How To Get Rid Of Blackheads To Have That Clear Skin You Always Dreamed of
There’s nothing as annoying as looking into the mirror only to see that unwanted blackheads have taken center stage. It doesn’t matter if it’s sitting ‘quietly‘ on the side of your cheeks, behind your ears, or right at the edge of your lips. The fact that it is there is annoying. Blackheads are small black-like growths (hence the name) on the skin that happens due to clogged-up hair follicles. They are popular for their mainstream cameo appearances on the face, but can still be found gracing other spots on the body like thighs, back, and chest. They are a milder form of acne and can sometimes be tricky to pop, but don’t worry, it’s nothing a more deliberate skincare trick can’t handle. Inhale, exhale!
Causes of Blackheads
Blackheads form when a hair follicle in the skin becomes clogged or plugged. Dead skin cells and excess oil collect in the follicle’s opening, which produces a bump. If the skin over the bump opens, the air exposure causes the plug to look black, thus forming a blackhead.
Some factors can increase your chances of developing blackheads, including:
- Producing too much body oil. –
- Irritation of the hair follicles when dead skins cells don’t shed on a regular basis. –
- Undergoing hormonal changes that cause an increase in oil production during the teen years, during menstruation, or while taking birth control pills.
Here’s how to get rid of blackheads to have that clear skin you always dreamed of.
Exfoliate
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Exfoliating regularly help unclog pores, gets rid of dry skin cells, and ultimately clear the skin of dirt, oils, and unwanted substances. Leaving behind healthier and smoother skin.
Tomatoes
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Can we ever run out of the wonders tomatoes bring? We are yet to exhaust the gazillion tomato recipes (I doubt we ever will), talk more of its skincare potency.
Dear tomatoes, we will never take you for granted again.
How To: Slice a tomato into round shapes and rub on your face, ensuring an ample amount of juice stays on your face. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes, then wash off with cold water.
Retinoid creams
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To get rid of more stubborn blackheads, use retinoids. Retinoids have found use in medicine to regulate epithelial cell growth as they’re rich in vitamin A. They prevent the cells from getting clogged up and facilitates the regeneration of the skin. Simply put, when used at the right quantity, retinoid creams help to unclog hair follicles. This can be used as a preventive measure as well.
Extraction
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Book an appointment with a dermatologist and get rid of blackheads by extracting them. While there are extraction kits sold over the counter, it is advisable not to pull a DIY stunt at home.
Activated charcoal
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Occasionally using charcoal face masks will eventually get rid of blackheads and other forms of acne. Activated charcoal extracts dirt and oils from the skin. Apply as a mask on the skin for about 10-15 minutes. Be sure to moisturize after washing off.
Bonus tips:
Make a habit of washing your face twice daily to prevent the accumulation of dirt and oils, which eventually lead to clogged-up pores. You could wash off more times, especially after sweating.
Steam your face and moisturize before extraction. This softens the blackheads and allows for an easier procedure.
Drink lots of water.
“Beautiful skin requires commitment, not a miracle”—Erno Lazlo.