What Is A Blackhead? – What They Are And How You Can Get Rid Of Them

Blackheads, also known as comedones, are dark, oxidized plugs that clog skin pores. They are a combination of dead skin, hair follicles and sebum that harden after contact with air. Ever wondered why blackheads have that dark brown color?

Most of the time black heads are found on the T-Zone region of the face; the forehead, nose, chin and cheeks. In some cases, people even get blackheads on their ears and backs. These pesky comedones are not caused by dirt and no amount of fervent scrubbing can get rid of them. In fact, it will only make your skin oilier and rough.
How Do I Get Rid Of Them?

The key to getting rid of blackheads is to unclog the pores. While it may seem tempting to squeeze them out, it is NOT the right thing to do and could cause further damage.

However, what you can do is –

• Keep your hands off your face. If you have a habit of repeatedly touching your face, it would be prudent to stop. The oils and germs on your hands could be one of the major reasons behind blackheads on your skin.

• Maintain a daily, home skin care régime. Cleanse, tone and moisturize twice a day, but make sure that the products you use are skin-friendly. You don’t want to be using chemical exfoliators or products that contain harmful peroxide. A regular skin care regimen will help free the pores and keep your skin looking fresh and supple.

• Invest in long-term care by going for clean-ups or facials at least twice a month. Ask your skin-care specialist to steam your face and use a blackhead extractor. They may even suggest using salicylic or glycolic acid to dissolve the plugs and excess oils. Using salicylic or glycolic acid can rebalance the skin’s natural moisture, while improving the skin’s texture and tone.

• Go the natural way by using basic kitchen ingredients to whip out suitable blackhead remedies. You could make scrubs, masks or even pore strips using egg whites, clay, honey, milk or lemon juice. These are ideal solutions for sensitive skin types.

• Sweat it out by exercising! When you work up a sweat, the liquid naturally flushes out the pores. But make sure once you have worked out, you wash off the sweat thoroughly!

While these are all effective remedies, it takes a good amount of patience and perseverance to see results! Keep at it and you will be well on your way to achieving desirable skin.