Want that model perfect skin but blackheads getting you down? Here’s the dish on this pesky skin problem and how to get rid of them…
Blackheads affect everyone- girls with dry skin, girls with oily skin and combination skin. ALL of us are prone to this problem. You are not alone!
What are blackheads and what causes them?
Blackheads are caused by hardened masses of sebum, formed in the ducts or the sebaceous glands. They are direct result of skin pores becoming clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. Contrary to myth, blackheads aren’t a sign of poor hygiene and dirty skin. Like all forms of acne, these tiny yellow or black spots result when oil glands in your skin secrete too much sebum — a natural moisturizer you start producing in puberty — and clog your pores!
There are some triggers that can bring on blackheads
Hormone fluctuations, Medications. Genetic predisposition. Skin and hair products. Oily sunscreens, hair greases, and some
cosmetics can promote a type of acne called “acne cosmetica.” Try use products that are “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic.”
Diet is also thought to be a factor in getting blackheads.
As always the best cure is prevention! Blackheads are difficult to get rid of so prevention is the best course of action.
Everyone has their own type of skin so even when someone says or thinks they have dry skin, they may actually have combination skin and still end up with pimples or blackheads because of large pores or spots of oily patches. It’s important to find out as much as you can about your individual skin type before you start plying your face with various products to clear up blackheads!
Here’s how to prevent Blackheads:
Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate…
Blackheads are caused when there’s a build up of skin so a top trick in preventing and getting rid of existing ones is to exfoliate! You should exfoliate at least 3 times per week! Use a gentle exfoliator and apply in circular motions to all affected areas–normally the nose, forehead and chin the most affected. The exfoliation encourages a newer, smoother skin surface by helping to unclog pores,
prevent further breakouts and diminish blemishes.
Keep it clean…
Keep your skin sparkly clean. Excessive use of makeup, moisturizers, foundations, and sun creams, can also cause spots on the skin as well. The trick then is to make sure that your skin is cleaned properly, but gently, on a regular basis, whether you can see blackheads on your skin or not. You should gently wash your skin morning and evening using oil and alcohol-free products. Keeping your pores clean and permanently unclogged, means that blackheads will never have a chance to develop, and your skin will remain smooth and gorgeous! And remember the golden rule- NEVER go to bed with your makeup on, it’s a first class ticket to blackhead city!
Keeping your skin clean is a fine balancing act- the skin should not be scrubbed and cleaned to such an extent that all oil is removed, as the skin does need some oil in order to remain healthy. Over scrubbing and cleansing of the skin can also lead to irritations, and can also aggravate the oil glands into producing too much oil, after which the whole cycle of the formation of blackheads will begin again!
Tone up…
If you want, some serious solution to get rid of your pesky blackheads you should use a cleanser and a toner that contain salicylic acid every morning and night. Make sure you avoid using overly drying cleansers because they can increase your likelihood of experiencing skin irritations and breakouts.
Don’t pick…
Rule number one is to resist the temptation to pick at your blackheads, which can cause permanent scarring. Also be sure to use a
non-comedogenic sunscreen of at least SPF 15 when you spend a lot of time outdoors, and avoid clothing and sports equipment — such as tight hats and backpacks — that rub and irritate the skin.
Makeup must haves…
It’s important to give your skin time to breathe but if you have to wear makeup it’s best to choose oil-free makeup. Any oil-based makeups will contribute to the buildup of oils in the follicles. Try mineral based makeup!
Blackhead Busters…
There are some great blackhead busters out there so never fear! There are treatments that have an antibacterial effect, decreasing the chances that bacteria will collect and create acne issues. Benzoyl peroxide is one of the common treatments used. Moisturizers and foundations that contain proven acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid. Another method that people turn to are blackhead extractors, this device removes blackheads by suction and blackhead strips, which contain glue that binds to blackheads and whiteheads, and remove them when peeled off. Regular facials are also a great method of getting rid of and
preventing blackhead breakouts and of course drinking lots of water and eating healthily also helps with a gorgeous
glowing complexion!