Recommended ways to remove blackheads

Blackheads are the slightly different sibling of zits, and like zits, squeezing them can be addictive. Composed of the same oil, or sebum, that contributes to the production of pimples, blackheads result from a building up of this oil in pores – the difference in appearance is the result of the blackhead’s exposure to the air, the reaction of which with the oil causes the trademark black color of these blemishes. And while blackheads are more easily obscured by makeup, they can seem less offensive to the sufferer, and as a result, less damaging to squeeze. But the bad news is that this is not the best way of removing blackheads – the fun stuff is always bad for us! And while squeezing them might be fun, getting rid of them altogether sounds better. So what is the best way to remove blackheads from our lives? Here are some tips for removing blackheads for good.

So, how to get rid of blackheads? Like pimples, blackheads are the result of an underlying skin problem – the over production of oil by glands contained in our skin, exacerbated by the improper shedding of old skin – and rather than removing blackheads by squeezing, the best way to get rid of them is by attacking the source of the problem. A good cleansing routine is one of the best ways to remove blackheads, as it will help wash away excess oil and dead skin particles. A gentle cleanser is a good choice as it won’t dry out the skin excessively (which results in the production of even more of that nasty sebum!). Combined with the use of a gentle exfoliant, which will help remove old skin cells, this is all you need to help keep your skin blackhead free.

But we all know that blackheads can be persistent, so how to get rid of blackheads that are more stubborn? Aggressive manipulation of the skin is never good, and so tips for removing blackheads include above all else a gentle touch. Before attempting to squeeze a blackhead, open up your pores by steaming your face, and then use a blackhead remover or some clean tissue to remove the blockage. Remember – the best way to remove blackheads is to be gentle! An overly heavy hand will only force the blockage deeper into the skin, causing dreaded zits! Surely squeezing isn’t worth that!

Find out more about Acne as well as the Best Acne Treatments and adult acne, acne skin care products, the best acne treatments and more at Peter’s website, Acne All Gone.

How to remove blackheads ?

What are blackheads?

Blackheads are small “plugs” that develop in the pores of the skin. They are caused when the over active sebaceous (oil producing) glands in the skin become clogged with oil. This sebum then begins to harden in the pore. Since skin pores are open to the air, the top part of the hardened sebum or oil oxidizes, turning black. This black top of the oil plug is then forced closer to the surface of skin by the oil hardening beneath it. This then causes the blackhead to be visible.

It is not clearly understood why the sebaceous glands begin to become overactive. It is often noted that this situation begins at puberty, and may stop at the end of puberty leading to the conclusion that it is hormonally controlled. For some people this is not the case however, and they may continue to experience blackheads and whiteheads well past puberty and into adulthood. Whiteheads are formed the same way as blackheads with the exception that the pore is closed and the oxidation does not occur.

Acne results from infection of the oil gland due to the blockage by the blackhead. Preventing and removing blackheads helps to control acne.

Blackhead Removal

The following are some tips for removing blackheads:

- Keep the skin as clean and oil free as possible. Use natural or chemically prepared cleansers, astringent solutions or masks to accomplish this. Avoid harsh soaps that may irritate the skin or any creams that leave an oily finish.

- Use a gentle exfoliant to keep the dead cells off your skin and away from the pore openings.

- Avoid harsh squeezing or scraping at the blackhead. Excessive squeezing can damage the skin surround the pore and can actually increase the size of the pore leading to more blackheads in the future.

- A warm compress of water applied to the area of the blackhead followed by a very, very gentle pressure can help in clearing the clog from the pore.

- Commercial “blackhead strips” which are basically a tape like substance that is placed over the nose and then pulled off will remove some blackheads that are at the surface. Caution should be used with these products and it is important to read the directions completely before deciding to use the strips or not.

Check out http://www.stopping-acne-now.com for articles about getting rid of pimples and acne scars removal