How to Heal Blackheads

Blackheads are often the precursor to acne breakouts.

Blackheads are small bumps in the skin formed by oil plugs in the pores. The oil plugs turn yellow or black when exposed to air. Anyone can get blackheads, even those with dry skin. Certain foods, facial oils or creams and makeup can exacerbate problem skin, causing more blackheads. While your tendency may be to want to squeeze blackheads, this can cause your skin to become red and inflamed and your pores to become infected. Healing blackheads gently and safely is the most effective way to get rid of these unsightly bumps without further irritating your skin.

Things You'll Need

• Large saucepan
• Water
• 2 drops tea tree oil
• Large bath towel
• Blackhead-removing pore strips
• Ice cubes
• Washcloth
• 5-percent benzoyl peroxide cream
• Red eye reduction drops

Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan on the stove top. Plug your sink, and pour the water into the sink. Add 2 drops of tea tree oil. Lean over the steaming water, and make a tent over your head and the sink with a large bath towel.

2. Steam your face over the water and tea tree oil mixture for 10 minutes. This will open your pores, making it easier to clean your face and remove the blackheads. Pat your skin dry with the towel.

3. Place blackhead-removing pore strips over your freshly steamed face. Leave the strips on according to the package directions, then swiftly remove them. The blackheads will be removed with the strips.

4. 

   Use ice to soothe inflamed skin.

   Prevent redness and inflammation in the treated area by placing ice cubes in a clean washcloth and holding the ice pack against your skin. Hold the ice packs in place for up to 10 minutes.

5. Dab benzoyl peroxide cream on the site of the blackheads twice daily to dry up excess oil, heal the skin and prevent the return of blackheads.

6. Get rid of redness around blackheads by placing one or two drops of red eye reduction drops on the skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash your face twice daily with a facial cleanser that contains salicylic acid to help keep blackheads away.

• Use noncomedogenic cosmetics if you are prone to blackheads. These products will not cause your pores to become clogged.

• Picking and squeezing blackheads can lead to scarring.

References

• Medical News Today: What Are Blackheads? How to Get Rid of Blackheads?
• Women's Health: Acne: How is Mild Acne Treated?
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Acne: Herbs: Tea Tree Oil
• American Academy of Dermatology: Acne: Topical Treatments