Comedomes or blackheads can be a nuisance to your otherwise fine daily life. It is a problem that not only bugs you, but may also make you insecure by threatening your skin and face. Nobody likes blackheads on his or her face. Before we go more into how comedomes or blackheads affect your life, let’s find out what blackheads are.

What are blackheads?

Comedomes or blackheads are nothing but some small and dark spots on the skin, which is caused by covering of the opening of a pore by skin debris. Some blackheads may be yellowish. A widened hair follicle filled with oil, skin debris and bacteria is known as a comedo. If the comedo is closed it is called as whitehead and if it is open, then it is known as a blackhead.

Blackheads are considered as the first stage of acne. A blackhead may result into a pimple. When bacteria attack the pores filled with debris, it causes acne. Blackheads are generally seen on your face with the onset of puberty. At that point of time, the hormone levels in your body increase a lot. These hormones may over stimulate your sebaceous glands and as a result your gland may overproduce sebum. Sebum helps you by lubricating your hair and skin. They generally drain out through the pore openings on your skin. If somehow the sebum is blocked, bacteria growth may happen then. If such bacteria growth and sebum reach the pore opening and air enters the open pore, then blackheads appear. If the pore is closed, then whiteheads appear on your skin.

Why does a blackhead appear black?

Sebum contains pigment called melanin, which is responsible for your skin color. If melanin is exposed to air, it is oxidized and it turns dark. That is why blackheads appear black.

There are several conditions that may result in blackheads. There are conditions which can worsen the problem. If you are using  topical oils and make up, it may increase the blackhead problem. Blackheads are generally seen on different types of skin, but there are more common on oily skin.

How to easily get rid of blackheads?

1. Use clay

Use bentonite clay on your face. It is a mineral rich healing product that is beneficial in case of several different skin problems. It is also used in other skin related problems. When wet, the molecules of bentonite clay show electrical charge. This charge helps it to draw out oil and other impurities from the pores. You can use this clay as a mask. When you use the mask, your skin can get the minerals present in bentonite clay. The clay will draw out the blackheads and clean your skin. It is also beneficial for your skin because it will help you with your overall skin tone and health besides helping with the blood circulation.

Mix the clay with apple cider vinegar or water. In case of people with dry or sensitive skin, it is better to use water. When the clay dries on your skin, you will feel your skin tightening. You can let it dry and then moisturize it afterwards to remove it.

2. Egg white mask

You can take egg whites of eggs and use it to remove blackheads from your face. It’s a very easy mask that can be prepared at home. Egg whites temporarily tighten your skin pores. Such tightening of the pores reduces the future possibility of blackheads. Egg whites are also good for your skin because they are rich in nutrients. They also do not make your skin very dry like some other masks.

3. Cinnamon and honey strips

If you combine cinnamon and honey, you can get rid of the blackheads on your face. Honey offers you antibacterial properties and thereby keeps the bacteria away that may cause blackheads and acne. When you combine cinnamon and honey, the mixture works as an adhesive and it removes the things clogging your pores. Cinnamon is also good for your skin because it improves circulation. With better circulation, the increased flow of blood will provide you with a smooth and healthy skin.

4. Honey and milk

You can use honey and milk to get rid of the blackheads on your face. Both milk and honey have elements that are beneficial for your skin. Milk has lactic acid, which makes your skin soft and supple. Honey offers antibacterial properties. When you combine them, they work as an adhesive.

5. Use toner

Toner is useful in getting rid of blackheads from your face because blackheads result from clogged pores reacting to oxygen. If you can tighten your pores or shrink them, you can get rid of the blackheads problem. Lemon juice can be used as an astringent which will effectively do the work. It is good because it can lighten your skin temporarily and may cause irritation when you are exposed to the sun. That can be countered using a little bit of sunscreen lotion. People who have sensitive skin, should use lemon juice after diluting it with water.

6. Daily blackhead treatment with water

You can use different types of face masks and pore strips, but too much of that can cause dryness of your skin. However, there is a simpler option available. Rinse your face with water gently 1 to 2 times every day. You can do this every day without any other side-effects. By rinsing your face with water, you are washing away the extra sebum and dead skin, which will keep your pores open. After washing your face, use a light moisturizer, otherwise your skin may produce excess sebum to account for the dryness caused by washing it with water.

How can you get rid of blackheads on your face?

There is a simple procedure using which you can get rid of the blackheads on your face.

Step 1

Boil some water

Step 2

Place a towel over your head and keep the face over the steam created by the boiling water. You need to keep your face over the steam for some time (about 4 to 8 minutes). It is necessary to loosen up the things that are clogging the pores on your face. You may see some redness during this process, but it is normal.

Step 3

Wash your hands to get rid of any bacteria or other microorganisms.

Step 4

We will use an extractor for removing blackheads. Take some isopropyl alcohol and dip the extractor in it for about one minute. Dipping in alcohol will sterilize the extractor.

Step 5

If you have a magnifying mirror, take it with you. Place the loop of the extractor over a blackhead. If you do not have a magnifying mirror, no problem, just get good lighting.

Step 6

Now press down gently on the blackhead with the extractor. When you do that, the blackhead will pop out through the loop. Wipe the residue with a paper towel or wash it.

Step 7

Sterilize your extractor again by rubbing alcohol. Otherwise, it may help in spreading your blackhead problem from one area to another.

Step 8

Repeat the blackhead removal process with the extractor.

Step 9

Take some astringent and apply to the affected area. It will stop bacteria from going into the pores that you opened just now. Do not apply makeup immediately after extraction of blackheads without using a little bit of astringent.

Doctor’s Order : Try out this great Guide Beauty Food Bible 

Sources

1. BeautyFoodBible.com

2. AcneNoMore.com 

3. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/71615.php – what are blackheads