Everyone has to deal with blackheads at some point in time but it can be difficult to find the right blackhead treatments that work for everyone. If you don’t know how to get rid of blackheads, don’t lose heart. Just by taking some simple actions, you can prevent and remove blackheads easily.
Blackheads plug the pores of the skin and are caused by overactive sebaceous glands produce too much oil and become clogged. This oil hardens in the pore and the top part, which is exposed to air, oxidizes and turns black. This black part of the oil plug is then pushed up further by the oil which is hardening underneath it. The blackhead then becomes visible. Whiteheads occur in exactly the same way, except that the pore is closed and the oil does not oxidize. Blackheads can cause acne if the oil gland becomes infected because of the blockage. Therefore blackhead treatments are actually important for controlling acne.
Here are some tips on how to get rid of blackheads and how to prevent their recurrence.
- One of the simplest blackhead treatments is simply to change your pillow case often. Oil from both your hair and your face transfers to your pillow while you are asleep and builds up. This build up can settle on your face while you are asleep and contribute to the development of blackheads.
- Use steam to open up the pores of your skin. You can do this by taking a very hot shower without the exhaust fan on and in a closed environment, using a facial steamer or simply by sitting over a bowl of steaming hot water under the covering of a towel to keep the steam in. Once the pores are open gently wash your face with water to clear out the plugs. Gentle patting with a soft cloth may be necessary. This is one of the most natural, easiest blackhead treatments you can use.
- Wash your face morning and night before bed, using a gentle cleanser which does not have a petrochemical base. It is important to keep your skin as free from oil as possible but avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers which can irritate the skin and only worsen the situation.
- After you wash your face, use a clean towel to dry your face. If you dry your face with a towel you have used previously, you may be undoing the benefits of washing your face and transferring oil and dirt back onto your face. If you automatically change towels on a daily basis you can avoid this problem.
- Eat a healthy diet and avoid all junk food and refined carbohydrates and sugars. People who eat a healthy diet are less likely to get blackheads. If you genuinely want to know how to get rid of blackheads in the long run, you cannot ignore the importance of diet.
- Pay attention to your nose. Most people are more prone to blackheads on their nose than anywhere else. Therefore pay particular attention to cleaning this area of the face.
- Exfoliate your facial skin to remove dead skin cells and keep them away from pore opening. A gentle facial scrub that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals is a good option.
- The old method of squeezing or scraping to get rid of blackheads is no longer considered a good idea as it can damage the skin around the pore, enlarging it so that blackheads are easier to form in the future.
- Pressing a warm, clean face washer to the area of the blackhead can be followed by very gentle pressure, which is often adequate to clear the clogged pore.
- Many people rely on commercial blackhead strips which are placed over the affected area (usually the nose) and pulled off, removing blackheads in the process. However, these products are chemically based and it is very important to understand any risks to sensitive skin and to read the instructions carefully before using them.
By using some of these blackhead treatments you will be well on the way to being free from blackheads and preventing their recurrence.
