Blackheads are a form of acne, showing up on oily surfaces of the skin. Here’s how you can efficiently prevent and treat them.
Blackheads are annoying and, unfortunately, very common. Known for being particularly hard to get rid off, blackheads can vary in terms of their intensity. For some, they might be very easy to spot, while for others, they’re imperceptible.
Even if we’ve all experienced the satisfaction of pulling those suckers out with a pore strip, there are more consistent ways of treating these skin issues and preventing them from appearing in the first place. According to dermatologists, blackheads are open hair follicles that are clogged up with bacteria, oil and dead skin cells. Once this opening is exposed to oxygen, it oxidizes and turns black. They’re more common in people who produce a lot of sebum and in areas like your nose, which have more glands and more potential for clogged pores.
Here are some ways that can help you prevent and get rid of clogged pores:
Wash your face twice a day
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While pore strips are effective in pulling blackheads out, that pore remains open, making it easy for it to accumulate dirt and oil all over again. One of the most basic and effective ways of keeping your pores clean is to wash your face often, removing dirt, makeup and bacteria. Depending on how dry or oily your skin is, you’ll be able to use a cleanser either once or multiple times a day.
Dermatologists also recommend washing your face before and after working out and after you’ve sweated, since sweat can combine with dirt and bacteria and make it easier for your pores to get clogged up.
Use physical exfoliants
Physical exfoliants are the kinds of treatments that rely on particles like sugar and beads to clean and remove impurities from the skin. You can prepare these with recipes you find online or by purchasing a product that’s mostly naturally based. While these treatments can be harsh on the skin when used too frequently, when used once or twice a week the appearance of blackheads should be reduced in a couple of weeks.
Treat sections of skin instead of your entire face
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Blackheads can appear in clusters, typically in areas where there’s a lot of oil, like the nose or the chin. If you spot one, try using a form of concentrated treatment in that area, sparing the rest of your face the potential irritation and skin damage.
CBD
CBD oil has shown some promise in the treatment of acne, particularly when it comes to managing sebum production. A lot of factors contribute to acne and sebum production, ranging from the kinds of products you’re using, to stress and hormonal imbalances. CBD could be successful when your skincare regimen needs a reboot, helping treat your skin’s inflammation and providing anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects.