How to Get Rid of Blackheads
One of the most common skin impurities experienced by teens and adults are blackheads. Blackheads are those black small bumps you see on your skin and are more prevalent on oily skin. They are often unharmful, but they can give you dull skin and steal your glow. So how do you get rid of it? Read on below to know more!
What Causes Blackheads
Blackheads are non-inflammatory acne caused by excess oil and dead skin cells that clog the pores. These dark small bumps are usually seen around the nose and on the chin. However, they can also form around the other parts of your body such as the neck, shoulder, chest, back, arms, armpit, thigh, or buttocks. The difference between blackheads and whiteheads is that blackheads are in an open pore and when exposed to the air, the melanin inside is oxidized by air and forms a black color. Whiteheads, on the other hand, are in a closed pore that prevents air from mixing and oxidizing with melanin.
How to Get Rid of Blackheads
Blackheads can be removed at home using over the counter products or through exfoliation. There are also treatments you can do at clinics that are done by professionals. Here are some ways you can get do to get rid of blackheads at home:
#1. Get rid of mild blackheads with salicylic acid
When it comes to exfoliating blackheads, salicylic acid is your best bet. This popular over-the-counter BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids) helps break down and scrub off excess oil and dead skin cells to prevent the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Start with a low percentage if you have sensitive skin or a strength that your skin can tolerate. A 2% strength is mild on the skin and can help remove blemishes and prevent blackheads. To avoid the skin from drying, use it every other day or 3 times a week.
#2. Use an aggressive treatment with retinoid cream
Blackheads are often stickier than whiteheads and may be harder to rid off using mild exfoliants. For stubborn blackheads, products with retinol can help accelerate skin cell turnover and slough off extra oils and dead skin to clear the pores from acne and blackheads. Retinol is an effective treatment and blackhead prevention product; however, this is not an overnight treatment and may need consistency to see results just like every other beauty product.
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#3. Peel off with pore strips
Pore strips are convenient and pull blackheads from the surface of the pores. They may be a quick and temporary solution if you want to get rid of visible blackheads on the surface of your skin. It does not, however, penetrate deeply into the pores and does not prevent buildup as salicylic or retinol does. If you are looking for a quick solution, then you may want to try using a pore strip.
#4. Extraction by a professional
When should you consult with your dermatologist? There are several reasons why you would want to see a dermatologist. One is when your blackheads are accompanied by severe acne. You do not want to aggravate acne by self-medicating. Another reason you might want to visit a dermatologist is when you need to manually extract stubborn and deep blackheads. Manual extraction of blackheads at home using blackhead removal tools, if not done properly, may push the blackheads further into the epidermis and cause damage and infection. It is advised to leave it to the professionals if you have severe acne and stubborn blackheads.
Tips to Prevent Blackheads
Try these 5 tips to prevent blackheads:
- Exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week to remove oil buildup and dead skin cells from clogging the pores.
- Wash your face daily especially after you sweat to prevent dirt, oil, and bacteria.
- Avoid touching your face since the dirt and oil from your hands can transfer to your skin.
- Regularly wash oily hair.
- Use a clean pillow and wash your bedding.