Blackhead Acne Treatment

blackheadsBlackheads, also known as open comedomes, are a form of common acne. Just like common acne, the sebum glands in the skin produce excess amounts of oils that block pores and hair follicles. But because the hair follicles are open to the air, the sebum oil does not build up under the skin as in the case of whiteheads, but fills with dead skin cells and turns black when exposed to oxygen.

Blackhead Acne Treatment #1: Exfoliation

Exfoliating your skin is an important step in blackhead acne treatment, as it removes dead skin and helps to prevent skin cells clogging pores and contributing to blackhead formation. Keep in mind that exfoliation does not scrub away blackheads themselves, but is a preventative measure that you should perform regularly. Exfoliation can be done through a variety of ways, depending how much time, energy and money you want to invest in the process. Mechanical exfoliators include anything that removes dead cells when rubbed on your skin, such as walnut shells, dried oats, apricot pits, and special exfoliating scrubs, cloths, skin brushes and gloves. Chemical exfoliators include weak acids that remove dead skin, such as alpha hydroxyl acids, citric acid and salicylic acid. Be gentle when exfoliating, as irritating the skin may stimulate pores to increase oil production.

Blackhead Acne Treatment #2: Pore Strips

Pore strips are a non-chemical methods of removing dead skin cells and excess sebum from pores and hair follicles. To open pores and make the process easier and more comfortable, boil some water and hold your face over the steam. After 10 minutes, place a strip of plaster firmly over the affected area, usually the nose, and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before peeling away. Once removed, blackheads may appear like tiny hairs which are not black at all, but yellow or dark brown. You can purchase pore strips through pharmacies and supermarkets as over-the-counter products, and several companies, such as Neutrogena and Clearsil, have their own brand. While pore strips are not an actual prevention or treatment for the underlying condition, they do allow for an easy, non-invasive way for removing blackheads at home.

Blackhead Acne Treatment #3: Skin Care

Skin care treatments at home can go a long way to the prevention and treatment of blackheads. Use simple cleansers and toners to remove oil from the skin without causing irritation or drying the skin too much. Many skin care products contain irritating chemicals, preservatives, perfumes and oils that will make your blackheads worse, not better. Try out different dermatologist-approved gels or lotions to find which works best for your skin, and avoid moisturizers that will cause further clogging of pores and hair follicles. Apply natural toners after cleansing, such as witch hazel water.

Blackhead Treatment #4: Blackhead Extractor

A Blackhead extractor is a stainless steel device that you can purchase to help with the mechanical extraction of blackheads. This is a more expensive, invasive and time consuming option, but effective for those who have little to no success with dermatological products or pore strips. A specialist such as a dermatologist uses the blackhead extractor and requires fastidious sterilization of the affected area and the blackhead extractor tool to avoid infection. The tool is placed over the blackhead, and light pressure is applied. A small tip inserts and draws out the blackhead. This procedure is used only for severe or very deep blackheads that cannot be removed by other means. Consult with your dermatologist to find out if a blackhead extract is appropriate for you.

Blackhead Acne Treatment #5: Nutrition

Eating a healthy diet is important in order to prevent blackhead formation long-term. Milk products have been linked in research studies with an increased risk of acne, primarily because of the natural steroid and growth hormones found within milk. Hormones such as the ones found in milk products stimulate glands in the skin and exacerbate sebum production that causes blackheads. In addition, foods high in fat, sugar, red meat and pastries are linked with an increased risk of acne and blackheads. Focus on eating whole foods such as grains, vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish, nuts and seeds that provide essential nutrients for balancing skin oils, and support healthy tissue recovery.

Blackhead Treatment #6: Home Remedies

Acne treatment home remedies can be performed simply and cheaply at home using all natural products. Make a face mask out of orange peel or oatmeal, mixing the ingredients with warm water and blending to achieve a paste consistency. Apply the paste to your face and leave for up to 20 minutes, allowing it to absorb dead skin and excess sebum. Wash your face afterwards with a gentle cleanser and toner. Apply honey twice a week to affected areas, as natural honey removes pore blockages and softens the skin without causing it to become oily or overly moisturized. Honey also has natural antibacterial and skin healing properties.

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