From the Guidelines
Blackheads are a form of acne characterized by small, dark-colored bumps on the skin, resulting from clogged hair follicles that remain open and oxidize when exposed to air. They are a mild form of acne that can appear on the face, particularly the nose, chin, and forehead, as well as on the back, chest, arms, and shoulders. According to the guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris 1, acne vulgaris is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit, which can present with open or closed comedones, including blackheads.
To treat blackheads, using gentle cleansers containing salicylic acid (2%) or benzoyl peroxide (2.5-5%) once or twice daily is recommended, as salicylic acid has been shown to reduce inflammatory lesions and open comedones 2. Topical retinoids like adapalene 0.1% gel applied nightly can also help by promoting cell turnover and preventing follicular plugging. Some key points to consider when treating blackheads include:
- Regular exfoliation 1-2 times weekly to remove dead skin cells
- Using non-comedogenic moisturizers and sunscreens to prevent further pore clogging
- Avoiding picking or squeezing blackheads, as this can lead to inflammation, scarring, or infection.
Given the moderate certainty evidence supporting the use of salicylic acid for acne treatment 2, using a gentle cleanser containing salicylic acid (2%) is a recommended treatment for blackheads, as it can help reduce the appearance of these lesions and prevent further clogging of the pores.
From the Research
Definition of Blackheads
- Blackheads are a type of non-inflammatory acne lesion, also known as open comedones 3.
- They are characterized by a small, dark spot on the skin, typically on the face, and are caused by a blockage of the pores 3.
Causes of Blackheads
- Blackheads are formed when dead skin cells, oil, and other debris accumulate in the pores, causing a blockage 3.
- The blockage can become oxidized, resulting in the characteristic dark color of a blackhead 3.
Treatment of Blackheads
- Topical retinoids, such as adapalene or tretinoin, are commonly used to treat blackheads 4, 5, 6, 3.
- Benzoyl peroxide is also effective in treating blackheads, and can be used in combination with topical retinoids 5, 6, 3.
- Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, may be prescribed for more severe cases of acne, including blackheads 4, 3.