Five Tips on How to Get Rid of Blackheads

Blackheads are clogged pores that form when the oil gland produces excess oil that can’t flow out of the pore naturally and gets stuck.

The excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and debris in the pore lining, and once that mixture makes its way to the surface and is exposed to the air, it oxidizes, turning black. In other words, blackheads are essentially hair follicles that are blocked up with dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria, causing wide openings on the surface of the skin.

The most annoying part about blackheads is the fact that once you happen to squeeze one of them, they end up coming back. The more you squeeze them, the more they increase in number, and it can become a nuisance, especially when you think that you are getting rid of them only to realize that you have even worsened the situation.

One major misconception about blackheads is that they are caused by the skin being dirty. That’s why simply washing your face to cleanse the skin of blackheads will not be of much help. Cleansing will help remove excess surface oil, but a cleanser or scrub cannot reach further into the pores where the blackheads are rooted.

Here are some tips that can be used to get rid of blackheads:

Exfoliate

The first step that can be taken to get rid of whiteheads is to exfoliate your face. Exfoliation removes the upper layer of dead skin cells. This will, in turn, remove all the dead skin that may be on your face. It will also remove all the dirt and makeup on your skin, leaving it clean and unblocking the pores that may have been blocked by dirt and oil.

Two methods can be used when exfoliating: mechanical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation. Mechanical means physically using something abrasive on the skin, so either a face cleansing brush that rubs the surface of the skin or something like a face scrub with granules in it to buff away that top layer.

Remember to be gentle when exfoliating your face to avoid damaging your skin, which in turn might cause inflammation, thus worsening the spots while also causing dryness and irritation.

Use of clay masks

If you have acne or blemish-prone skin, using a clay mask once a week can be beneficial as far as getting rid of blackheads is concerned. Clay masks are super effective for drawing impurities out of the skin and reducing oil production. Remember to exfoliate before applying the mask, as this will allow it to penetrate the skin. 

Use honey

For a very long time, honey has been known to be used in several ways. Other than being used as a sweetener in beverages and for medicinal purposes, it has also proven to be effective in removing blackheads; at the same time, it moisturizes and soothes the skin.

Apply raw honey to a clean, dry face and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Honey can be used on the skin daily.

Lemon

Other than removing dead skin cells because of its natural astringency, lemon also helps get rid of blackheads. Before going to bed, use cotton wool to apply fresh lemon juice to clean the skin, concentrating on the blackhead area.

You can leave this overnight and rinse it off in the morning with warm water. Repeat this every night for a week. Caution is needed when using lemon juice, as it can dry your skin. If you have dry skin, add olive oil to the lemon juice, and make sure to use a moisturizer once you have rinsed it off.

Always remember to moisturize 

Moisturizing your face should be part of your lifestyle, and its effect cannot be underestimated. Moisturizing is a crucial step in any skin-care routine, even if your skin is acne-prone. Why do you ask? All the above methods strip oils from the skin and are drying; it is, therefore, important to maintain the right balance in the skin, and moisturizing will allow you to continue using exfoliating products without any issues.

Vera Shwaiza, experienced in public relations and corporate communications