By Davan 
What Causes Blackheads?
Blackheads, also known as open comedones, form when dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria become trapped in a hair follicle. This is due to a clogged pore that doesn’t let the skin cell and oil debris escape. As a result, a blackhead forms. They can appear on the nose, chin, forehead, chest, and other areas of the body. To prevent blackheads from forming, it’s important to regularly wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oils. Exfoliating two to three times per week can also help to keep pores unclogged and avoid the buildup of dead skin cells. However, if blackheads do form, there are ways to treat them. One method is popping or squeezing the blackheads. Dr. Fua can incorporate all of these treatment options into your acne treatment plan, depending on what works for your skin.
If topical treatment alone does not improve acne, or if acne is severe or extensive, oral medications are the best option. If you’ve tried several topical medications without success, or if your condition is severe, oral acne medications are usually the next step in the treatment process. Treatment usually includes oral antibiotics and applying a prescription gel or topical cream to the skin. Depending on people with acne, treatment may include using prescription creams to prevent acne, taking antibiotics to kill bacteria that contribute to acne, or, if acne is severe, taking stronger medications such as like isotretinoin, or even minor surgery. Even if you have tried topical acne treatments such as creams or gels without any lasting results, laser therapy may be the right solution for you. While I would like you to try natural remedies first, if you are not seeing improvement and severe hormonal acne is making your quality of life worse, other treatments can make a real difference. While it may take a while, treating hormonal acne from the inside out until your hormones are in their natural, happy balance will allow your skin to truly heal.
🔴 How to Treat and Remove Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is a severe form of acne characterized by large, painful, and inflamed cysts beneath the skin’s surface. It’s often caused by hormonal changes, excess oil production, and bacterial infection.
✅ Recommended Treatments:
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Prescription Medications:
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Oral Antibiotics: Such as doxycycline or minocycline, to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
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Oral Contraceptives: For females, to regulate hormones that trigger acne.
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Isotretinoin (Accutane): A potent medication for severe cases, requiring close medical supervision.
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Topical Treatments:
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Benzoyl Peroxide: Reduces bacteria on the skin.
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Salicylic Acid: Helps unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
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Retinoids (e.g., Adapalene, Tretinoin): Promote skin cell turnover and prevent clogged pores.
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Professional Procedures:
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Corticosteroid Injections: To rapidly reduce inflammation in large cysts.
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Incision and Drainage: Performed by a dermatologist to safely drain cysts.
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Home Care Tips:
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Avoid Picking or Squeezing: This can worsen inflammation and lead to scarring.
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Apply Ice: To reduce swelling and pain.
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Use Non-Comedogenic Products: To prevent further clogging of pores.
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⚫ How to Treat and Remove Blackheads
Blackheads are open comedones formed when hair follicles become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells, leading to oxidation and a dark appearance.
✅ Recommended Treatments:
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Over-the-Counter Products:
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Salicylic Acid: An oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates pores to exfoliate and reduce oil buildup.
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Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Such as glycolic acid, to exfoliate the skin’s surface and promote cell turnover.
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Retinoids: Increase skin cell turnover and prevent clogged pores.
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Professional Treatments:
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Chemical Peels: Use of mild acids to exfoliate the skin and reduce blackheads.
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Microdermabrasion: A procedure that removes the outer layer of skin to clear clogged pores.
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Laser Therapy: Targets sebaceous glands to reduce oil production.
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Home Care Tips:
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Clay Masks: Containing kaolin or bentonite clay to absorb excess oil and impurities.
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Avoid Squeezing: Can lead to irritation and potential scarring.
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Use Non-Comedogenic Products: To prevent further clogging of pores.
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🧴 Sample Skincare Routine
| Step | Product Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanser | Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide | Cleanses and treats acne |
| Toner | AHA/BHA-based | Exfoliates and unclogs pores |
| Treatment | Retinoid (Adapalene or Tretinoin) | Promotes skin cell turnover |
| Moisturizer | Oil-Free, Non-Comedogenic | Hydrates without clogging pores |
| Sunscreen | Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+ | Protects healing skin |
🚫 What to Avoid
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Harsh Scrubs: Can irritate the skin and worsen acne.
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Pore Strips: May irritate skin and provide only temporary results.
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DIY Extractions: Risk of scarring and infection.