Blackheads are small, dark bumps that appear on your skin. They’re caused by clogged hair follicles that become filled with bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells. They’re common and can appear on any part of your body, including your face, back, chest, and shoulders. While they’re not a health risk, they can be annoying and hard to treat. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to reduce and even get rid of blackheads.
What Causes Blackheads
Before we get into the tips on how to get rid of blackheads, it’s important to understand what causes them.
Oil: The main cause of blackheads is an excess of oil. Your skin naturally produces oil, also known as sebum, to help moisturize and protect it from irritants, water, and bacteria. However, when there is too much oil, it can clog your pores and cause blackheads.
Dead Skin Cells: Your skin cells have a natural cycle where they grow and then die, leaving room for new cells. When this process is interrupted, dead skin cells can become trapped in the pores and clog them, leading to blackheads.
Hormones: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty, can cause an increase in oil production which can lead to blackheads.
Stress: Stress can cause an increase in hormones which can cause oil to build up in the pores and lead to blackheads.
How to Get Rid of Blackheads
Here are several methods on how to get rid of blackheads:
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Cleanse Regularly: The first step in getting rid of blackheads is to cleanse your skin twice a day. This will help remove oil, dirt, and bacteria that can clog your pores and cause blackheads. It’s also a good idea to use a gentle exfoliator a few times a week to get rid of dead skin cells that can clog your pores.
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Use a Clay Mask: Clay masks can help draw out impurities from your pores and draw out excess oil. Look for ones that contain ingredients like Bentonite clay, sea clay, kaolin clay, and sulfur.
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Use Retinoids: Retinoids are topical medications that contain drugs derived from Vitamin A. They can help speed up the cell turnover process, which can help remove dead skin cells that can lead to blackheads.
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Use a Facial Steamer: Facial steamers can help open up your pores and remove dirt, oil, and bacteria. Steam your face for 10 minutes, then press lightly with two fingers to push out the blackheads.
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Use Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that can help dissolve oil and other debris that can clog your pores and lead to blackheads. It can also help exfoliate your skin, which can help remove dead skin cells.
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Use an Extractor Tool: A blackhead extractor tool is a special device that can help remove blackheads from your skin. It’s important not to dig too deep or you can cause scarring.
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Use Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide can help kill bacteria that can lead to blackheads. It can also help reduce inflammation and redness.
Preventing Blackheads
Once you’ve gotten rid of your blackheads, you should take steps to prevent them from returning. Here are some ways to prevent blackheads:
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Keep Your Skin Clean: Cleansing your skin regularly is the most important thing you can do to prevent blackheads from returning.
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Wear Sunscreen: Sun exposure can cause your skin to produce excess oil, which can lead to blackheads. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen everyday can help protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays and reduce your chance of getting blackheads.
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Reduce Stress: Stress can cause an increase in hormones which can lead to blackheads. It’s important to find healthy ways to reduce stress and take care of your mental health.
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Eat a Balanced Diet: Eating a healthy diet can help reduce inflammation, keep your hormone levels balanced, and help keep your skin healthy.
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Use Non-Comedogenic Products: Non-comedogenic products are formulated to not clog your pores. Look for products that are labeled “non-comedogenic,” “oil-free,” or “won’t clog pores.”
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Don’t Touch Your Face: Touching your face can transfer oil, bacteria, and dirt to your skin which can clog your pores and lead to blackheads.
Blackheads are small, dark bumps that can form on your skin when your pores get clogged with excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. While they can be annoying, there are several things you can do to reduce and even get rid of them. Cleansing your skin regularly, using a clay mask, taking steps to reduce stress, and using products that won’t clog pores are a few of the methods you can use. You should also take steps to prevent blackheads from returning by eating a balanced diet, wearing sunscreen, and not touching your face. By following these simple steps, you can reduce and eliminate blackheads and keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.
