Blackheads are indeed counted as one of the most embarrassing skin problems. After all, who would really like to boast ugly little black pebbles on the nose and rest of the face? While squeezing them out is one of the best ways of getting rid of these plugs, for some, this method can be quite painful. So, for those who want to learn the less painful ways to combat blackheads, read on!
What are Blackheads?
Have you ever wondered why these ugly spots appear again once you are through with mild cleansing and scrubbing? The answer for this lies in understanding what constitutes of these spots and their reason for their development.
Blackheads
Blackheads are basically black or yellow colored plugs/ bumps that appear on the surface of the skin due to excessive oil accumulation. When the skin pores witnesses the accumulation of dead skin cells and excessive oil glands, blockages in form of blackheads develop. The black color that these plugs bear is the change in the color of the oil glands when exposed to the oxygen. These plugs, with time, solidify and settle easily over the open pore in form of spots, better known as blackheads.
Ways to get rid of blackheads
Dealing with the problem of blackheads indeed requires a great deal of precision lest you damage your skin. Before employing any procedure, it is important to first properly dampen the area so as to make it more elastic. Nevertheless the method, remember dealing with blackheads is not an overnight miracle!
Remove your makeup
We often wear makeup to hide these unwanted spots, but on the contrary, your put-on make-up is the culprit behind their popping up. Therefore, the first step towards getting rid of blackheads should be removal or minimize of makeup. It is believed that cream based products like concealers and various types of makeup foundation make the skin greasy and clogged which invites the formation of blackheads.
Exfoliants
Exfoliants, comprising of Beta Hydroxy Acid, helps remove the layer of dead skin that has accumulated on your face. It is advised to gently massage the skin with an exfoliant, at least once a week, so as to remove excessive oil and clogged dead skin cells from under layers of the skin and hence get rid of the blackheads.
Turn to Healthy Eating
It is true that eating healthy food and increasing the intake of water eliminates the oil content from the skin. On the other hand, frequent intake of greasy food further adds to the oil content of the skin.
Blackhead strips
No doubt that these special strips remove quite a handful of blackheads, but there is no second opinion to the fact that these strips only work at the surface level of the skin. Therefore, these facial tools do not provide a long term solution to get rid of the blackheads. In addition, the strips work rigorously on the skin surface causing inflammation and rashes.
Steaming and Squeezing
Steaming makes the skin damp and soft and thus perfect for squeezing out the blackheads. While popping, care must be given to the amount of pressure applied on the spot so as to remove it. Harsh pressure can cause pain and inflammation on the skin. Although, this is a traditional method of getting rid of blackheads, it seems no more practical today due to shortage of time and pain incurred.
Blackhead Treatments
Sometimes, when the outburst of these black bumps is uncontrollable, there is a need for availing a special treatment for getting rid of them.
Blackhead Dissolvers
Blackhead dissolvers are available in the form of serums or creams. They essentially contain chemicals like benzyl peroxide and salicylic acid which soften and then ultimately dissolve these unwanted blackheads. Further, the product effectively kills the infestation of bacteria and gently eliminates the excessive oil glands without damaging the skin.
Micro Dermabrasion Treatment
This treatment essentially involves the application of a chemical peal on the outermost layer of the skin. The chemicals in the peel penetrate into the deeper layers to strip them off accumulated dirt, oil, bacteria and other infestations. This action ultimately helps in getting rid of the blackheads.
Vitamin A treatment
The treatment essentially works towards preventing the cells located around the sebaceous gland to merge. When the treatment, in form of a peel, is applied on the blackheads, it loosens them up and makes them easy to be removed.
Prevention of blackhead formation
As they say prevention is better than cure, the best way to get rid of the blackheads is employing measures that essentially curb their emergence. Since we know that the accumulated oil and dirt act as the perfect breeding place for these blackheads, we must take measures to eliminate them on the skin. This may require elimination of all the greasy products, especially makeup products and moisturizers from our regime. Next, to keep the skin clean, it is important to frequently wash the face with anti-oil face-wash. Weekly scrubbing and exfoliating helps remove the dead skin layer and dirt from the skin pores. Always remember that a proper skin care regime is the best way to avoid all skin problems.
Instead of hiding blackheads with layers of foundation, it is time to learn the nature of blackheads and get rid of them!
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