We have a strange relationship with blackheads because while we usually find them to be disgusting, we also love to squeeze them out of our faces. Is there anything more satisfying than popping out that gross blackhead? They are somewhat less embarrassing that their whitehead cousins, but there’s still an innate human need to get rid of them. So what’s the best way to get rid of blackheads? Well one of them has already been mentioned – to squeeze them out. But like with all acne, it’s never a great idea to go crazy with that method. There are other methods in dealing with how to get rid of blackheads, and prevention plays a big factor.
A blackhead is a build up of oil and dead skin cells that forms a blockage in a pore. The black or brownish color we see is due to the trapped oil being exposed to oxygen. Blackheads can solidify into hard little pebbles that fit inside a pore. Once it has formed, there isn’t a lot you can do except remove it. Dealing with how to remove blackheads needs a degree of precision and a gentle touch because you don’t want to make the problem worse. So if there is no other choice you can remove it by first dampening your skin with a warm towel. Then gently guide the black head out of your pore. Do this carefully or you will risk spreading bacteria and making the situation worse. When you are done, you can use an acne medication with antibacterial properties to make sure there isn’t a spread in infection.
How to get Rid of Blackheads
When it comes to how to get rid of acne and blackheads, prevention is a big factor. The main cause of a blackhead is oil production on your face. So when you can, make sure to wash with a good soap that cuts down on the oil. It’s always good to wash carefully so that you can remove dead skin cells. If you wear a lot of makeup then consider wearing less, or make sure it is all taken off by the time you go to sleep. Basically anything that can clog a pore will contribute to blackheads, so that means dirt, oil, skin flakes, makeup, and sweat.
I felt like hiding my face from the world!
Mistakes to Avoid
There are products on the market that are designed to focus on black heads. You have probably seen the strips that fit over your nose to remove blackheads. These are quite popular among many people, but they are more for spot treatments. So they definitely do work, but the blackheads will be likely to return if you don’t change anything else. You can also try to exfoliate your skin to eliminate the dead cells and allow your skin to breathe more freely. There are also scrubs that will be slightly abrasive to your skin while scrubbing blackheads out of the pores. You can try any of these methods fow how to remove blackheads, but don’t overdo it.
Moisture is key – don’t allow your skin to get too dry or it could lead to even more oily skin! One of the worse things you can do with blackheads is to further aggravate your skin. So that means excessive picking, prodding, poking, scrubbing, or wiping. When you stimulate you skin like that, it can actually make your oil glands even more active. You can also end up drying out your skin and creating more dead cells. Clearly, dealing with how to remove blackheads is not about brute force. Don’t expect great results if all you ever do is manipulate them out of your skin.
Dealing with Blackheads
Don’t expect your blackheads to disappear overnight. Remember which factors lead to them, and chose your treatment accordingly. Always drink lots of water to balance out your body chemistry and eliminate toxins. If your pores are very large, then you might want to consider a trip to your dermatologist for medications that can shrink the opening while giving your skin a much needed break. There is also a mix of natural and commercial products that can help.
Here is a breakdown of general steps how to get rid of blackheads:
1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day.
2. Treat yourself right. So that means lots of water, good diet, and adequate sleep.
3. Make sure your hands are clean if you touch your face.
4. Apply acne cream and moisturizer if needed.
5. If a blackhead forms, and you don’t see it slipping out by itself easily, then squeeze it out. But make sure to wash your face and hands first. Soften your skin (cheeks and nose) with a warm towel. Squeeze out the blackhead, and follow up with a touch of acne cream. This is how to remove blackheads the safest way.
6. Other harsher treatments like face masks, scrubs, or exfoliants are only appropriate for less serious cases of acne. People with severe acne or sensitive skin should stay well away from anything that is abrasive to your skin. Consult your dermatologist if you are interested in using any harsher methods, or if you just can’t seem to get rid of blackheads on your own.
The Blackhead Removal Dilema - From contributor, Margerie Wells
All clear except for a few freckles
It’s not that I like whiteheads or any other form of blemish, but I have a special frustration reserved for the dilemma of black heads. They certainly aren’t as gross as their whitehead counterparts since they aren’t filled with pus, nor do they get inflamed to the point where they look ready to burst. They simply sit in your pores, fully content to be there for as long as they want. It’s almost like they taunt you to do something about them.
There’s nothing worse than looking into the mirror and seeing a series of blackheads on the most visible parts of your face. They seem to indicate poor hygiene habits to the casual observer, even though someone who suffers from blackheads might have an excellent washing routine. But it’s this combination of being unsightly in addition to all sorts of negative connotations that make blackheads so undesirable.
If you’re anything like me then you’re constantly faced with the dilemma of how to get rid of blackheads in the most efficient way possible. The main question seems to be to squeeze or not to squeeze? It seems to be a bit of a trade-off since you can squeeze a blackhead out of its pore to eliminate it right away. But of course taking this action might aggravate your skin, and it’s not uncommon for blackheads to reappear soon after.
In fact, once you remove a blackhead from its pore it begins to start filling with oil again, and the process repeats itself. After seeing commercials for pore strips on television I was hopeful that they would offer a good alternative, but they certainly aren’t an answer if you want a long-term solution.
Be Patient with Acne – the fastest answers are not always the best in the long run. Like with any other form of acne you need to be patient when dealing with how to get rid of blackheads, and sometimes that means resisting shortcut solutions. I have had success with ramping up my overall skincare routine by making sure I wash regularly without losing any of the valuable moisture from my skin. I’ve always had quite naturally oily skin, and it wasn’t until recently that I found a good toner and astringent that I can use during the day for blackheads on nose.
Proactiv Review – Arguably the most popular acne product in the world, works well for acne and blackhead prone skin. Clears up pores and keeps them clean thanks to the multi-component system.
ZENMED Acne Therapy – A complete system designed for varying skin types. A more natural approach that provides long term results without harsh ingredients. The Dermacleanse system works on the inside and out for great results, and oily skin therapy is great for blackheads.
Clean and Clear – A whole line of products perfect for blackhead-prone skin. Gentle cleansers that take care of dirt and oil, and products specifically designed for blackhead removal.
I also make sure not to over apply powerful acne medications because this makes my skin a lot drier, thereby increasing the amount of dead skin cells in addition to pumping more oil to form on my face. I highly recommend establishing a good solid skin care routine and making sure that you follow each and every day. Blackheads are related to oil production and particles that can clog your pores so these are the two areas to concentrate on.
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