The skin, as the largest of all the body organs, weighs about 2,7kg and forms a protective barrier against infections. It plays an important role in maintaining a constant body temperature. Besides all the functions of the skin, it also plays an important role in our physical appearance and attractiveness! Blackheads and other disorders of the skin can have an affect on one’s self image! Let us take a look into these disorders.
Anatomy of the skin: The skin contains two layers and a fatty layer. The outermost layer is called the epidermis and contains melanin. Melanin has a protective function against the harmful sunrays and it also gives the skin its characteristic colour. The dermis is the second layer and contains nerve endings, sweat glands, sebaceous (oil) glands and hair follicles. Blood vessels provide nutrients and oxygen to all these structures. The subcutaneous layer is the innermost layer and consists mainly of fat cells.
Blackheads: Blackheads are associated with sweat pores and hair follicles where the glandular secretion has formed a sebum-plug. Under normal circumstances sebum has a whitish-yellow colour, but due to the oxidation of melanin in the plug it darkens to brown-black. Blackheads should not be mistaken for whiteheads or acne. Table 1 contains a summary to help differentiate between them:
Table 1
Blackhead Whiteheads Acne
Known as Open comedome Closed comedome Pustule or acne
Infection No Yes Yes
Inflammation No No Yes
Oxidation Yes No No
Blackhead: The sebaceous gland’s secretion is rich in sebum (oil) and keratin. There is a colour change from white-yellow to black due to the oxidation of the keratin component of the sebum when in contact with oxygen.
Whiteheads: The sebaceous gland’s secretion gets trapped in the closed duct. There is no oxidization as there is no contact between sebum and oxygen. There is thus no colour change.
Acne is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit and involves infection and inflammation. The bacteria (P acnes) feed on the sebum. In the early stages the bacteria do not cause infection as it remains localized inside the pore. Infection and inflammation occurs when the bacteria has spread to the surrounding skin.
Causes and aggravating factors: The following factors may cause and aggravate blackheads:
• Overproduction of oil: Blackheads usually develop where there is an overproduction of oil in the skin. A major factor contributing to the excessive production of oil is puberty.
• Excessive use of moisturisers: The excessive use of moisturisers, foundations and sunscreen products can also contribute to blocked pores and the development of blackheads.
• Improper skincare routine: Another cause of blackheads is when the skin has not been cleaned thoroughly. Dead skin cells accumulate within the pores and with the oily secretion start the build-up and blocking process. Too much scrubbing and unsuitable skincare products can cause irritation and anomalies.
Treatment of blackheads and acne: The following actions can be taken as part of the treatment to eliminate blackheads:
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial actions and promotes the removal of dead skin cells from the skin. Benzac AC 5 Wash® is recommended as a face wash. To use, wash the skin once or twice daily. It is important to rinse the skin thoroughly with water and to remove all traces of wash before drying the skin. Benzac AC 5 Gel® can be recommended to control affected areas.
• Deep cleansing nose strips: Clicks deep cleansing nose strips® offer a one-stop treatment specifically designed to assist in unclogging pores and lifting away unwanted blackheads. The strips aid in the removal of dirt and oil which clog pores, leaving the skin clearer and smoother.
• Exfoliators: Clearasil Stayclear Deep Cleansing Scrub ® is specially formulated with microbeads to exfoliate the skin and leaves it smoother. It is recommended to use twice weekly to prevent the formation of new blackheads.
• Spot treatment: Young Solution Spot Eliminating Drops® are specially formulated to “wipe spots out” It only requires one drop on the spot, four to five times daily.
• Steam and removal of blackheads: Do not squeeze pimples and blackheads, as this will damage the skin and cause dark scars. Steam hydrates the skin and makes the extraction process less painful. It is recommended to use a flat comedone extractor to remove the blackheads.
Supplementation:
• Herbs: Solal Acne-clear® is formulated to work in four ways to reduce acne and related disorders. Guggulipid extract (Indian myrrh plant) reduces excessive oil production by the skin and inhibits bacterial cell growth. Niacin improves blood flow to the skin as well as the removal of toxins.
• Selenium: Selenium is a trace mineral (only needed in very small quantities) that is essential to good health. This antioxidant helps prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals. Selenium also has anti-inflammatory actions that will help control the inflammation and redness caused by acne and related skin conditions.
• Biotin: Biotin or vitamin B7 is a water-soluble vitamin. It is necessary for cell growth and assists in strengthening hair and nails. Vital Multitime ® contains a combination of vitamin B vitamins, biotin, zinc and selenium. The beta-carotene (natural vitamin A) has also positive effects on the skin.
• Zink: Zinc is an essential component of nutrition and has to be supplemented as the body cannot manufacture its own Zinc plays an important role in the growth and repair of skin cells. Zinplex® contains zinc and selenium and can be recommended as maintenance therapy to promote healthy skin. Vital Zinc® contains chelated zinc complex to enhance the absorption. Zinc supplementation should not be taken with milk as calcium may reduce the absorption of zinc.
Proper skincare for follicle health: Prevention is better than cure and a good rule to follow is that whatever you put on your face throughout the day should be removed at night. Another rule is to keep things simple and straightforward! With the following routine one will require 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes at night:
Product Mornings One a week Comments
Maria Garcia Face Wash X X pH-balanced formula will not strip the acid mantle of the skin
Maria Garcia Tonique X X Specially formulated mix of herbs to soothe problematic skins. Contains no alcohol
Maria Garcia Purifying Cream X X Ideal for the problematic skins.
Maria Garcia Peeling Scrub X Contains apricot kernel that will exfoliate the skin. Use once or twice weekly
Maria Garcia Calamine Mask X Calamine mask as a spot treatment. Can be left on the spot overnight
Conclusion: Blackheads and whiteheads are types of acne that affect many people. Luckily there are several treatment options available to alleviate and control their appearance.
References: Available on request
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