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Blackheads

image Blackheads

Blackheads (open comedones) are a very common type of acne vulgaris that most people develop at some point in their life.

Though often associated with uncleanliness, blackheads are actually caused by a build up of excess oil (sebum) and dead skin cells in the duct of a sebaceous gland. They rarely cause discomfort or irritation, but they are unsightly and, just like other cases of spots and acne, can have an effect on a persons sense of self-esteem.

Unfortunately, blackheads are very hard to prevent. This is because the skin is constantly producing sebum and new cells. However, a lot can be done to greatly reduce the size and apperance of blackheads.

What are blackheads? How do I remove blackheads? What is the best blackhead treatment? - For answers to these question and further information, please visit our blackhead FAQs section further down the page.
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  • Natural Xtract 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 30ml

    Natural Xtract 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 30ml

    With gently hydrating and soothing aloe vera and sea moss, this liquid exfoliant provides the perfect balance for the skin between exfoliating, moisturising, and targeting acne.

    £5.75
    (incl VAT)

Products for Blackhead Removal

  • Pore Strips


    Pore Strips

    Pore strips are an effective way to remove blackheads from the nose, chin and forehead. They don't treat the cause of blackheads, but offer a satisfying, quick-fix solution to their removal.

  • Spot & Acne Gels


    Spot & Acne Gels

    Spot creams can often be a little greasy so a spot or acne gel is a good option for treating blackheads. We have a range of effective gels with benzoyl peroxide, nicotinamide and tea tree oil.

  • Spot & Acne Face Washes


    Spot & Acne Face Washes

    A medicated face wash, exfoliant or soap is an important part of an effective routine against blackheads and other blemishes. They help to unglog pores and remove excess oil and bacteria.

  • Facial Wipes & Pads


    Facial Wipes & Pads

    Spot-fighting facial wipes and pads are a handy way to freshen up oily, dirty skin throughout the day and can help prevent pores from becoming blocked.

Popular Treatments

  • DermaV10 Spot Zapper Patches 24 Pack

    DermaV10 Spot Zapper Patches 24 Pack

    DermaV10 Spot Zapper Patches 24 Pack promotes faster healing of clogged pores and pimples by absorbing the oil and protecting against further infection.

    £1.20
    (incl VAT)
  • Freederm Exfoliating Face Wash 150ml

    Freederm Exfoliating Face Wash 150ml

    An exfoliating skin wash will help remove dead skin cells and excess oil from the skin. Freederm Exfoliating Face Wash will help to unblock pores and clear blackheads.

    £5.30
    (incl VAT)
  • Witch Daily Blackhead Clearing Scrub 150ml

    Witch Daily Blackhead Clearing Scrub 150ml

    The perfect face scrub for spot prone skin. containing witch hazel active to cleanse removing dead skin cells, dirt and oil to unblock pores.

    £3.15
    (incl VAT)
  • Quinoderm Facewash 150ml

    Quinoderm Facewash 150ml

    Quinoderm Facewash is a handy soap substitute that can be used both in the morning and at night. It contains the antibacterial and cleansing agents chlorhexidine gluconate and cetrimide.

    £3.39
    (incl VAT)

Brands

Blackhead FAQs

What is a blackhead?

A blackhead (sometimes written black head) is the result of excess sebum and dead skin cells building up in a sebaceous glands duct. The result is an unsightly blackish/yellowish plug or small bump on the skin.

People have often associated them with being unclean, but this simply isn't the case. The black appearance is merely down to the oxidisation of the contents of the blackhead.

How do I get rid of blackheads?

It is very hard to treat or remove blackheads completely because the skin is constantly producing new cells and sebum.

The key to reducing blackheads is to maintain a thourough and effective cleaning routine.

Washing the skin daily with a salicylic acid facial fash is a good first step. The salicylic acid will cleanse the skin of oil, sebum, dirt and dead skin cells. An exfoliating facial wash like the Freederm Exfoliating Face Wash is particularly good at this. A benzoyl peroxide spot gel is a good next step. A gel is non-greasy and the antibacterial properites of the benzoyl peroxide will help keep the skin from blackhead-causing bacteria.

Pore strips are a useful quick-fix if you have a build-up of blackheads that you want gone. Strips are useful as they don't risk damaging the skin like squeezing can. It is also very satisfying seeing all the blackheads stuck to the strip when it is removed!

Further advice.

As mention earlier, blackheads are a type of acne vulagris. If you would like further information on blackheads or acne in general please visit our acne vulgaris page.