Blemishes of any kind can be frustrating, but there’s something about those seemingly incessant blackheads (often found on the nose and chin) that make them all the more so. And the reality is, though they’re aesthetically less than ideal, they can be detrimental to your overall skin health, too.
So, whether you get them frequently or once in a blue moon, we’re here to answer your three common questions about blackheads so you can eliminate them for good.
What Are Blackheads & What Causes Them?
Blackheads form when pores become clogged with a combination of dead skin cells and oil (AKA sebum). When exposed to air, these trapped impurities oxidize, causing them to appear “black” inside your pores. This buildup can be caused by excess oil production, dead skin cell buildup, comedogenic products, hormonal changes, stress, or even genetics.
Why Is It Important to Remove Blackheads & How Do I Do It?
Regardless of the cause, preventing and maintaining unclogged pores is essential for your skin’s overall appearance and health. For starters, visibly smaller, unclogged pores make for a smoother and more even-textured complexion. Additionally, since trapped impurities cause pore walls to expand, clear pores are not as “open,” which makes it harder for contaminants to get in and hydration to escape.
Now, to keep your pores clog-free, exfoliation is essential. That’s why all five Reflekt products exfoliate in varying degrees to keep your skin clear and balanced 24/7/365. This exfoliation is combined with intense hydration at every step to simultaneously nourish the skin back. This unique combination of exfoliation and hydration makes it so you never have to worry about over-exfoliating or stripping your skin dry. Instead, your complexion is left looking dewy and radiant. These transformative results speak for themselves.
Is It Bad to Pick Blackheads?
In short, yes. As tempting as it is to pick blackheads and other blemishes, doing so is harmful to your skin. This is because picking can cause skin breakage that can lead to scabs and scars and it can also spread bacteria from your hands and pores that can lead to further blemishes, inflammation, redness, and even infection. Instead, opt for regular exfoliation, as outlined above, to eliminate the need to pick altogether.
