Acne can take on many different forms, including pustules, papules, cysts and blackheads. When blackheads appear on the skin, often seen as tiny black spots, it can be difficult to know which treatments will eliminate them. Fortunately, there are certain practices that help treat black acne spots and prevent new ones from forming.
Cleansing Properly
Blackheads are caused by the pores of the skin becoming clogged with oils, impurities and bacteria. It is important to cleanse the skin properly in order to prevent this clogging from happening. Selecting a soap that is designed for sensitive skin types will ensure that it is free of harsh chemicals that could inflame the skin, and free of pore clogging oils and waxes. Cleansing should be gentle and non-abrasive, which can cause the skin to become irritated and can exacerbate blackheads.
Medicating Properly
To reduce blackheads and prevent the pores from becoming clogged, it is important to medicate the skin using a low concentration benzoyl peroxide cream. Although benzoyl peroxide creams can come in higher strengths, using only the lowest strength cream, no higher than 2.5 percent in concentration, will clear up black spots without causing skin irritation and burning. You can spread a pea-sized amount of the benzoyl peroxide cream onto your skin twice per day.
Moisturizing Properly
Many people neglect moisturizing their skin after using benzoyl peroxide, for fear that it will cause more blackheads to develop. However, all benzoyl peroxide creams are drying, and not applying a moisturizer to the skin can actually cause the skin to overproduce skin oils in order to compensate for the skin becoming too dry. The solution is to apply a dime-sized amount of an oil-free moisturizer after using benzoyl peroxide cream twice per day.
Avoiding Touching the Face
The hands contain skin oils that most people are unaware of, and when you touch your face frequently, it can cause the pores to become clogged. The most common areas that blackheads appear from the hands touching the face are around the chin and mouth. If you tend to have black spots around these areas, try to avoid touching your skin whenever possible.
Keeping Hair Off of the Face
Hair oils can often clog the skin, especially when the hair is styled in a way that causes it to fall over part of the face. The most common area that blackheads appear as a result of hair oils is typically the forehead and cheeks. Try to keep the hair off of the face to allow blackhead to clear and to prevent new blackheads from forming.
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