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Blackheads are a type of mild acne that most people will experience at some point in their lives. They usually form on the face, but can also appear on other parts of the body, such as the back, neck, arms, shoulders, and ears.
Blackheads can be managed in a variety of ways, including professional treatments and home remedies.
Microdermabrasion is one of the most popular treatments used to treat blackheads, as well as a wide range of other skin conditions, such as fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture, large pores, and more.
In this article, you will learn all you need to know about microdermabrasion for Blackheads, including what causes blackheads, how does microdermabrasion help get rid of blackheads, its benefits, its side effects, and more.
What Causes Blackheads?
Blackheads are caused by hormonal changes in the body, which increases the production of oil in the pores of the skin. There is also some evidence to suggest that they can be hereditary, but more studies need to be carried out to look into this in more detail. When this oil causes the pores to become blocked, then spots will form on the skin. When the skin around these spots becomes open, then air can get in and this will turn the oil a gray or black color, which is why these particular spots are given the name ‘blackheads’.
The human body contains about 5 million hair follicles, including about a hundred thousand on the face; it is therefore almost inevitable to have blackheads in your life.
How Does Microdermabrasion Work?
Microdermabrasion is a gentle and rejuvenating treatment that exfoliates the superficial layer of the epidermis using a stream of tiny crystals or a diamond tip. Contact with the skin is maintained by vacuum suction. It is a less invasive procedure than dermabrasion and there is no downtime, you could attend an appointment during your lunch break and be fine to return to work in the afternoon.
How Does Microdermabrasion Help Get Rid Of Blackheads?
It is especially useful in getting rid of blackheads because it will literally suck the excess oil out of the pores. If you have several blackheads in the same area, then microdermabrasion can deal with them all at the same time. The crystals will remove the dead skin cells that are trapped in the pores along with the oil and this will take the top off the blackhead. With regular treatment, all of the debris in the pores will be removed and so there will be nothing for the air to react with.
What Are The Other Benefits Of Microdermabrasion?
As well as being very effective in removing blackheads, there are also several other benefits of microdermabrasion.
- It can help with other skin issues such as light scarring and stretch marks.
- It can also be used to create an even skin tone and is very effective at reducing the damaging effects of the sun on the skin.
- Microdermabrasion can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles which will give the skin a more youthful look.
- It can reduce the size of your pores which makes them less noticeable.
The benefits of microdermabrasion can usually be seen immediately after the first treatment has taken place.
It is not unusual for people to begin having microdermabrasion to remove blackheads but then continue with the treatment because of the difference it makes to their skin overall.
How Often Can Microdermabrasion Be Carried Out?
There will usually be no limit on the number of times that you can have microdermabrasion. Your beauty therapist will be able to give you more information. If you are having the procedure solely to get rid of your blackheads, then you may want to stop after they are all gone.
It is common for people to have a weekly session when they first begin having microdermabrasion. After this, they can switch to a less frequent schedule to maintain the fresh look that microdermabrasion can give your skin.
At-home Microdermabrasion Kits
The one downside of professional microdermabrasion is of course the cost in terms of both time and money. Fortunately, there are now incredible microdermabrasion kits that can be easily used at-home. These are pretty affordable and quite effective.
At-home kits may not be as strong as the professional ones, but you can use them more frequently and get nearly the same results.
If you are interested in purchasing a microdermabrasion device, check out our reviews of the best microdermabrasion kits available.
What are The Side Effects of Microdermabrasion?
There are no major side effects to having microdermabrasion carried out. Some people may find that their skin is more sensitive after treatment and they may feel as if they have a slight sunburn. However, these sensations will usually pass within a few hours. It is not recommended that you have a microdermabrasion session more than once a week.
What are The Factors That Increase The Chance of Developing Blackheads?
- A significant production of sebum.
- A hormonal change, causing an increase in the activity of sebaceous glands, especially during menstruation, adolescence and when taking the contraceptive pills.
- Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, lithium or androgenic steroids.
- Irritation of hair follicles due to the accumulation of dead skin.
- If you work in a location where there is a lot of pollution, humidity; and grease, this can also lead to the appearance of blackheads.
How Can Blackheads Be Prevented?
Once your blackheads have been treated, there are things you can do to stop them from returning. The effects of microdermabrasion are not permanent and therefore you will have to take steps to prevent further breakouts.
- Wash your skin with a cleanser that has a neutral PH. This will help to discourage your pores from producing more oil.
- Drink plenty of water. If your skin is hydrated then it is less likely to produce large amounts of oil.
- Always remove makeup before bed. If it is left overnight then it is more likely to sink into your pores and cause them to become clogged.
Exfoliate your skin at least twice a week to help remove the dead skin cells which can block your pores.
- Regular exfoliation can dry your skin out so be sure to moisturize your skin often so that it does not become too inflamed.
Conclusion
If you have yet to find a successful treatment method for your blackheads, then microdermabrasion might be the answer you have been looking for. It is not the cheapest option and it will need to be carried out by a professional. However, the benefits that you will experience will make it worth the cost. You may find that it helps with other skin problems as well and it can help give your confidence a real boost.