Blackheads are a skin problem that bothers many people because they can occur at any age, whether teenager or adult. No matter how much you try to take care of your skin, blackheads often keep coming back repeatedly. One popular method of removing blackheads trending online, with many reviews and followers, is using “hot glue to peel off blackheads.” This method is considered very dangerous for facial skin and should not be followed. Dr. Angkana Sathaworawong, a dermatologist at the Beauty Clinic, Phyathai 2 Hospital, will explain how “hot glue” can harm our skin.
What exactly are “blackheads”?
Blackheads (Trichostasis spinulosa) are abnormalities of the hair follicles that cause acne resembling blackheads but differ in that blackheads contain fine hairs along with clusters of dead skin cells inside. When touched, it feels like sharp spines protruding from the hair follicles. They usually occur on the face, especially on the tip of the nose, cheeks, and chin. They can also be found on the body, particularly on the back between the shoulder blades. Blackheads can occur in both men and women, more commonly in adults than children. Generally, they do not cause symptoms but may cause itching in some patients.
Causes of blackheads
Medically, the exact mechanism causing blackheads is still unclear, but it is believed to result from abnormal cell production in the hair follicles, causing dead skin cells and fine hairs to clog the follicles. There may be 5-60 fine hairs found in the blackheads. Other factors that may increase blackhead formation include:
- Exfoliating, scrubbing, or washing the face too harshly
- Dust, oil, or other hydrocarbon compounds
- Heat and ultraviolet radiation
- Sex hormones stimulating sebaceous glands to produce more oil, leading to easier clogging
- Certain diseases such as chronic kidney failure
Before using glue to peel blackheads… do you really know hot glue?
Hot glue (Super glue) is a synthetic adhesive in the methyl cyanoacrylate or ethyl cyanoacrylate group. It is a fast-drying adhesive suitable for industrial and household use. Medical adhesives or tissue adhesives are synthetic glues made from butyl cyanoacrylate and octyl cyanoacrylate. Although both types are cyanoacrylates, their chemical structures and properties differ.
The chemical structure of hot glue has shorter chain lengths than medical adhesives, causing polymerization reactions that bond materials faster but release more heat and degrade faster than medical adhesives. During degradation, hot glue releases formaldehyde and alkyl cyanoacrylate, which irritate the skin, mucous membranes including eyes, and respiratory tract, potentially causing asthma symptoms. Therefore, hot glue should not be used to peel blackheads.
3 ways to remove blackheads without harming the skin
Currently, there is no cure for blackheads, and they can frequently recur. However, they can be alleviated with proper treatment as follows:
- Peeling blackheads: This is an easy self-care method, such as using commercially available blackhead removal strips or applying egg whites on the affected area, waiting for it to dry, then washing off. This method is popular because it is inexpensive, relatively safe, and can remove blackheads to some extent. However, some people may experience allergic reactions or irritation, so it should not be done more than once a week.
- Applying medication: Retinoic acid group medications help dissolve sebaceous gland blockages and reduce skin cell adhesion, thus reducing blackheads and preventing new ones. However, retinoic acid can cause skin irritation, peeling, and redness, so it must be used cautiously.
- Laser treatment: Helps reduce the dark spots of blackheads quite well but is not very popular because it requires multiple sessions, is relatively expensive, and does not significantly improve enlarged pores.
How to care for your skin to stay away from blackheads
- Avoid factors that disturb hair follicle function, such as massaging, scrubbing, or wiping the face harshly.
- Choose products suitable for your skin, such as mild facial cleansers and skincare products tested not to cause acne, or cosmetics that control skin oil to help reduce follicle clogging.
- Apply anti-blackhead medication like retinoic acid once daily before bedtime, avoiding areas prone to irritation such as around the eyes or inflamed skin, and regularly apply sunscreen.
- Eat a balanced diet, reduce oily foods, focus on vegetables and fruits, and drink 6-8 glasses of clean water per day.
- Do not apply foreign substances or chemicals not medically approved on your skin.
Dr. Angkana Sathaworawong
Dermatology Specialist
Beauty Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
