What are blackheads?

Blackheads (known as “open” comedones) are small dark spots on the skin which occur when the opening to hair follicles become filled with excess oil, debris or dead skin cells which then oxidises, to give a black or dark appearance.

Why do I get blackheads?

Blackheads form due to excess oil, debris or dead skin cells clogging the opening of a hair follicle. Although anyone can suffer from blackheads, they appear most commonly on an oily skin type and those with acne. You are also more at risk of blackheads if you have enlarged or very open pores because the pore is a natural place for sebum (oil) and pollution to collect. Enlarged pores is typical of naturally oily skin which is why those with oily skin are more prone to blackheads. Diet, hormonal disorders and stress can also induce the sebaceous glands to over-produce oil and create blackheads.

Results

Before and after deep exfoliation facial

Before

Before and after deep exfoliation facial
Before and after deep exfoliation facial

After

Before and after deep exfoliation facial

What causes enlarged pores?

The main reasons for enlarged pores are:
  • Oily skin - Excessive sebum causes enlarged pores, this occurs when a person's sebaceous gland produces a lot of oil, leading to oily skin
  • Age - As we age, the skin loses elasticity and its ability to retain moisture. The loss of these functions, in particular the loss of elasticity in the skin, results in the skin stretching over time, ultimately leading to enlarged pores.
  • Poor or absent skincare regime - Lack of skincare regime, including not wearing SPF (as UV damage can permanently dilate pores) and not adequately cleansing / exfoliating the skin causes a build up of oil production and stretching of pores which become clogged by the excess oil production.
  • Genetics and hormonal imbalances can also cause a change pore size.

How to minimize pores?

It is likely you will require a combination of in-clinic treatments plus the correct home skincare:
  • We recommend regular deep exfoliating facial or exfoliating chemical peels (Obagi blue radiance peel) – these treatments will deep cleanse and exfoliate your skin to leave you with tight, cleansed pores.
  • Home skincare for enlarged pores is important, as it is important to reduce oil production and prevent further enlarged pores. We recommend you undertake a FREE REMOTE SKIN CONSULTATION so that our skin specialist can advise which products are best for your skin, they can then be purchased via our online shop and delivered straight to your home.

What Are My Treatment Options For Blackhead Treatment And Enlarged Pores?

The main reasons for enlarged pores are:
  • Blackhead treatment and prevention of further blackheads - Our A deep exfoliation, blackhead extraction facial is an excellent option for treating blackheads. This exfoliating facial unclogs pores and deep cleanses the face. This facial treatment involves a deep-cleansing facial scrub, followed by microdermabrasion facial and specific blackhead extraction. By using the best products and the most advanced techniques, this treatment offers a truly deep exfoliation experience. The procedure is particularly useful as a method of blackhead removal. You can also have a microdermabrasion facial as a stand-alone treatment if you do not require blackhead removal. Blackhead treatment requires regular facials every 4-6 weeks to prevent excess oil production and the formation of new blackheads.
  • Acne and blackhead treatment options - Obagi Blue Radiance Peel is the best treatment option if you have existing blackheads and are also prone to excessively oil skin or breakouts.
  • To treat enlarged pores or to shrink permanently dilated pores - To shrink enlarged pores our Dermapen treatment is the best option.
  • Skincare For Blackheads And Enlarged Pores - Obagi foaming cleanser plus retinol 1% plus Heliocare 360 oil free or OBAGI 360 kit

Why Choose Dr Leah Clinics To Treat Blackheads And Enlarged Pores?

Dr Leah Clinic are offer the best treatment for blackheads and the best treatment for enlarged pores - We offer the most established treatments available on the global aesthetic market for enlarged pores and blackheads.

The benefit of having your treatment at Dr Leah Clinics is that we are able to offer you a COMPLETE solution because we are a medical clinic and our team of doctors and aesthetic skin therapists thoroughly understand this skin concern. We offer medical grade skincare and the experienced skin specialist who will deliver your facial treatment will also provide you with the correct medical skincare products required to treat enlarged pores and prevent new breakouts.
To find out which of our enlarged pores or blackhead treatments are best for you we offer FREE REMOTE SKIN CONSULTATION, where our advanced aesthetic therapist will review photographs of your skin and advise which treatments (or products) you require complete our:

Skin Analysis call to book

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the best products for blackheads?

You will need to use an exfoliating cleanser, a retinol product and a non-comedogenic SPF, such as Obagi foaming cleanser plus retinol 1% plus Heliocare 360 oil free.

Products alone will not remove blackheads, you will require a combination of in clinic treatments as well as medical grade skin products.

What is the best treatment for Blackheads?

Blackhead removal will require in clinic treatments as well as medical grade skincare. The Dr Leah deep exfoliation and blackhead extraction facial is the best treatment for blackheads.

What are the best products for enlarged pores?

To tackle enlarged pores you will need to use an exfoliating cleanser, a retinol product and a non-comedogenic SPF, such as Obagi foaming cleanser plus retinol 1% plus Heliocare 360 oil free. The best stand alone product for enlarged pores is Obagi retinol 1%.

What is the best treatment for enlarged pores?

You will require a combination of in clinic treatments and medical skincare to effectively treat enlarged pores. The best treatment is regular deep exfoliating facials to unclog pores, remove blackheads and decrease overall oil production, plus dermapen microneedling treatments to permanently reduce pore size.

Where can I have enlarged pore treatment?

Enlarged pores and blackhead treatment are available at Dr Leah Essex and London Clinics.
*Results may vary from person to person
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Remote Skin Consultation

Our skin therapist will respond via email within 2 working days with a suitable recommendation for you. Please note that doctor treatments e.g. injectables, aqualyx, thread lift, mole removal consultations are not available via remote consultation and require a face to face appointment. Call +44 (0) 20 7877 5999 to book a consultation with one of expert doctors today.
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