’t need a shower. Use lukewarm (not hot) water for the best results. You can also consider a final rinse in cold water to help close your pores.

Body washes containing salicylic acid are especially helpful for chest acne. Salicylic acid is an ingredient that treats acne by drying it out.

Consider trying out these body washes for chest acne:

• Neutrogena Body Care Body Wash
• ProActiv+ Cleansing Body Bar
• The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash

Your skin goes through a process of cell turnover, where dead skin cells emerge to the surface (epidermis) to make way for new skin cells. But dead skin cells don’t always shed on their own. They can end up staying in your pores and clogging them, leading to acne.

This is where exfoliating can help. The process helps to remove dead skin cells so they don’t clog pores and form acne. You’ll also reveal noticeably smoother skin. The key, though, is to exfoliate no more than once a week — doing this more often will irritate preexisting blemishes.

Try out:

• C. Booth Honey Almond Exfoliating Body Bar
• Neutrogena Visibly Clear Gentle Exfoliating Wash
• The Body Shop Tea Tree Squeaky-Clean Exfoliating Face Scrub

In layman’s terms, “non-comedogenic” simply means non-pore-clogging. This is important when choosing products that stay on your skin all day or night, such as body lotion.

When applied to your chest, non-comedogenic body lotion can help hydrate the skin without causing acne. Some lotions even contain small amounts of salicylic acid to get rid of preexisting breakouts. You may also want to avoid fragrances that can irritate your skin.

Consider the following body lotions:

• Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
• Dermalogica Body Hydrating Cream
• Neutrogena Body Lotion

Spot treatments can help chest acne breakouts by shrinking pimples and healing the underlying inflammation.

Over-the-counter (OTC) spot treatments abound, and most of these contain either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Of these two ingredients, salicylic acid is preferable because benzoyl peroxide is a notorious for bleaching clothing. There’s a risk of toxicity when salicylic acid is applied to large areas, so make sure you limit it to spot treatments when using it in the chest area.

You can also consider some of the following home and natural remedies. Before applying any remedy on your chest, try a patch test to make sure it doesn’t cause any negative reaction. Choose a small spot on your arm and wait 24 hours to see if any rash or irritation develops.

Shop for spot treatments online.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a widely used alternative skin remedy to treat acne and other conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, products with 5 percent of this oil may work just as well as 5 percent benzoyl peroxide. The key, though, is patience. Tea tree oil works a bit slower than conventional medications.

If you’re wary about trying pure tea tree oil, don’t fret — there are numerous OTC acne products that contain the oil. The Body Shop, for example, offers numerous spot treatment options including topical oils, gels, and wipes.

Shop for tea tree oil online.

Cinnamon and honey

Cinnamon and honey can potentially create a powerful acne-fighter when applied to the chest. Cinnamon has antimicrobial capabilities, and raw honey can work as a bacteria-fighting agent. Together, these can reduce bacteria and inflammation that lead to acne. These are safe to use weekly or as needed for new blemishes.

To whip this up, mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of raw honey until it forms a paste. You can apply the mask all over your chest and rinse off after 30 minutes, or you can use it as an overnight spot treatment.

Mud or charcoal

If you’d rather use a natural treatment that’s already made in a bottle, consider a mask that’s made of mud or charcoal. These can work as all-over treatments or they can be used on a few spots on your chest. Both mud and charcoal fight acne by drawing out impurities. These ingredients may also soften your skin at the same time. One example is the Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask. Use once a week for best results.

Washing your clothes is a must for keeping germs at bay, but if you have oily skin, it can also help prevent acne. However, laundry detergent can sometimes have the opposite effect by causing acne.

This can happen from certain types of detergents that tend to irritate the skin. These include products with fragrances and dyes. When you wear a shirt that’s been washed with allergenic detergents, you could put your chest area and other parts of your body at risk for a breakout.

Look for laundry detergents labeled as “hypoallergenic.”

Shop for hypoallergenic laundry detergent online.

Another key to keeping chest acne at bay is to wear clothing that is loose and non-irritating so that your skin can breathe. Tight clothing can trap dirt, bacteria, and oils that can develop into blemishes. Certain fabrics, such as wool, nylon, and spandex, can cause further irritation. Your best bet is to wear cotton clothing.

Sometimes, acne also requires treatment from the inside. While there’s debate about whether certain foods cause acne, there’s no doubt that drinking water can help. Water not only keeps you hydrated, but it also helps flush out toxins.

You should drink eight glasses of water daily to reap these benefits. Over time, swapping sodas and other beverages for water may lead to an overall reduction in chest acne and an improved skin complexion.

Acne products can take about 10 weeks to take full effect, so patience is key. If a long period of time passes without any results, it may be time to see your skin care specialist.

Your skin care specialist can help treat chest acne for good by prescribing topical or oral acne medications. Such products are used regularly to help treat and prevent severe acne. In some cases, oral contraceptives may also help women with body acne. Your skin care specialist may prescribe antibiotics to treat severe inflammation related to cysts and other forms of severe acne.

If you’re concerned about your chest acne and don’t already have a skin care specialist, you can view doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Healthline and our partners may receive a portion of revenues if you make a purchase using a link above.

How to get rid of blackheads

February 25, 2021

Likbez

Health

It is useless to torture the skin with washcloths and scrubs. And even harmful.

What are black dots

Black dots are large pores that for some reason are clogged with dead skin and sebum. Most often, such marks appear on the face, especially the cheeks, chin and wings of the nose. But they can occur on the back, neck, chest, arms and shoulders – that is, where there are many hair follicles and sebaceous glands.

See what blackheads look like

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Cosmetologists call them open comedones and consider them a mild form of acne.

How blackheads form

Blackheads occur when dead skin cells and sebum produced in the sebaceous glands near the hair follicle do not leave the pore in time.

Image: solar22 / Depositphotos

It’s time to clog up, get wider. And its contents are distinctly dark outside.

Black dots are often thought of as dust and dirt accumulated in the pore, but this is not the case.

Just dead cells and fat, in contact with air on the surface of the skin, are oxidized. And they become dark yellow, and then almost black. If you squeeze out an open comedone, you will find that it is black only on the outside. And inside it is a colorless substance.

Why blackheads appear

The pore can be blocked for various reasons. Here are the most common ones.

1. Hormonal changes. Like other types of acne, blackheads are most common in teenagers. The fact is that androgens – male sex hormones, the level of which rises sharply during puberty, increase the production of sebum and accelerate cell renewal. Also, black dots often appear in women during menstruation, premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, or while taking certain hormonal birth control pills. Sometimes comedones can be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome.
2. Strong perspiration. A layer of moisture closes the exit from the pore, due to which its contents accumulate inside. Active sweating can be associated with a health condition (for example, hyperhidrosis) or lifestyle – the same physical activity at elevated temperatures.
3. Unsuitable cosmetics or clothing. A greasy cream, an oily hair balm that gets on your back and shoulders, or even a face mask can all make it harder to get out of your pores.
4. Insufficient skin cleansing. A film of dust and dirt blocks the exit from the pores.
5. Excessive skin cleansing. If you abuse peels, scrubs, or simply wash your face too often with soap, then remove the protective layer from your skin. The body reacts to this by increasing the production of sebum.
6. Rough shave. Irritation of the hair follicles stimulates the body to produce new cells and sebum.
7. Stress. Strong experiences also sometimes lead to increased production of sebum.
8. Taking certain medications. We are talking about drugs whose side effects are accelerated skin renewal or increased production of sebum.
9. Eating habits. There is evidence that some products can also make the skin more oily. This can happen if you overindulge in sweets, pastries, fast food, and other high glycemic foods, as well as dairy products.

How to get rid of blackheads

Here are a few ways, each of which can clear the skin of open comedones.

1. Use over-the-counter products for blackheads

They are sold in pharmacies and supermarkets in the form of lotions, cleansing masks, creams, gels. These products usually include salicylic acid, which cleanses the pores of excess sebum, and benzoyl peroxide (this chemical destroys bacteria and prevents blackheads from turning into inflammation).

2. Try prescription drugs

These creams and ointments contain vitamin A-based active ingredients called retinoids. They prevent the formation of plugs in the hair follicles and accelerate the renewal of skin cells, that is, they help to even out the surface of the skin and reduce the size of pores.

