Blackheads are a very common type of acne. Although more common in oily skin, they can affect all skin types.
Blackheads form when the pores get clogged with dead skin cells and excess oils. They are open and have a dark oxidized colouring.
Although it is tempting to squeeze them, that is not advised as it can cause further damage to the skin as well as unwanted scarring. But there are some other ways you can help rid your skin of blackheads for good.
No pore strips
Again, popping any form of acne can cause further damage to the skin. Pore strips can seem like the answer to your blackhead worries - don’t be fooled. Pore strips do remove dirt and grime and clear the blackheads but they can also strip the skin of its natural and beneficial oils. If the ‘good’ oils are removed too, it can leave the skin feeling dry and irritated. This, in turn, will cause the sebaceous to produce more oils, thus more skin issues.
Invest in Salicylic acid
If you suffer with blackheads, salicylic acid is an effective product in treating the blackheads you have and also preventing any more. Salicylic acid works by breaking down the materials that cause blackheads. By using a daily cleanser containing salicylic acid, you will prevent the build-up of excess oils and dead skin cells and reduce the number of blackheads.
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Use a clay mask
Clay masks are an essential part of an oily skin routine. Clay masks work by removing all the elements that cause blackheads. They can even loosen and unclog blocked pores. Some clay masks contain Sulphur which helps to break down dead skin cells and unclog pores.
Never sleep in your makeup
At the end of the day taking off your makeup may seem like a big task. But the 5 minutes you spend removing your make up will be doing wonders for your skin. Sleeping in your makeup can clog your pores and cause blackheads.
See a professional
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Any new addition to a skincare routine can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks to see a difference. If you find you are still getting blackheads after this time, you may need to make an appointment with a dermatologist. They can use professional tools to extract blackheads. They can also tailor a series of treatments to treat your skin and prevent any coming back.
