Blackheads are caused by partially blocked pores. The'black' appearance of them isn't due to dirt, but by the oxidising effect of air on the sebum ( oil ) in a blocked pore and the melanin pigment from the dead skin cells.
The simplest|The best|The only} way to get rid of blackheads is to remove the reason for them - excessive sebum ( oil ) and dead skin cells. Use only products made with natural ingredients that are not too astringent. Harsh products can strip the skin of oil, making it produce more sebum which leads to more blocked pores.
Don't be scared of using cleaning products containing natural oils, for example jojoba or coconut oil to cleanse the skin. These oils are close to our natural oils, so they don't block the pores. Employ a gentle exfoliating mask like Miessence's mild Exfoliant each day to remove dead skin cells so they don't block pores. Just do not forget to be very gentle, over exfoliation can exacerbate the problem. Avoid products containing the following : alcohol, isopropyl mystate, lanolin, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate, propylene glycol, mineral oil and parabens.
Do not to try to extract them forcibly, either using your fingers, nails or a comedone ( blackhead ) remover. This will cause long-term damage to the pores and stop them working correctly for ever. You may squeeze some of the blackhead out, but you might also force some of it even further into the skin, which could well lead to infection ( large spots, pimples or maybe cysts ) or long-standing damage. Touching your skin should generally be evaded to stop cross infection.
You can help to reduce the occurrence of blackheads by eating the right kinds of foods -- this could reduce sebum production, increase good moisture in the skin and help the production of new skin cells. Avoid cooked carbohydrates and fats, replace these with fresh fruits, vegetables and raw fats ( avocadoes, olives, olive oil etc ). Read our article of the systematic link between diet and acne for more info.
If you do wear make up, confirm any foundations and concealers are non-comedogenic and oil free so they won't block pores. Try hard not to apply make up if your face is sweating. Always remove your make up with a cleaner at the end of the day. Keep all your make up brushes and sponges clean. Wash them in mild shampoo once a month and let dry fully before using.
There are many treatments for acne, but I'm not going to discuss antibiotics here. If you have very severe acne and/or are very depressed, please debate this with a considerate doctor or dermatologist. Prescribed oral antibiotics also destroy the healthy bacteria that live in your gut. A lack of heathly bacteria in your tum can, ironically, irritate acne. There are also many related complications, including thrush ( candidiasis ). If you do have to take antibiotics, take a probiotic supplement like Nature's Biotics to help revive the healthy bacteria and eat lots of garlic.
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