Despite the “habit” and, of some of us, even liking to squeeze blackheads and whiteheads, this behavior can end up causing several problems to the skin. Therefore, in this post, we have put together the four things that can happen to your skin after squeezing blackheads and whiteheads. Watch and try to control yourself!
Firstly, know…
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How do blackheads (comedones) form?
Understand… On the face and practically everywhere else on the body there are hair follicles (where hair grows) and, associated with them, are the sebaceous glands, responsible for the formation of sebum (a substance responsible for keeping the skin hydrated).
The sebum produced in the gland is expelled through the opening of the follicles (pores), when there is an excess of sebum production, the cells on the inner wall of the follicle end up loosening, grouping together, causing the pores to become clogged, causing the appearance of the famous blackheads (comedones).
There are two types of blackheads (comedones):
Open comedones (blackheads) – It happens when the clogged pore is large, wide, the so-called dilated pore. The pore, being more open, leads to the oxidation of the sebum inside when in contact with ambient air. With oxidation, a kind of “black cap” is formed that acts to protect the skin from bacteria present in the air. Therefore, blackheads normally do not turn into pimples.
Closed comedones (whiteheads) – It happens when the pores are smaller and narrower, so there is no contact between the ambient air and the sebum inside the follicle, which is why oxidation does not occur and the “black plug” does not form. However, the proliferation of bacteria that feed on the sebum accumulated inside the follicle may occur. This type of blackhead, known as a “whitehead”, can become the dreaded pimple.
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How do pimples (acne) form?
Acne forms when there is a large proliferation of bacteria inside the whitehead. Our immune system reacts in an attempt to eliminate the “bacteria invasion” by starting the inflammatory process. As a result, the skin around the blackhead becomes swollen, red, forming a very painful protrusion in the region, and pus may or may not accumulate. When this happens, we no longer have a blackhead but a pimple.
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1 – Swelling and bruises
After squeezing blackheads and whiteheads, a bruise forms. The place becomes swollen and has a purplish color. It may take days for this stain to disappear, and it may never go away again and become even more evident over time.
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2 – Darkened spots on the skin
The act of squeezing blackheads and whiteheads can cause an inflammatory process. In general, skin inflammation can stimulate the production of melanin (the protein responsible for the color of the skin, eyes and hair). Triggering what we call “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation”.
Dark spots can vary in tone: from pink to red, brownish or black. This will depend on your skin tone and how deep the discoloration is.
Although black and brown skin is most affected by the appearance of dark spots, fair skin is not immune to the problem.
Generally, most spots resulting from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation disappear quickly and spontaneously, in some cases they can last for months, years, and may even be eternal. So it’s better to avoid it, right?
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3 – Worsening of acne
The urge to squeeze blackheads and whiteheads is almost uncontrollable, right? However, although many people think this is a silly practice, it may actually be putting your skin’s health at risk.
Understand… When handling blackheads and whiteheads, local inflammation can increase. This is because, by pressing on the injury, you cause trauma to the skin. It may be imperceptible to the naked eye, but there is an open wound there, which significantly increases the chances of bacteria present on the hands and, especially, under the nails penetrating the injury, which will certainly worsen the problem.
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4 – Acne scars
The main cause of scars on the skin of the face is associated with dealing with blackheads and pimples. If you think that squeezing them will eliminate them, you are completely wrong! This will certainly worsen the condition, as the inflammation will worsen, preventing the injury from regenerating perfectly, causing a scar.
And we don’t want that at all, do we? So take care!
ATTENTION
The information and suggestions contained on this website are for informational purposes only. They do not replace medical advice and follow-up.
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