Blackheads are probably the second most unsatisfying thing (the first being a huge, pus-filled zit!) you can see on your face. But, “What causes blackheads?” you ask – well a few things.
How Blackheads Are Formed
Think of blackheads like your shower drain. If you don’t clear it out or take away the stray hair, after a while, your shower will get backed up and then you will be in trouble. The same concept can be applied to blackheads.
What causes blackheads, is an accumulation of dirt, dust, and oil that clog your pores. While that isn’t enough. The black part you see is the attraction of all these things hitting the air, and hardening. Gross, I know. While they can be horribly annoying, they are easy to remove in the initial stages. It is not advised to squeeze your skin to get rid of them, however, if tempted, make sure to wash your hands and use sterile gloves. This is because it can cause permanent damage very similar to acne scars.
The worst part you can do is break the skin with your nails while on your endeavor. Breaking skin makes your skin more vulnerable to smaller infections that could lead to pimples or infection. On top of that, your nails are dirty! The excess dirt you will get rid of will only be replaced with the dirt on your hands.
Combining overactive oil glands with not washing your face regularly can lead to unsatisfying blackheads, however, these oily secretions can be taken care of a few ways.
How to Get Rid of Blackheads
- Make sure to clean your face at least twice a day
At the very least you’ll want to clean it in the morning when you wake up and right before you sleep. However, the best thing to do is to wash another one or two times a day. It’s especially important after you work out or sweat as dirt and other particles that cause blackheads will be attracted to your skin. This is by far the easiest way to get rid of blackheads. - Try to find an oil-free moisturizer –
Moisturizers are great for cleaning out your skin, but the best by far is oil-free. This way your skin won’t dry out and it won’t add to the natural oils your face secretes. - Use oil-free makeup –
There is a reason we stress oil-free products. Not only are they more natural for our bodies, but they are also more effective and healthy. Makeup also contributes to the dirt and grime that gets stored in your pores, and can also stop your skin from releasing the oil and sweat. In fact, with makeup, you are literally adding chemicals and other particles to your face. If you wear makeup you will definitely need to wash your face with a lot of care. However, using oil-free makeup will also reduce the blackhead causing threats. - Use deep cleansing pore strips –
Deep cleansing pore strips are great because they extract built-up dirt and oil from your pores leaving your skin extremely pure and clean. They’re oil-free, great for sensitive skin, and easy to use. You just put a little bit of water on one, apply it to your face (normally on the bridge of your nose, horizontally), let it rest for 10-15 minutes, and take it off. Just by looking at the strip you’ll see all the acne-causing oil and dirt that it took off your face. You won’t be sure if you should be amazed by how effective these strips are or grossed out that all that junk was on your face. Either way, they’ll work.
Conclusion
Whether it is makeup, or not cleaning your face after a good ol’ work out, oil and dirt if left in your pores gradually enlarge it, catch more dirt, and can leave a permanent hole in your face. If you ever suffer from a blackhead too large, painful, or unsightly always seek medical attention/advice. The worst thing you can do is try and fix the problem yourself, mess up, and then have to live with the consequences. Whereas a medical profession can probably do it in less time, with less pain.
So keep those pesky blackheads away! It will keep your skin clean and healthy in the long run!