The Best Way to Remove Blackheads
Blackheads often appear on the chin and nose, and are considered a form of acne, although they are not inflammatory like pimples. Blackheads form when the oil in blocked pores partially reaches the surface of the skin and becomes a dark color when it hits oxygen. Blackheads can be caused by hormonal changes that increase the production of sebum, dead skin cell buildup that blocks pores, poor facial cleansing and oily facial products. Does this Spark an idea?
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Cleansing
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A daily facial cleansing routine cuts back on buildup of dead skin cells and excess oil production. These two factors lead to acne and blackheads and may get worse if skin is not properly cleansed.
Clean your face each night with a creamy cleanser to wash away any dirt, excess oil and makeup, all which contribute to the formation of blackheads. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells, which block pores and create buildup leading to blackheads and other forms of acne. Exfoliating the skin will also help to remove blackheads, so be sure to look for products that contain a low amount of benzoyl peroxide for gentle cleaning.
Extracting
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The best way to remove blackheads a light extracting or squeezing. These techniques remove blackheads from the skin, but they must be done very gently to reduce inflammation or irritation. Wrap a piece of tissue around each index finger, and lightly place the fingers underneath the blackhead. Apply a gentle pressure to the base of the blackhead to remove it from the pore. If it does not extract after one or two tries, leave it alone to reduce chances of it becoming inflamed.
You may also use a metal extractor which contains a small opening to gentle prod blackheads to be removed from pores. These extractors are used in many spas and salons during facials, and may be found in most beauty stores.
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Prevention
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Prevent blackheads by keeping the skin free of dead skin cells and excess oil. Wash your face each evening, and use water to freshen up skin in the morning. Cleansing the skin too often is also detrimental, since it can actually increase oil production because the skin is being stripped of moisture too frequently. Use a gentle scrub on the nose and chin, common areas for blackheads, at least two or three times a week. Food choices may also increase oil production, so drinking plenty of water and eating fresh vegetables and fruits will help the skin become healthy and clear.
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