How To For Removing Blackheads

 

What is a blackhead?

Blackheads are comedones skin pores that are blocked and filled by excess oil, makeup, pollution and dead skin cells. When the congestion oxidizes by the air, the surface then becomes black. Black heads are open to the surface of your skin, unlike milia, which are closed and covered by skin tissue. No misconceptions now! Its all cleared up! So to speak~ Or at least now we can figure out how to clear up those nasty blackheads. Blackheads are a type of acne vulgaris and typically appear in the T-zone are of the face. The ZT-zone area being the forehead, nose and chin are typically more oily. Blackheads are easily removable by extractions and by regular exfoliation. IN laymans terms… blackheads are junk in the pores! 

Keep in mind that terms like pimples, acne, blackheads, and milia are differences terms and there are differences between them for describing bumps on your face.

Now that we have the definition of blackheads defined, let's get down and dirty on how to rid blackheads from your skin. There are some tricks to getting these pesky dead skin buildups out of the pores without damaging your skin. I have been an Aesthetician (skin care specialist) for over 14 years and these tips are tried and tested!

10 Steps to Removing Blackheads

• 1. Cleanse face with a cleanser designed for your skin type-most preferably one that is a bit astringent to remove oils.

• 2. When washing skin use warm water. If you have severe acne you will not be following this guideline. 

• 3. Use wash cloth soaked in warm water to prep skin. Place warm cloth over face for a few minutes, repeat two to three times. Skin will appear flush.

• 4. Use a disencrustation cream. This is a cream designed to break down and soften blackheads. ( click here for links to creams that can help)

• 5. Remove cream after 5-7 minutes. Keeping skin warm. If possible use a portable steamer. They can be found on ebay. (portable facial steamers) Use cream and steam together. ANother idea is to get in shower with cream on. The steam will activate cream.

• 6. Remove cream with warm water. Dry skin with towel.

• 7. Use medical cotton gauze, wrap around finger tips and use light pressure on each side of blackhead to work under and out. This technique should include a little wiggling. Do not use pressure straight in blackhead as this could cause it to get infected and get pushed under skin. Under and out. 🙂

• 8. You will notice the blackhead to emerge. Continue pressure and manipulation until entire blackhead is emerged. You will notice closely that the blackhead is only black on top and the rest of the congestion is white. That is good. 

• 9. One the blackhead is out and your are finished extracting rinse face with cool water. Use a new gauze for each blackhead. This will prevent cross contamination and help you to keep your skin clean. 

• 10. Apply a toner to skin that helps to nourish your skins pH balance. 

TIPS ON REMOVING BLACKHEADS

• Never push on blackheads with firm pressure. Be gentle. You are not trying to sabatage your skin, only nurture it. if a blackhead is not coming out, see a professional. 

• Always keep your hands clean 

• Make sure when removing blackheads you keep your skin warm otherwise you will have a hard time getting them out. Your skin could then bruise from pressure.

• Using a blackhead extractor is tricky and can cause scarring if not used properly. The trick is to go through all steps above til number 7. One through with seven- loosen up blackhead, place extractor tip (circle around blackhead), apply light pressure down. The pressure should allow the blackhead to rise to the surface. 

Causes of Blackheads

Blackheads are caused in many ways. Here is a quick list of things that cause blackheads:

• Poor facial cleansing techniques

• Pollution

• Make-up

• Sweat

• Smoking/Smoke

• Not exfoliating

• Excess oil build up

Preventing Blackheads

Preventing blackheads is an on going skin care regime that once you have gotten into the habit of, is really pretty easy to maintain. 

1. Have regular facials with a professional

2. Wash skin morning and night

3. Use an exfoliation facial cream 3 to 4 times a week

4. Have regular facial peels or/and microdermabrasion

5. Taking vitamins and minerals will help overall health

6. Use non comedogenic make up, moisturizers, sunscreens, and hair products. (products will specify if they are non comedogenic)

Treatments For Blackheads

Use Benzoyl peroxide, Tretinoin (Retin-A), Antibiotics, Isotretinoin (Accutane)

Home Remedies For BlackHeads

• a) Fenugreek Leaves: Create a paste using fresh fenugreek leaves (also known as methi) that is known to prevent and treat blackheads, pimples, and other types of acne. The paste should be left on the face every night for 10 to 15 minutes and washed away using warm water.

• b) Lemons: Take one lemon to extract enough juice, which is then mixed with an equal amount of rose water. The concoction is then applied to the face for ½ hour and followed with a thorough washing with fresh water. In 15 days of following this regimen, you should have enjoyed the results of a natural cure for blackheads and other types of acne. This cure is also known to reduce the appearance of scars left behind from picking at your blemishes. Some people have also mixed one teaspoon of lemon juice with one teaspoon of finely ground cinnamon powder and applied to blackheads.

• c) Dried Basil Leaves: Place two to three teaspoons of dried basil leaves in one cup of boiling water. Allow the herb to steep for 10 to 20 minutes. When the mixture has cooled, apply to blackheads using a cotton ball.

• d) Orange Peel: Grind orange peel and mix with water to create a paste that works wonders on blackheads.

• e) Rose Water: After cleaning your face, take cotton wool dipped in rose water and apply to the face two to three times per day.

• f) Mint Juice: Mixing mint juice with turmeric powder is known to treat blackheads when left on the skin for 15 to 30 minutes. This natural cure is then washed off using lukewarm water.

• g) Pomegranate: Combining fresh lime juice with pomegranate skin (roasted and powdered) will create a paste that treats acne, whiteheads, blackheads, and boils.

• h) Grated Potatoes: A poultice made with grated potatoes naturally destroys the sight of many different skin blemishes, including whiteheads and blackheads.

• i) Radish: Some people swear by a paste consisting of ground radish seeds and water that they consider a pretty decent cure for getting rid of blackheads.

• j) Garlic: Garlic bulbs possess antifungal and antibacterial properties, which work as a good antiseptic against infected skin conditions caused by picking at blackheads [3]. Cut open a garlic clove and rub on an affected area. You may also add garlic to cooking for results. Sometimes the addition of parsley will help to counteract the smell.

• k) Lavender and Yarrow Facial [4]: After using steam to open up the pores, a facial made of lavender and yarrow helps ease the sight of blackheads. It is the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory powers of the herbs that fight the signs of acne. The ingredients of this lotion include 5 drops of tea tree oil; 25 milliliters of rosewater, 25 milliliters of distilled witch hazel, 10 grams of dried lavender flowers, 10 grams of dried yarrow flowers, 10 grams of dried elderflowers, and water.