What Happens if Blackheads Are Not Extracted?

Are you wondering what happens if blackheads are not extracted? If yes, take a look at everything you need to know about it today.

Blackheads, the unsightly black spots, have ruined another photo op!

They show up front and center of your face and come back as soon as you get rid of them. It’s normal to feel so overwhelmed that you decide that you just don’t want to deal with them.

But what happens if you choose to ignore them?

There are permanent repercussions that can occur should you choose to avoid dealing with your blackheads. Read this guide on everything you need to know about blackheads and what happens if they are left untreated.

What Are Blackheads?

Comedones, a.k.a blackheads, are a non-inflammatory type of acne defined as large pores that trap hair follicles and oil. These pores turn black when exposed to air and oxidize.

Blackheads are most prominent on your face, but you can get them in other areas of your body, like your chest, back, shoulders, arms, and neck.

Symptoms

Blackheads can show up in the skin when your pores clog. You can see the early signs of blackhead formation as the skin cells start to collect more and more, which enlarges the pores.

Blackheads become raised but are not painful when they form and develop, unlike pimples which are caused by bacteria. The contents of impurities on the inside may be soft or hard depending on the impaction of the pore and the length of time that it’s been there.

Blackheads are often confused with sebaceous filaments, particles that keep the skin moisturized and flexible. These are normal functions of skin that are noticeable if the person has oily prone skin.

A medical professional may choose to test it to be sure, but if it’s not black, it most likely isn’t a blackhead.

Causes

Despite the myth that they are caused by stress, dirt, and diet, blackheads are actually caused by dead skin cells that accumulate when the skin regenerates. Certain factors, however, can exacerbate their formation. They include:

• Naturally oily skin
• Genetics
• Thick skincare products that contain oils
• Hormonal changes
• Specific medications

A mixture of these factors can make some more prone to accumulating blackheads than others.

Can They Be Ignored?

Technically, yes, you can act as though the blackheads are not there. They do not hurt or cause serious grievances. By doing so, however, you can open yourself up to worsening effects that become more permanent.

Not to mention the psychological toll it can have on your confidence. Here are ways your blackheads can impact you.

Increases the Chances of Acne

If left untreated, your blackheads can turn into acne, and that means that as oils build-up, your pores are left wide open for bacteria to infiltrate. If you then decide to pop these newly formed pimples, you can pop too hard and cause your skin to scar.

If you’re prone to these skin conditions, the untreated blackheads can continue to spread all around the upper part of your body, which means you won’t be able to ignore it for much longer.

Deep Blackheads

Blackheads are quite visible from the outside, but they can also burrow deep into the skin. The longer blackheads are left to their own devices, the deeper they go as they accumulate more dead skin cells. This allows them to turn into dilated pores of winer.

A dilated pore of winer is when blackheads oxidize all the build-up of skin cells and harden. They can be over a centimeter big if left to grow.

Removing such a large pore of winer at that point can leave a deep hole in the skin that will not close on its own. Doctors may need to close the gap with a few stitches to prevent debris from getting in as it heals.

How to Treat and Prevent Blackheads

Blackheads are 100% treatable and require less maintenance than you previously thought if you know the right ways to go about it. For some, a simple pop of the blackhead will suffice. You can learn more information here on how to pop blackheads yourself.

For others, blackheads can be more chronic and require other interventions. Here are some ways to treat them.

Doctor Intervention

If you have recurring blackheads, the best recommendation to get rid of them is to visit an expert dermatologist. They can help you determine the root of why the blackheads keep returning and give you tips on what to change in your daily cleaning regimen.

Your strain of blackheads can be tolerant of generic store-bought skin cleansers. If that is the case, your dermatologist can prescribe you a more effective skin medication.

Daily Cleansing With the Right Creams and Ointments

Blackheads won’t be a huge nuisance if you implement a skin cleansing routine. This routine can be done in the morning or night 2-3 times a week.

You must be consistent with it every week for it to work, so pairing it with activities you do every day, like brushing your teeth, can help make it easier.

Use products that have active ingredients to remove blackheads directly. Beta hydroxy acid, for example, penetrates your pores to eliminate dead skin cells. This will reduce cell build-up.

Monthly Facial Treatments

Besides daily cleanses, it’s in your best interest to invest in a once-a-month deep cleanse. Spas and skin centers are the best places for skin therapy.

They offer chemical peels and oil-absorbing masks that cleanse the deeper layers of the skin, giving it a cleaner, fresher look.

Clear Skin Is Confident Skin

If your skin is prone to blackheads, the worst thing you can do is nothing. Something as simple as washing your face can positively impact your skin’s appearance.

When you have clear skin, you gain confidence and a more positive outlook on life.

Start your new skin regiment today.