There are several types of A-compounds: tretinoin, tazarotene and adapalene. Which active ingredient will be most effective in your case and what should be its concentration, a dermatologist or cosmetologist will tell you.

Please note: Retinoids have contraindications. And yet, while you use them, the skin must be protected with a sunscreen with a powerful SPF, even in winter. Otherwise, getting rid of black dots, you run the risk of acquiring much more noticeable age spots instead.

3. Go for a professional cleaning

This procedure is carried out by a professional beautician or dermatologist. With the help of special tools, he will open the pores and remove the contents that clog them.

4. Do dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is performed with a special tool that allows you to polish the surface of the skin, removing excess oil, impurities and blackheads from it. For this procedure, you also need to contact a dermatologist or cosmetologist.

5. Try a chemical peel

During this procedure, the beautician will apply a composition containing an acid (such as lactic, glycolic or tartaric) to the skin in a significant concentration. It will dissolve and help exfoliate the topmost layer of the epidermis, at the same time removing black dots. Please note: skin damaged in this way flakes, and flaking can last up to two weeks.

Chemical peels can also be done at home: creams and serums containing a small percentage of acid are sold in stores. However, homemade will not be as effective as professional.

6. Undergo the procedure of laser peeling

With the help of a special device that generates a laser beam, the beautician will gently exfoliate the epidermis, removing bumps, dead cells and black dots.

How not to remove blackheads

These procedures are popular, but sometimes after them blackheads and pimples on the skin become even more.

• Extrusion. Trying to squeeze out a black dot irritates the skin. In response, to protect herself, she begins to produce more sebum.
• Steam baths. They are said to “open the pores” and make it easier for their contents to come out. But the effect of the baths has not been proven. And some people believe that such a procedure even exacerbated their skin problems.
• Active scrub. Scrubs remove sebum – it’s true. But at the same time, they, especially if used too often, for example every day, injure the skin. And she defends herself, getting fatter.
• Wiping with hydrogen peroxide. It may improve acne skin (here’s a small study that confirms this). But at the same time, peroxide is an aggressive product that can dry and irritate the skin.
• Use of adhesive strips and masks. Looks beautiful in the ad: I glued the strip to my nose, then tore it off in one motion – and the black dots, along with the contents of the pores, remained on the paper. However, in reality, such products can irritate the skin. As a result, black dots will quickly return.

What to do so that black dots do not appear again

Follow the simple rules of prevention.

1. Wash your face morning and evening to remove accumulated oil and dirt from the skin. Use mild soap or foam for this.
2. Avoid alcohol-based products. They irritate the skin.
3. Wash your face after sweating or eating something greasy. Dietary fat left on the skin can also lead to clogged pores.
4. Choose moisturizing, not greasy, nourishing creams.
5. Rinse balms and hair masks thoroughly from shoulders and back.
6. Use gentle exfoliating peels and scrubs with fine particles or acids. Use them no more than 1-2 times a week, so as not to injure the skin.
7. Skip heavy foundation and layered makeup. A healthier option is a moisturizing tinted balm or BB cream.
8. Review your diet. Try to give up fast food, sweets, pastries. Add more fresh vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, legumes to the menu.

This article was first published in October 2016. In February 2021, we updated the text.

Read also 👦👩‍⚕️👩

• How to get rid of acne: the most complete guide
• Personal experience: how I cured pimples
• Why you shouldn’t squeeze pimples
• What to do if pimples appear due to the mask
• Where do back pimples come from and how to get rid of them

How to get rid of blackheads: effective remedies

RBC Style talks about the causes of blackheads and proven remedies and procedures to get rid of them.

• What is
• Causes
• How to get rid of
• How impossible
• Prophylaxis
• Expert commentary

The material was commented on by: Aleksey Zhito , therapist, endocrinologist, cardiologist, PhD, deputy chief physician of the Mprofiko clinic on Zemlyanoy Val, author of the telegram channel; Anastasia Nikolaeva , brand director of the cosmetic brand Skin Helpers.

