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Blackheads

blackheads

Blackheads and enlarged pores are one of the most common complaints we receive from patients at Cenla Dermatology. Our team has a passion for treating acne and rosacea and this naturally leads us to blackheads and large pores since these conditions are very closely associated to blackheads and large pores.

blackheads

Blackheads

Blackheads and enlarged pores are one of the most common complaints we receive from patients at Cenla Dermatology. Our team has a passion for treating acne and rosacea and this naturally leads us to blackheads and large pores since these conditions are very closely associated to blackheads and large pores.

What causes blackheads?

How do you get rid of blackheads?

Don’t squeeze or pick blackheads at home!  It can leave scarring and make them worse! At Cenla Dermatology, we have lots of methods and treatments to reduce blackheads.  Regular cleansing is key for decreasing blackhead formation.  Some of our favorite ingredients are below:

  • Benzol peroxide is a keratolytic agent. This means that it can break up the keratin, or dead skin cells, which can help reduce blackheads
  • Salicylic acid is an exfoliating agent, which can help shed the top layer of the skin and decrease blackheads.
  • Topical retinoids can also help unclog the hair follicle and shed the top layer of skin; thus, decreasing blackheads and other stubborn acne.
  • Clay masks can draw out impurities and loosen dirt and blackheads.
  • We have Cenla Dermatology Gloss pads – these are great at exfoliating, unclogging follicles and removing stubborn blackheads. Ask about them at your next appointment!
  • Skin Cleansing Brush, such as a Clarisonic, can be helpful in removing buildup and preventing blackheads

What procedures does Cenla Dermatology Perform to decrease blackheads?

  • Peels, such as Salicylic Acid and Pyruvic Acid will shed skin, unclog pores and are anti-inflammatory
  • The Silk Peel facial is a skin resurfacing treatment that simultaneously exfoliates and suctions away dead skin cells, while applying customized serums to treat specific skin conditions. Silk Peels uses a gentle vacuum that exfoliates the outer layer of skin while opening the pores at the same time. It is a great treatment for blackheads and acne!
  • Extractions, which are carefully performed in office with specialized tools by a trained professional.

What is the difference between a Blackhead and an Enlarged/Clogged pore?

Enlarged Pores or Clogged Pores often appear on the nose.  Unlike a blackhead, Enlarged or Clogged Pores are caused when either oil in the pore or something around the pore causes the pore to look large.  This can happen because:

  • The oil gland is producing a lot of oil, which fills the pore and causes it to look large.
  • Sun damage causes loss of elasticity of the skin around the pore. The pore has no deep elastic support so it is able to stretch open more easily.
  • Inflammation around the pore from a skin condition, such as Rosacea, can cause swelling in the surrounding skin causing the pore to look larger.

Don’t Squeeze large pores!  It makes them worse!  Generally squeezing a large or clog pored is not helpful – no material will come out.  Squeezing these areas can actually damage the skin and make the area look worse and cause scarring.

How do I improve the appearance of Enlarged/Clogged Pores?

It is not likely that any ONE thing will make your large pores completely go away.   But there are lots of different procedures and products to use for maintenance that can improve the appearance of large or clogged pores. 

If your enlarged pores are due to a medical condition such as Rosacea, treating the underlying medical condition will decrease the appearance of large pores.  Our Cenla Dermatology team will make customized recommendations for your skin type.  

  • Washing the face both morning and evening to remove excess oil and dirt from pores. Some patients with oiler skin types prefer a gel cleanser.
  • Topical retinoids can exfoliate the upper layers of the skin, or the largest portion of the pore. The pore is “cone shaped” so as the outer layer of skin is exfoliated, the inner layers appear smaller.
  • Avoiding oil based products.
  • Cenla Dermatology Gloss Pads have glycolic acid and salicylic acid to gently exfoliate the upper layers and tighten the skin.
  • Clay masks can draw out impurities and temporarily tighten skin.
  • Daily sunscreen is crucial to prevent sun damage, which can decrease elasticity, or tightness, of the skin and allow the pore to open wider.
  • Light exfoliation can remove the excess debris from pores and make them appear smaller. ​

What Procedures does Cenla Dermatology offer that decrease the size of my pores?