Blackheads are composed of an oily substance known as sebum, which turns black when trapped inside the skins pores and gets exposed to air. The main reason for blackheads to emerge is the overproduction of oil, which for most individuals occurs throughout puberty. Spikes in certain hormones, such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can result in over activity of the oil glands, which means pores get clogged. Other culprits for clogged up pores is excessive use of moisturizers or cosmetics, or simply a poor cleansing regime.
However, by using the proper skin cleansing routine and extraction techniques it is possible to get rid of blackheads in no time for a much smoother and clearer complexion.
A basic step to avoid the breakout of blackheads is to cleanse the skin at night with a mild lotion or cream just prior to going to bed. Avoid scrubbing the skin with harsh cleansers, abrasive scrubs or clothes as any of these will do a lot more harm than good - the skin is always in need of some oil to keep it supple and healthy.
To simplify the process of un-clogging the pores to remove existing blackheads, use either a facial sauna system or a bowl of steaming hot water with a towel placed over the head until the face is wet form the steam. The steaming process brings extra nutrients and oxygen to the skin's surface, which opens the pores for easier deep cleansing.
For an effective home spa treatment, it is possible to pour in one or two drops of essential oil into the water prior to steaming. Popular essential oils for this include lavender for calming and soothing skin that is somewhat irritated, eucalyptus for its skin clearing and antibacterial properties and clary sage for its uplifting, comforting, and soothing properties. However, if pregnant, it is advisable to avoid certain essential oils, such as basil, cinnamon, fennel, juniper, and lemongrass.
When it comes to the actual process of tackling blackheads, start by washing the hands, and then wrap a piece of tissue over the tip of the finger to avoid damaging the skin. Now, attempt to gently extract the blockages, which should come out quite easy. If a blackhead doesn't come out, avoid being overly aggressive, as this could inflame or irritate the skin, leading to scarring. An alternative to using a finger to extract the blockage is to run a cotton make-up pad across the skin to dislodge the blackheads.
Besides the simple home-based remedies for eliminating blackheads, there are also several different helpful products to purchase. Look for those products containing exfoliants, such as microbeads or natural sea salt, which acts as an agent to loosen the plugs. Lotions containing such ingredients as lactic acid, alpha hydroxy and salicylic are also effective at dissolving the dirt and oil build-up, which can leave the pores unclogged. Other products to try include blackhead strips or peeling masks.
If the DIY remedies don't come to fruition, then it might be worthwhile visiting a dermatologist, where its possible to get a prescription for such medications as Accutane, Retin A, or similar, which all assist with clearing blackheads.
If you suffer from blackheads, it will certainly help to know the best procedures on how to get rid of blackheads for a much smoother and clearer complexion.
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