How to Get Rid of Blackheads?

Photo Credit: Allgoneacne.com

First of all, it’s important to understand just what blackheads are. It’s especially important to understand the differences and similarities when discussing acne, pimples, blackheads and other skin conditions.
Individuals who have this skin condition feel that blackheads are more difficult to deal with than some other maladies. In fact, dermatologists also recognize blackheads as a particularly troublesome condition.
Blackheads are “bumps” that some have described as resembling plugs or indented bumps. These usually come from having skin that is too oily. This extra oil can clog up a pore (the tiny openings in the skin). If the oil can’t get to the skin’s surface to be washed away or evaporate naturally it remains in place and eventually turns a dark color because of oxygen exposure.

These blackheads are common among younger people because hormonal changes are the primary cause of excess oil in the skin. Extra oil builds up in the facial pores, creating perfect conditions for blackhead formation. Some people have found that regular use of some types of make-up or cleansing products result in blackhead increase. In some situations, a change in the type of product or elimination of it altogether has cleared up the condition. Some of these products mix with natural body oils and create a less-liquid substance that gets caught in facial pores. A blackhead can form over time in these congested areas.

Now that we know a lot more about blackheads and what causes them, we might be able to clear them up and prevent new ones from forming. The first step toward clearer skin might be to stop using creams and thicker facial products that may clog pores. After this it’s probably wise to switch to some milder facial cleansing product, preferably one that will easily dissolve in water.

Bar soaps seem to be a particular culprit with blackheads. The bars are held together by ingredients that also clog up the pores in the skin. In recent years, it has become more common to exfoliate the skin to remove dead cells. These dead skin cells may combine with oil and facial creams to clog pores. This sets up the right conditions for blackheads. Proper exfoliation also helps open up pores that are already clogged.

Some people try facial products that help absorb extra oil. These may be available over the counter. But good treatments may also be prescribed by your dermatologist. Supplements taken internally, such as those of the Vitamin A family, may also help regulate the amount of natural oils in the body.

If it becomes necessary to take more drastic measures, you may have to remove existing blackheads. But this should be done carefully. A mild exfoliation can expose the blackhead, which may be removed by careful manipulation to loosen it in the pore. More aggressive methods should not be attempted without the advice of your doctor. In the long run, it’s best to keep the skin clean and to avoid using some skin products that might contribute to clogged pores.