How to Get Rid of Blackheads & Pimples

Everyone wants clear, acne-free skin. Unfortunately, blackheads and pimples are common in people of all ages. While acne is often associated with teenagers and young adults, pimples and blackheads continue to afflict people throughout their entire lives. There are, thankfully, steps you can take to get rid of these unsightly growths, and prevent new ones from forming.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Facial cleanser
• Facial scrub
• Mask
• Moisturizer
• Steam
• Pimple cream
• Dermatologist

1. Cleanse your face twice daily. Oil, debris and sweat gathers on your face throughout the day so it's important to remove it at night, before you go to bed. You also want to remove all makeup, as it can settle into your pores, thereby clogging them and encouraging blackheads to form. Also cleanse your face at the start of your day. Do not cleanse more than twice daily. While some people do so in hopes that this will dry out their skin, it actually encourages oil production as your skin attempts to counteract the drying effects of over-cleansing.

2. Use a facial scrub to unclog pores and release pimples and blackheads. Facial scrubs exfoliate the skin, removing debris and dead skin cells from the surface layer. This helps to expose fresh, clearer skin and encourages cell regeneration. Aim to exfoliate with a facial scrub about twice a week.

3. Apply a facial mask to your skin once a week. Choose a mask that will dry out the skin slightly as pimples and blackheads are caused by oil on the skin. Such a mask may also be advertised as a deep-cleaning mask.

4. Moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer. You shouldn't shun moisturizer because you have oily skin. Your skin needs to be hydrated to be healthy. You just need to choose a moisturizer that is appropriate for your oily skin. Opt for a water-based product and try to stay away from oil-based products altogether.

5. Steam your face. Steaming your skin is an excellent way to unclog your pores, thereby treating blackheads and pimples. Fill a bowl with very hot water. Cover your head with a towel and create a tent around you and the bowl. Stay within the tent, allowing the steam to penetrate your skin for 10 to 20 minutes. Make sure the steam is not too hot as it can cause steam burns if it is. When you are finished steaming, rinse your face with cool water.

6. Apply a pimple treatment cream to your blackheads and pimples. Choose a cream that contains either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, both of which have been shown to be effective at eliminating pimples and blackheads. These ingredients help to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and encourage radiant skin.

7. Visit a dermatologist if you have chronic problems with blackheads and pimples. You may need a stronger topical cream that is only available by prescription, or even an oral medication. A dermatologist will assess your particular situation and recommend an appropriate course of action.

Tips & Warnings

• Get plenty of sleep. When your body is stressed and tired, your skin will show it. Aim for eight hours of sleep nightly to maintain healthy skin.
• Drink water. Your skin needs to be hydrated.
• Do not pick or squeeze your pimples. This rarely produces satisfactory results, and can result in scarring.