Blackheads are a type of acne. According to Medical News Today, they can actually lead to more inflamed and unsightly types of acne, such as pimples. More commonly, blackheads just remain as clogged open pores and can be a constant unsightly feature throughout life. The pores become blocked when the sebaceous glands produce too much oil. This combines with dirt and skin cells to form a soft plug which then turns black with exposure to oxygen. Some people try to remove blackheads by simply squeezing them out with their finger-tips. This can cause skin damage and infection leading to worse skin conditions.
Step 1
Cleanse face with a natural remedy, such as tea tree oil. Simply apply the oil to a cotton ball and then to the blackhead area. Tea tree oil has antibacterial agents that help remove dirt and excess skin oils from the sight, which could be transferred into pores and cause further infection.
Step 2
Open your pores via steaming. This can be done with the use of a bowl of hot water or by taking a shower or bath. Although this won't remove the soft oily plugs, it will help loosen them and make it easier for extraction.
Step 3
After the pores have been steamed, use a blackhead remover--a little tool available in most drugstores--to extract the blackheads. This is better than using your fingers as it allows for a controlled amount of pressure around the blackhead and pushes it out of the pore from sideways pressure.
Step 4
Apply a product containing benzoyl peroxide. This provides a deep cleaning of the pores and helps remove any residue bacteria left in the pores, which could cause infection. Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient found in most over-the-counter products.
Step 5
Wash problem area daily with a salicylic acid over-the-counter cleanser. Salicylic acid cleans the surface area of oily build-up and bacteria as well as the pores. It is a natural product that can be used several times a day as a treatment for acne.
Tips and Warnings
- Lemon juice or rose water could substitute for tea tree oil. The treatments mentioned can cause skin irritation and dryness so it is important to continue to moisturize daily. MedlinePlus notes that salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be used as part of a joint treatment regime. They often come as wipes, lotions, creams or gels.
- Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can cause mild side effects,such as; slight dryness, stinging sensations and slight tingling, notes Medline Plus. The blackhead tool can cause skin damage if used too aggressively. Consult with your doctor for directions on proper use and for acne treatment in general. MayoClinic.com notes that benzoyl peroxide is a useful treatment for mild forms of acne. For more severe cases, a doctor may recommend prescription medicines.
Things You'll Need
- Tea tree oil
- Cotton ball
- Bowl
- Towel
- Blackhead remover tool
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
Member Comments