Advertising on RBC www.adv.rbc.ru

What are blackheads

Blackheads are impurities in the skin pores due to secretion of sebum (sebum)

© Shutterstock

Blackheads are impurities in the skin pores due to secretion of sebum ( sebum secretions). Most often they appear on the nose, from the bridge of the nose between the eyebrows to the wings, chin, forehead and cheeks. In addition to the face, blackheads can be found on the chest, back, and upper arms. That is, in those places where there are hair follicles and a lot of sebaceous glands.

Doctors call these defects comedones – cysts formed when the mouth of the follicle is blocked. They can be white (closed, subcutaneous) and black – open, absorbing external pollution.

Aleksey Zhito, internist, endocrinologist, cardiologist, Ph.D.

“A huge number of factors influence the condition of the skin. Both external – air, water, allergens, and internal – hormonal levels, lack of sleep, eating habits. Clogged pores are associated with three main factors: abnormal shedding of skin cells, overactive sebaceous glands, and bacterial overgrowth. It can be caused by hormonal changes in the body: puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. Acne also occurs as a manifestation of premenstrual syndrome.

How to get rid of acne: remedies and skin care for acne

Causes of blackheads

Stress, improper skin care, abuse of sweet, salty and other not the most healthy foods are also factors of gland activity

© Unsplash

The main reason for the appearance of black dots is the increased activity of the sebaceous glands. She does not always talk about health problems and can be a genetic inheritance. Stress, improper skin care, the abuse of sweet, salty and other not the most useful foods are also factors in the activity of the glands. It is precisely because of the wide range of reasons for the appearance of black dots that it is not easy to get rid of them.

1. Hormones

Hormonal imbalances affect the skin. For example, excessive production of testosterone in women leads to rapid clogging of pores and increased work of the sebaceous glands.

Anastasia Nikolaeva, brand director of Skin Helpers cosmetics brand

“Teenagers face a period of transition, internal restructuring, and a rampage of hormones. The body begins to work differently, skin types are formed. For most, the production of sebum increases, which becomes a signal for systemic skin care. And this is exactly what teenagers neglect. Adults already know the features of their body and the rules of care. As a result, blackheads are much less common in adults. ”

Aleksey Zhito claims that hormones play a huge role in the development of acne and blackheads: “Hormones stimulate the enlargement of the sebaceous glands and the production of more sebum. This makes the pores suitable for acne causing bacteria. Estrogen and progesterone can cause skin problems (their levels increase during pregnancy and menopause, for example), but the exact effect they have on the sebaceous glands is not so clear. Simply put, if trigger factors are present in the skin, hormones are what trigger the development of acne and blackheads.”

2. Hygiene

If you don’t remove your make-up or clean your makeup brushes, more pathogens will be on your face. Together with clogged pores, they will inevitably lead to acne and blackheads. A dermatologist-cosmetologist will help you choose products suitable for cleansing your skin type. It remains only to make it a habit to carry out all the necessary procedures daily in accordance with the recommendations.

3. Nutrition

Problems with the skin of the face often occur when there is an overabundance in the diet of sweet, starchy foods, fried foods, coffee and alcohol. Individual reactions are not excluded, for example, to dairy ingredients. Try to keep track of what effects certain foods cause within a few days of eating them. You can consult a nutritionist and choose a diet.

6 reasons to give up alcohol

4. Microflora

Imbalance of bacteria in the intestines can be the result of malnutrition. It is often diagnosed after taking medications, especially antibiotics. Inflammatory processes and concomitant diseases lead to malfunctions in metabolism, which also affects the skin.

Alexey Zhito:

“Diet affects hormone levels. Certain foods are known to cause inflammation, which exacerbates skin blemishes. For example, milk and added sugar raise insulin levels. At the same time, there is currently no consensus on whether a change in diet will necessarily improve skin condition. Microbial endocrinology studies the response of microorganisms to hormones and neurohormones, as well as the production of hormone-like molecules by the microbiota. The intestinal microbiota should be considered as a real organ in constant and two-way interactions with the entire human body.”

