Blackheads are open comedones (oil filled pores) which turn black when they become oxidised by having exposure to the air.

The best way to safely remove blackheads is Hydrafacial. This removes the dead skin layers, exfoliates and softens the pores. Manual extraction is then performed using professional extraction tools to effectively and safely remove blackheads without traumatising the skin.

No, it is not recommended to squeeze them as this can push the inflammation deeper into the skin resulting in permanent scarring.

They form when a hair follicle becomes blocked with dead skin cells, bacteria and oils that collect in the opening of the skin follicle. They oxidise due to exposure to the air which turns them black.

They can, however if a blackhead is deeply embedded in your skin, it is unlikely to go away on its own and would require professional removal by a trained skin Aesthetician.

The main cause is the overproduction of oil glands. They form when dead skin cells do not shed regularly due to a lack of a proper skin cleaning routine. There are a few factors such as hormonal changes, puberty, pregnancy and menstruation that can contribute to blackheads.

If blackheads are left in your pores, overtime this can stretch them. As you age your skin loses its elasticity which is its bounciness leading to the pore being unable to ‘bounce back’ and close. If this happens, more invasive treatments such as microneedling are then necessary to close the pore.

The quickest, safest and most effective way is by going to a skin clinic, the trained aesthetician can safely and quickly remove even the most stubborn blackheads. Hydrafacial is the best in clinic treatment to safely and effectively remove blackheads in just 1 treatment.

Using BHA’s also known as beta-hydroxy acids in your skincare regime has many benefits, it not only unclogs but also reduces excess oil production, salicylic acid is the best BHA to target clogged pores. It’s important to stress that these will prevent you getting as many new blackheads but will remove the existing blackheads and cannot completely stop you getting blackheads.

No, this is not an effective method to remove blackheads. Petroleum jelly (vaseline) is a barrier and does not melt away a blackhead. In actual fact it can cause more harm than good, this is because it traps the dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells on the skin surface leading to the skin becoming irritated and causing more inflammation.

• Do not squeeze blackheads at home
• Do not use Vaseline
• Do use BHA’s (e.g. salicylic acid)
• Do have a thorough skin cleaning routine including a cleanser, toner and exfoliator
• Do not go to bed with make up on
• Don’t use thick heavy moisturiser

Unfortunately the pore will not just close on its own, but with a good cosmeceutical grade skincare routine you can reduce the visibility. For more prominent pores, professional in clinic treatments such as microneedling and fractional laser treatments are best at visibly reducing the appearance of these pores.

This is because the pores that are situated in the T-zone area (nose,chin, forehead) contain more oil glands than other areas of the face and body. The nose produces more blackheads as each pore has a sebaceous gland and hair follicle which secretes oils. The glands situated either side of the nostrils secrete more oil causing a buildup of congestion leading to blackheads.

The quickest, safest and most effective way is by going to a skin clinic, the trained aesthetician can safely and quickly remove even the most stubborn blackheads. Hydrafacial is the best in clinic treatment to safely and effectively remove blackheads in just 1 treatment.

• Avoid using using vaseline or heavy moisturiser as this will clog pores
• Have a thorough skin cleaning routine including a cleanser, toner and exfoliator with AHA’s & BHA’s
• Never sleep in makeup

Prices will vary based upon your location, the quality of the machine being used and the experience of your practitioner. Head to our price list to see pricing of our HydraFacial treatments which are the most commonly recommended treatments for blackheads.