Acne – Blackheads

Fighting Blackheads

What causes black heads?

Sebum oils (the same oils in whiteheads or pimples) build up in your skin’s pores and when that oil is exposed to air, the top of the oily plug turns dark brown or black.

If you have blackheads, whether many or just a few, you may have tried squeezing them out of your pores, and probably had success with that, but it’s not very good for your skin.

There’s a better way to get rid of those ugly blackheads – for now and for ever!

Start at the source of the blackhead problem:

Blackheads are caused by the same process where all acne begins – too much oil being produced by your skin. The problem is compounded by a lack of effective exfoliation of the dead skin cells – which causes the blockage and the cause for enlarged pores that appear dirty.

Getting rid of blackheads is actually not hard, but requires some re-training of our skin care. Even though blackheads are not caused by dust or dirt, gently cleaning your skin on a regular basis – to remove excess oils and dead skin cells – is the best way to minimize blackhead problems. Use a gentle soap or acne specific wash as these don?t dry out skin cells. If you dry out your skin with harsh cleansers and drying agents your skin will work double-time to produce more oils. More oils mean – you guessed it – more acne!

And of course don’t forget that your cleansing routine must also tackle the removal of the dead skin cells that blocked the oil’s release to begin with. I recommend getting a few newborn baby washcloths, gently rub in small circular motions (gently!) and never use a facecloth more than once between laundry days. Wet facecloths breed bacteria and bacteria is a known cause of acne pustules or cysts.