Blackheads, Go Away!

Blackheads, Go Away!

 

Blackheads. The word makes you cringe, doesn’t it?  Unfortunately, this stubborn skin problem affects most of us: man, woman, old, or young.  But blackheads don’t have to be a death sentence.  Staying consistent in your beauty routine and having a better understanding of what exactly blackheads are can help you minimize their annoying presence.

Blackheads are clogged hair follicles. They’re the cousin to the more easily-seen whiteheads, which resemble most stereotypical zits because they are covered by a thin layer of skin.  Blackheads are open to the air, which can make matters worst because they’re out there for the world to see!  They’re basically, large, open pores filled with oil.   Contrary to popular belief, the dark color is actually caused by oxidation, not dirt.

As tempting as it is, popping blackheads, picking at them, or attempting any other kind of manual removal is not a good idea unless you’re letting your aesthetician do it with sterile hands.  Your fingers have tons of bacteria, and they may only spread the problem.  Even if the trapped oil is released, it’s likely to just return.  Squeezing blackheads can also cause skin damage which can result in permanent scarring.

What you can and should do to avoid excess oils from seeping into your blackheads is that you keep your hair off of your face and wash your face regularly, especially if you wear makeup. Don’t go too crazy with washing your face, though.  Over-washing can dry out the skin, and for us combo/oily skin girls, that’ll actually increase oil production, and thus, more pimples.  Keep it to twice a day, and be gentle.   Scrubbing too harshly can damage your skin. Look for facial cleansers and moisturizers that are specifically made to combat blackheads.

Along with daily cleansing, exfoliating is also important. Removing dead skin cells can help prevent your pores from becoming clogged because they constantly rejuvenate new skin. A scrubbing paste made from baking soda and water is a great option at-home remedy.

While a daily beauty routine is critical, pore strips are also an option worth considering to occasionally rid blackheads.  You don’t want to use them every day, as they can be fairly harsh on your skin, but  periodic use can help to remove blackheads in a way that limits irritation and scarring because of their quick-fix nature. Follow the instructions in regards to frequency. The product of choice here is the Biorè Deep Cleansing Pore Strips.

Clay masks can also help get blackheads off.  They combine both the stripping properties of a pore strip, and exfoliation abilities.  Clay can help draw out oils and dirt on your face, which can be a major contributor to clogs.

If you’re still struggling with blackheads, consider a visit to your dermatologist. Professionals have more extreme options that aren’t available to consumers over-the-counter. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with your doctor.