There is more than one type of acne out there. Pimples, those raised red bumps that can appear anywhere on the skin, are probably the most common, but there are others such as whiteheads and blackheads that can be just as troubling and unpleasant. Most people know what to expect when it comes to pimples, but the first appearance of blackheads may come as a bit of a surprise. What exactly are the characteristics of blackheads and how are they treated?

What Are Blackheads?

Blackheads are a form of acne also known as open comedones. Like pimples, they consist of sebum and dead skin cells that have clogged up pores. Unlike pimples or whiteheads, these plugs have broken through the skin and are exposed directly to the air. The reason that they are black is because the tops of the plugs have become oxidized. Whiteheads, or closed comedones, appear white because they have only a microscopic break through the skin, and enough oxygen is not getting through to oxidize the plug.

How and Where Do Blackheads Appear?

Blackheads are most commonly found on the nose and the back of the neck, although they can appear in other places. Unlike pimples, they can actually look like dirt that won’t wash off, and can sometimes feel uncomfortable. Some people find them to be even worse than pimples. Fortunately, unlike pimples, you can get rid of blackheads right away.

How Do You Get Rid of Blackheads?

While the safest way to get rid of blackheads is to treat them like any other type of acne, by washing the affected area, using benzoyl peroxide, and waiting, you can actually get rid of blackheads much quicker by extracting them. Unlike pimples, which are actual lesions on the skin, blackheads are simply plugs of material in the follicle that you can actually remove. This requires a device called a blackhead extractor, and to be safe and not permanently damage the skin, you should have the procedure done by a professional. The process is generally a three step method which begins with a steaming of the face to open up the pores. This is followed by the use of a blackhead extractor, a special tool designed to push down the skin around the plug, allowing the plug to be completely extracted from the skin. Once all the blackheads have been extracted, the professional may put a cleansing mask over the face to repair and rejuvenate the skin.

After Blackheads Are Gone

Once you’ve gotten rid of the blackheads, you want to keep them gone. The best way to do this is to wash the affected areas with soap and water every day, and the daily use of an exfoliant to get rid of excess dead skin cells that may plug the follicles in the future. As a general treatment for acne, you may also wish to employ a complete acne care system that delivers acne bacteria killing benzoyl peroxide to your skin on a daily basis.