What Causes Blackheads?
Blackheads are small black spots that appear on your nose. theses are a type of acne that is formed by sebum and keratinized skin cells. They block pores and they’re very noticeable due to their color. The keratin causes them to appear in black color. They’re more common in anyone who has oily skin and higher sebum production.
These are the primary reasons why people experience acne:
Poor or inadequate skincare
The sebaceous glands are easily clogged, especially if you don’t wash your face at night or you use oil-containing makeup.
Food choices
High fat and high sugar foods, alcohol, and coffee can all contribute to excessive acne.
Digestive problems
If you have any digestive diseases or conditions, they can affect the health of your skin, leading to increased inflammation.
Poor quality makeup
If you use oil-containing or poor quality makeup, this can affect the natural balance of your skin, leading to excess oil production.
Hormonal imbalance
When you’re going through puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, there are significant changes in hormone levels. This can lead to blackheads easily.
Toughing your face
Although we don’t usually realize this habit, we often touch our face, nose, and chin during the day. In most of these situations, our hands are not clean. This causes damage to the protective skin barrier leading to clogged pores and acne.
Visceral diseases
People who have gastrointestinal diseases, endocrine disorders, and respiratory problems commonly suffer from acne and blackheads. While this area has not necessarily been proven in studies, many dermatologists associated skin problems with diseases like tonsillitis so this can be a risk factor for acne.
Inadequate exfoliation
Many people think that exfoliation causes damage to their skin. However, when it comes to blackheads, regularly exfoliation is actually a key recommendation. Exfoliation removes the layer of dead skin cells that block the excretion of sebum and prevent pores from clogging. This means that regularly exfoliation can work to remove blackheads efficiently.
Treating Blackheads
Medical Treatments
Clearasil is a primarily recommended treatment. This cleansing product was developed about 50 years ago. After using it on a regular basis, the results will start to show up. This cleanser works by killing microbes and the upper layer of skin, causing refreshed, clear skin.
Promote Wound Healing
Garnier Scrub is a great product that reduces the activity of sebaceous glands. It works to protect the skin from acne. This scrub is highly recommended to reduce blackheads. It contains salicylic acid as a primary active ingredient as well as zinc. With regular use, the production of sebum is regulated and pores will decrease.
Natural Remedies
If you aren’t able to get the results that you desire from these methods, there are some natural solutions that can be tried at home. Consider these effective options as well.
Salt and baking soda
Mix the two ingredients and apply them to problematic areas. Apply the solution as a mask and leave in place until it dries then rinse off with warm water. Salt softens pores and the soda cleans deeply.
Toothpaste
Make sure to use a toothpaste that does not contain menthol which may irritate the skin. Squeeze out a small amount of toothpaste and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to apply and lightly scrub your nose. Avoid using any harsh motions to avoid damaging the skin on your face.
Hydrogen peroxide
This is a great option to use after cleansing your skin. Hydrogen peroxide is a great way to remove excess oil and reduce inflammation. However, it can be overdrying to your skin so make sure that you moisturize with an oil-free cleanser after use.
Activated charcoal
This is often used in homemade masks and can be used on its own as well. Take a small amount of coal or charcoal and add a small amount of gelatin. Apply to the affected area and leave on for 5-8 minutes. Rinse off with warm water
Baking soda
This is a great cleanser for the skin. Mix three parts of baking soda with one part water. Apply the mixture to your face, leaving on for one minute and then rinse off with cold water.
Ground oatmeal
Dilute the oatmeal with milk and then cover your nose with the mixture. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with cold water. Dilute lemon juice with water as a 1:1 ratio. Apply the mixture to the area with blackheads and leave on for 15 minutes. Apple cider vinegar. This has a whitening effect. Add a small amount of lemon juice, oatmeal, and a tablespoon of salt. Apply to your face and then rinse off. Homemade mask. Apply a mixture of sandalwood powder, glycerin, rose water, and lemon juice. Apply to your nose and allow the mixture to dry. Rinse off.
Medical Options
Mechanical Cleaning
This is usually done by a beautician who will remove your makeup and then perform a deep cleanser using a vaporizer. This believed to be one of the most effective methods although it can be harsh on sensitive skin
Vacuum Cleaning
After steaming your face to open up pores, the beautician will use a device with a vacuum nozzle to draw out sebum and dirt from the pores.
Non-Invasive Cleaning
This is a manual option that is effective. Unlike mechanical cleaning, the beautician will use a variety of cleaners and other products to your skin to soften it and open the pores. This helps with removing blackheads and is a great option if you have sensitive skin.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
This is the most comfortable option and uses a special place that removes deep contaminants from pores using high-frequency ultrasound.
Peels
In recent years, laser peels have been considered to be the most advanced options. For a deep clean, a helium laser is used. The beam deeply penetrates the skin and can be used to clean pores as well as prevent new skin problems from occurring. It will maintain its effectiveness for 3-5 months. There are also chemical peels that use a variety of acids and can also last up to three months.
Preventing Future Blackheads
In order to avoid blackheads from continuing to form, follow the following recommendations:
- Be cautious with your diet and remove any harmful fatty and high sugar foods.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid any harsh cleansers on your skin.
- Only use the recommended methods to remove blackheads as squeezing them out may cause scarring and inflammation.
- Use only high-quality makeup that is oil-free.
- Drink plenty of water, at least two liters of water a day.
- Make sure to wash your face every night before going to bed.
- Exercise a few times a week to help balance hormone levels.
- Avoid getting hair on your face.
- Manage stress and anxiety.
- Getting adequate sleep will improve the quality of your skin.
All of these tips will help to improve and maintain good skin quality over time. They can be used by anyone and will help you maintain healthy skin.
