Blackheads aren’t very pretty, and if you’ve got them you probably want to get rid of them. First, you need to understand what causes blackheads. When pores in your skin become clogged with excess oil you can develop a blackhead. A common myth is that the black color is caused by dirt; however it actually is caused by the oil oxidizing when it comes in contact with the air.
Simply cleaning the surface of your skin won’t do much to help get rid of black heads. Fortunately, though, there are a variety of other methods for treating blackheads that can clear up your skin and leave it beautiful and blackhead-free.
Like with most things, the best way not to have blackheads is to keep from getting them in the first place. Even if you already have blackheads, if you avoid the things that cause them you can keep your problem from getting worse.
Greasy products like oil based makeup and thick, heavy creams can lead to blackheads. You should avoid using harsh cleansers or soap on your face, and instead opt for skin cleansers that are labeled as pH balanced and that do not contain oil. Be sure to read the labels when you shop for skin cleansers so you understand what you are getting.
Exfoliating your skin can also help to prevent blackheads, especially if you use a product that contains alpha hydroxy acids which will work to penetrate into the skin and clear pores deep down inside.
Besides products that you apply to your skin, certain medications can lead to blackheads and breakouts. One of the most common medications that can cause skin problems if birth control pills. If you feel that your birth control pills may be the cause of your skin problems talk to your doctor and see if there is an alternate form of birth control that you can switch to that may eliminate the problem.
IF you already have blackheads, there are a variety of ways that you can work to get rid of them.
While it can be very tempting, you should never squeeze a blackhead since it can not only lead to scarring, but can also damage the surrounding skin. Once the pore has been enlarged from squeezing it also increases the likelihood of getting more blackheads in the future.
Many companies make strips designed to pull blackheads from your skin without damaging the surrounding skin like squeezing does. You simply apply the strip to your problem areas according to the manufacture’s directions and then pull it off to remove blackheads. These strips can be very effective for many people in clearing up blackheads.
For some people, blackhead removing strips do not work as well because the do not get to the excess oil that lies deep within the pores. If you have tried the strips and are avoiding all of the things that can cause blackheads but still have a problem with them, you may need to talk with your doctor or dermatologist to see if there is a prescription medication that can help you to clear up your skin.
