Blackheads can appear at any time throughout one's life. As teenagers, we go through puberty and our hormones are going wild. Hormones are making the changes that our body require to enter adulthood, and with this hormone craze comes increased oil production for our skin. Other hormonal reasons to consider when dealing with blackheads are menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause and hormone-related illness. Anything that causes the hormones to become unbalanced can play a major role in the formation of blackheads.
Step 1
Take one 640 mg tablet of saw palmetto, daily. Saw Palmetto suppresses the gland responsible for overproduction of oil in the skin and is ideal for teens going through puberty, especially boys who may be producing larger than normal amounts of testosterone. Women should take one tablet daily of black cohosh which is good for menopause and mentruation. Evening primrose contains GLA, which balances the hormones and inhibits the growth of acne causing bacteria and can be used in all hormonal conditions. Evening primrose should be brewed into a tea and drank once daily. Pill form is also available, and one to two tablets of this can be taken daily in leiu of tea.
Step 2
Use alternative methods of birth control. The increase of estrogen and progesterone from birth control pills can, in some women, contribute to the formation of blackheads. An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a safe effective alternative to prescription birth control. It is a small copper vaginal insert, put in place by your gynecologist, that contains spermicide and low amounts of progesterone, which will not aid in excessive oil production.
Step 3
Get at least eight hours of sleep a night, to ensure that your are properly rested and your body and skin can make it through the daily grind. During hormone fluctuations, your body tends to over work itself and sleep will help calm the anxiety and stress put on your skin.
Step 4
Participate in aerobics or strength training at least twice a week. Exercise plays a major role in controlling your hormones and it can release other key hormones and endorphines to regulate excessive testosterone or estrogen levels. Walk on days you can't fit in a full workout.
Step 5
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish. This will help decrease oil production and calm hormones. Fried foods, sugar, and caffeine contribute to acne and cutting these out of your diet will decrease your blemishes for good. Quit smoking as well. Cigarettes inhibit hormone function and can lead to pocked and leathery skin with long term use.