5. Cosmetics

In addition to the fact that any makeup must be washed off, it is equally important to take the choice of care and decorative cosmetics seriously. If you have problematic skin, look into their ingredients. So, in the presence of acne, acne and black spots, you should not use cosmetics with lanolin and mineral oils.

How to get rid of blackheads

Quality adhesive strip mask quickly removes most blackheads in one treatment

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If the cause is hormonal (for example, in a teenager or during pregnancy), it may disappear on its own when the body changes. In other cases, it is necessary to review the diet, makeup bag and habits.

Home skin care

Anastasia Nikolaeva specifies that at home it is necessary to use masks that narrow pores, as well as acid and enzyme peels. The main thing is not to overdo it and not overdry the skin, so you need to combine cleansing and correction with moisturizing. Daily routines matter a lot:

1. Morning and evening wash . Use micellar water to remove make-up and cleansing gel. They will help remove dirt and excess fat and prepare for the next step.
2. Lotions and tonics. Choose your exfoliating products according to your skin type. With their help, you can remove the keratinized particles of the upper layer of the epidermis, the pores will not clog. Depending on the composition, lotions disinfect, dry or relieve inflammation.
3. Moisturizing. Moisturizers keep skin soft and supple. The sebaceous glands will not work too actively if the skin is not overdried. Creams, gels and serums need to be selected not only for individual characteristics, but also for the season: denser textures are needed in winter, and light textures in summer.
4. Scrubs. Exfoliants help to quickly remove dead skin cells, instantly transforming it, making it smoother. It is important not to overdo it so as not to damage the epidermis with frequent scrubbing; choose cosmetics taking into account the sensitivity of the skin. Some scrubs with large particles are suitable, others should pay attention to small and soft ones.
5. Nasal strips. High-quality adhesive strip mask quickly removes most blackheads in one procedure. This express tool can be used as an auxiliary, because without basic care, the strips will not get rid of the defect once and for all.

Couperosis: what it is and how to treat it

Salon treatments

Cosmetology offers several options for professional treatments to get rid of blackheads. According to Anastasia Nikolaeva, peeling works best with this problem: “This is a more gentle type of procedure compared to cleaning. It will help to narrow the pores and normalize the production of sebum. There is no one size fits all recommendation. Before the procedure, you should consult a doctor so as not to get an undesirable reaction and exacerbations.

Aleksey Zhito believes that salon procedures cannot be the main treatment, but they are used as additional methods of dealing with mild to severe acne and black spots: with precise extraction.

What is peeling for the face and for whom it is contraindicated? Basically, salicylic acid is added to cosmetics – it dissolves the remnants of keratinized skin that clog pores, has an anti-inflammatory effect and is effective against pathogenic bacteria. Despite the obvious benefits of acids, they should be used in moderation: excessive application threatens with dehydration and irritation.

Anastasia Nikolaeva:

“Products with acids are a must for oily skin, as well as for severe problems with acne, inflammation, black spots and oily sheen. The secret of success is to establish the process of seboregulation without overdrying. Therefore, it is better to pay attention to products that contain complexes of AHA-, BHA-, PHA-acids.

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Retinoids

These are natural and synthetic compounds similar in effect to vitamin A. Cosmetics and drugstore creams with retinoids are recommended for moisturizing, maintaining elasticity, and fighting wrinkles and pigmentation. They promote exfoliation, as well as the restoration and healing of the skin. It is better to use retinoids after cleansing before applying tonics and lotions.

What is retinol and why skin needs it

How not to get rid of blackheads

For moderate to severe acne, a doctor may recommend a topical or oral medication

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acne and blackheads should be avoided . In addition to the fact that this can damage the skin and capillaries, opening the gates of infection, the skin will produce even more fat to protect itself. For the same reasons, harsh exfoliants and frequent scrubbing should be avoided.

Do not use improvised products like alcohol and hydrogen peroxide as lotions. These are very aggressive products that instantly dry out the skin and lead to the opposite effect. Peroxide can be applied topically to acne: in this case, studies confirm its effectiveness.

Alexey Zhito:

“Don’t pick or squeeze pimples. This causes the bacteria to penetrate deeper into the skin, causing even more inflammation, leading to infection and scarring. It’s never too late to kick this habit. Finding the right treatment for acne and blackheads depends on their stage. In mild cases, over-the-counter topical preparations work well. For moderate to severe acne, a doctor may recommend a topical or oral medication.”

