Free Samples
When you spend over £50
Free Delivery
When you spend over £25
Download App
For easy ordering
Special Offers
Shop our latest offers
SKINCLUSIVE
Our exclusive club
Blackheads, Pimples and Ingrown Hairs
What are blackheads?
Good skincare tailored to your requirements and resisting the temptation to pick, is the key to dealing with blackheads, whiteheads and pimples!
Charlotte Loveland,
Cosmedic
Blackheads are clogged pores that fill with dead skin cells and excess oil known as sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous gland within each of our hair follicles. These skin blemishes are a type of acne vulgaris, and the term blackhead describes the appearance of the oxidized melanin that reacts with the sebum that turns the clogged follicle black.
How do we treat them?
Some blackheads may be close enough to the skins surface that it will lift away without causing any trauma to the skin. If you plan to extract a blackhead at home, ensure the blackhead is close to the skins surface and ensure you use clean hands and a warm cloth to remove. Do not use nails to extract a blackhead. We always recommend seeking a profession to carry out blackhead extraction as your therapist or practitioner will use steam and tools to safely remove the blackhead.
How can we prevent them?
Using exfoliating cleansers containing Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids can reduce the build-up of dead skin cells and sebum that may lead to blackheads. You could seek the help of a professional who will carry out safe extraction or opt for a skin peel or microdermabrasion which can help to remove excess oils and remove dead skin cells.
What are whiteheads?
Whiteheads are also caused by oil and the build-up of dead skin cells, however these pores seal and form a white tip covering the pus that has collected under the skin. Sometimes the skin surrounding this whitehead (pustule) can become inflamed and feel tender to the touch. Most whiteheads will naturally clear on their own. It is important that we resist the urge to pick or squeeze whiteheads as this could result in a permanent scar or lead to the spread of bacteria causing further breakouts.
How do we treat them?
Whilst most whiteheads will naturally clear on their own, we can take steps to help reduce the size and discomfort of a whitehead by using a warm compress and using anti-inflammatory skincare to reduce redness.
How can we prevent them?
Products containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are commonly used to treat acne in the form of cleansers, topical creams and at various concentrations. Whilst these active ingredients work very well for the treatment of acne, they can be drying and could cause sensitivity, therefore it is best to introduce them slowly by using them fewer times a week to begin.
What are milia?
Milia (also known as milium) are tiny white hardened bumps that contain keratin (protein) and unlike blackheads and whiteheads, are completely sealed over by the skin. Picking or squeezing these bumps could result in damage to the delicate skin tissue. Milia are most commonly found around the eye area and cheekbones and can appear at any point in life. Some milia will naturally clear away but they can persist for months at a time.
How do we treat them?
Always seek professional help to extract milia. Your practitioner will use single use tools in order to safely remove milia.
How can we prevent them?
Milia are difficult to prevent and can affect us at any point in life. There are a few steps that we can take such as gently exfoliating the area or professional facial treatments like steam, peels and microdermabrasion. Opting for lighter moisturisers or sunscreens in the problem area can help reduce the build of product in the area that may lead to milia.
What are ingrown hairs?
Ingrown hairs are often a result of shaving and waxing as the removed hair starts to grow back into the skin. These cysts can appear anywhere on the body, particularly in areas regularly shaved like the face, underarms and bikini line. Ingrown hairs can often be painful due to the inflammation caused by the pressure of the hair growing downwards. They fill with pus that can appear white or yellow and sometimes the ingrown hair can be visible. Like pimples, squeezing, picking or scratching an irritated ingrown hair could damage the skin and cause infection.
How do we treat them?
By using an exfoliating wash or gentle scrub, we can help to release the trapped hairs from the follicle. Use a warm towel compression and anti-inflammatory gels to settle an irritated follicle.
How can we prevent them?
Wearing tight fitted clothing may cause friction encouraging the hairs to grow into the follicle. Cleansing, exfoliating and using clean blades when shaving can help to keep the area ingrown free.