Blackheads Treatment

Our skin is made up of thousands of tiny pores. When the skin's natural oil (sebum) collects and hardens in these pores, it causes the bacteria and dead cells to come to the surface and turn black due to oxidization, this giving rise to blackheads.

Blackheads are more prominent in people who have oily and combination skins. Eruptions of black spots throughout the T-Zone is common when one has blackheads. This can result in a stained face, back or neck and is often a difficult ordeal for people to face.

Blackheads can also be formed due to excess facial hair production, blocking of the pore openings by excess dead cells, collection of excess oil on face, using products or make up that are oil based and medical problems like constipation, indigestion and anemia. However, effective blackheads treatment is possible and can provide the much-needed relief.

A person who has blackheads knows how embarrassing the ordeal is to face. Blackheads not only look bad and taint the appearance of the person but can also cause psychological damage by way of lowered self-confidence and self-esteem. It can also lead to acne. And therefore it becomes imperative to undergo effective treatment methods as soon as the problem is detected.

Popping or squeezing the blackheads is the easiest way to get rid of them. However, certain precautions need to be taken so that it does not lead to infections or scarring. Always start off by softening the blackheads for easy popping. To do this, either use a basin of hot water to steam your face or use a hot compress cloth over your face.

Once the blackheads are softened it becomes easier to get to them. Then, take an extractor and put the looped side (the side with the hole) over the blackhead. Apply only enough pressure so that the infected material comes out through the pore easily.

Exfoliation (removing layers) can help in ridding the skin of comedones and dead skin. Exfoliation is carried out in three steps - cleansing, toning and moisturizing. This can be done with a product that contains a low count of benzoyl peroxide, which is very effective in replacing the old layer of the skin with a newer and healthier, glowing skin. Alternately, microdermabrasion also works well on stubborn blackheads.

Blackhead strips are tape like strips that use the same mechanism as that of the band-aid. After removing the cover of the strip, place it on the nose or other areas for 10-15 minutes. When the strip is removed it will have successfully cleared out the surface blackheads. Although, this is a temporary method and if not used carefully might lead to further infections.

Chemical peels which contain glycolic acid and skin care products containing salicylic acid in them are effective and useful methods for removing blackheads.

Products like Retin-A (a topical retinoid) helps in not only eliminating but also curbing the formation of blackheads. Along with that it unclogs the pores and reduces oil secretion thus promoting normal functioning of cells.

It is essential to know how and which kind of products are to be used. Using wrong products or not taking care of your skin will lead to blackheads outbreak. Always use products that have less oil and do not block pores (non-comedogenic makeup). Always clear traces of makeup at the end of the day and do not use makeup when sweating. It is also necessary to regularly wash your makeup brushes.

Eating right is the key to have a glowing skin and preventing blackheads. Drinking plenty of water, eating fruits and leafy vegetables and avoiding spicy and oily food will lead to reduction of oil in the body and automatically lead to less chances of blackheads appearing.

Soaps may contain material that can clog the pores, thus it is always advisable to use cleansers that are gentle on the skin. These do not flake off the skin cells and do not allow dead skin cells to accumulate.

Along with administering these treatments with the help of these products, one can also carry out the same treatment at home.

It is not necessary to go to beauty salons and dermatologists in order to get rid of blackheads. One can employ several methods at home as well which can prove to be just as effective.

Crush some fenugreek leaves, add water to this and make into a paste. Apply this paste to the affected area and wash it after 10 minutes with warm water. Fenugreek is a natural anti-blackhead product and will not only clear the skin but also prevent formation of more blackheads with continual use.

Honey is proven to be extremely beneficial for your skin. Apply a layer of warm honey onto the affected area for 10 minutes before washing it. Honey acts as a natural peel.

Mix yogurt (1 tsp) with rice flour and apply on affected area. Then wash it off with cold water after 10 minutes.

Take some coriander leaves and crush the juice out (1 tsp). Then mix it with turmeric powder and apply all over the face and neck. Allow it to work overnight and wash it off in the morning. This will not only clear blackheads but also improve ones complexion.

Lemon juice is a natural astringent, thus applying its juice directly to the skin will tighten your pores and prevent blackheads. One can also apply lemon juice mixed with cinnamon powder and leave it overnight. Another alternative is to roast the skin of pomegranate and grind it, then mix with lemon juice and apply.

Mix equal amounts of baking soda and water to make a solution. Take this solution and rub it over the affected area to get rid of the blackheads.

Grate a potato and apply it as it is on the affected area. Grate radish seeds with water and apply for a blackhead-free skin.

Take a tablespoon of black pepper that is powdered, mix it with yogurt and apply this paste to the infected area. Leave it for 7 minutes and wash off.

Mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with yogurt (3 tbs), lime juice (1 tbs) and Olive oil (1 tbs). Blend well and apply. Leave on for 5-8 minutes before washing off.

Certain face packs can be used to clear blackheads and are extremely effective in doing so. These are Fuller's Earth Pack, Calamine pack, Sandalwood Pack and Grape Pack.

There isn't any need to worry about these blackheads anymore. Employ these simple blackheads treatment procedures and get rid of the annoying spots forever.