Prevention of blackheads

For prevention, it is necessary to regularly wash off makeup and wash with warm water and a suitable cleanser

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nutrition and lifestyle to prolong the effect. For prevention it is necessary: ​​

1. Rinse off cosmetics regularly and wash your face with warm (not hot) water with a suitable cleanser.
2. Skip the daily use of heavy make-up to keep pores as small as possible.
3. Watch your diet. It is not necessary to forbid yourself sweets and fast food once and for all, but it is worth limiting the use of unhealthy foods to one or two times a week.
4. Hydrate skin so it doesn’t have to compensate for dryness with active oil production.
5. Apply scrubs according to skin type, but discard them in case of breakouts.

Alexey Zhito:

“Skin care habits help prevent or reduce breakouts. It is necessary to cleanse the face every evening with a mild cleanser. Apply makeup gently, without rubbing. If soap dries out your skin, use an oil-free moisturizer.

Dietary changes can help, such as switching to low glycemic carbohydrates or reducing dairy products to reduce the severity of skin blemishes. General recommendations include eating more whole grains. Keep in mind that the scientific evidence for any move away from healthy eating, such as cutting out dairy, is not conclusive.”

Anastasia Nikolaeva:

“Cosmetic cleansing is needed to solve an existing problem, not to prevent it. So that the problem of black dots does not appear again and again, it is necessary to choose competent home skin care in accordance with its type. It is necessary to develop habits, use the protocol of means daily, and not rely on a miracle mask to solve problems.

Choose gentle cleansing so skin doesn’t squeak after use. Be sure to include peeling in your care program, give preference to acid or enzyme (enzymatic). Don’t forget to use a toner to balance your pH and prepare your skin for your next products. Moisturizing should be light and non-comedogenic, that is, it should be quickly absorbed and should not form an airtight film. Oily and combination skin must also be moisturized so that local peeling does not replace black dots.

Expert Comment

There are many treatment options for acne and blackheads to control their appearance

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Alexey Zhito:

“The choice of skin treatment depends on the cause of the problems and their severity. There are many treatment options for acne and blackheads to control their appearance. Remedies can be topical (drugs you put on your skin), systemic (prescription oral medications), or therapeutic (at a spa or dermatology office).

OTC cosmetics can be purchased at a pharmacy, shop, beauty salon. But it is important to look at the composition. The most effective over-the-counter acne treatments contain at least one of the following ingredients: salicylic acid (0.5% to 2%), benzoyl peroxide (2.5% to 10%), sulfur, glycolic acid. It doesn’t matter what type of product you use, whether it’s a cleanser, toner or lotion. You can also choose from several over-the-counter products and create your own personal care program from them.

Acne treatments may cause excessive dryness, flaking and redness. If you have sensitive skin, start with one product to treat acne and blackheads, and then gradually add more.

For acne that doesn’t go away after three months of using OTC products, your doctor may recommend strong topical prescription products. These are light water-based gels and creamy lotions, tonic solutions and therapeutic masks. For topical use:

• azelaic acid;
• benzoyl peroxide products;
• synthetic vitamin A retinoids;
• antibiotics;
• combined preparations: an antibiotic with another topical agent.

Oral drugs work inside the body. These medicines are usually prescribed for severe rashes or cystic acne. They are also used for less severe acne when topical treatments don’t work well enough. Available by prescription only:

• Oral antibiotics. They can be used no longer than three to six months;
• Isotretinoin. This drug, like topical retinoids, is made from a synthetic form of vitamin A and is considered the most effective for severe acne;
• Hormonal treatment. Options such as birth control pills are not the first line of treatment for skin. However, they may benefit women who develop acne and blackheads during their monthly cycle and hormonal imbalances. It is important to avoid pregnancy while taking it, as it can cause serious birth defects.

The help of a professional is a great advantage in the fight against blackheads. The dermatologist will suggest treatment options. An esthetician or cosmetologist will provide acne-prone skin care products, daily care tips, and deep cleansing procedures to prevent comedones.