Black Heads

Dealing with blackheads is a major part of growing up. Blackheads can be quite annoying and may make your skin appear dark.. Along with whiteheads and red bumps, blackheads form what is commonly known as acne. Blackheads and whiteheads are also known as comedones.

What are blackheads?

Blackheads are called open comedones by dermatologists. They are follicles which have openings wider than usual. Blackheads are filled with sebum and cast off skin. They appear black due to oxidation of melanin after undergoing chemical reaction. The oxidation causes the follicle to turn black.

Skin care and treatment of blackheads

Till date, no permanent or quick solution to the blackheads has been found. The cause of blackheads can be many, including hereditary and lifestyle factors. Treatment is thus, time consuming, and often misplaced. However, the best and well tried way to minimize blackheads and other forms of acne is to take proper care of the skin. Keeping the skin fresh and clean is very important.

Using cleansing agents like mild soaps, face washes and facial scrubs helps, as they remove excess sebum from the pores and clean off dead cells. Oil based make-up should be avoided. Excessive scrubbing of the skin and avoiding oily food does not help much.

Some of the well known treatments for blackheads include Benzoyl Peroxide, Tretinoin, Isotretinoin and prescription topical antibiotics. Use should be preceded by medical supervision. Extraction is also an effective way of dealing with blackheads. An expert skin specialist should be able to extract the material within the pores in a relatively painless way.

Treatment of Blackheads

Follow the enlisted beauty tips for combating blackheads.

• Wash your face with a gentle oil free face cleanser.
• Always use water based cosmetics for your skin.
• Do not use too much of cosmetics and make up on your skin.
• Drink sufficient fluids and fruit juices throughout the day.
• Face creams that contain Alpha Hydroxy Fruit Acids are beneficial for you skin.
• Benozyl Peroxide and Salicylic acid are good for blackheads.
• Steam your face. Then roll a clean tissue on either side of the blackheads.
• Apply oatmeal paste mixed with lemon juice on the affected areas.
• Mix the white of an egg with honey and leave on for half an hour.
• You can use a home made scrub on the blackheads. Blend dead sea salt and baking soda with a little water and apply on the affected portion.
• A mixture of glycerin, juice of lime and almond oil are good for removing blackheads.
• Boric acid mixed with hot water help in the cure of blackheads.
• Boil a few natural herbs like thyme, comfrey, yarrow and peppermint and apply to blackheads.
• Mix fullers earth with rose water and apply on the blackheads.
• Application of tea tree oil is good for opening up closed pores.
• A clay mask comprising of seaweed or bentonite clay can work wonders for your skin.

So, follow our skin care guide and get freedom from all those blackheads clogging your skin pores.

Note: In case you are allergic to any of the above mentioned ingredients, please do not use them.