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Getting Rid of Blackheads at Home

carib102 | Oct 5, 2010 |

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Blackheads are those irritating black dots that usually appear on top of the nose or on the sides of the cheeks. They are caused by the combination of these factors: overproduction of oil on the skin, debris, accumulation of dead skin cells, and bacteria. The exposure of oil to air causes it to turn black in color, thus the name blackhead. Blackheads are fairly common in folks with oily skin. While blackheads pose no health risk, it does mar the beauty of the skin. For that matter, having visible blackheads on the nose or on any part of the face is not only unsightly but it also creates a negative impression for that person.

Black is often the color associated with dirt and while dirt is not the cause of blackheads, this association has been so ingrained in many people's minds. Thus, a person riddled with blackheads may be perceived to be dirty (although this isn't always the case) or at the very least, uncaring about his or her appearance. Most people strive to create a good first impression because impression counts for a lot especially in social circles. For women especially, this only means one thing: Getting rid of blackheads is imperative.

With so many wonderful products on the market today, getting rid of blackheads has never been easier. As with most skin problems, cleansing is the first step to getting rid of blackheads. When it comes to face cleansers, a good brand to try is Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing Facial Cleanser. This cleanser contains Salicylic Acid which helps banish blemishes such as blackheads on the skin. Salicyclic Acid is also a proven pimple fighter so it works well not just on blackheads but also to get rid of acne. This cleanser also contains aloe and chamomile extracts to soothe the skin while ensuring that it is not left overly dry. For those who prefer a regular cleanser, a facial scrub containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) should be used twice or thrice a week. AHAs help exfoliate the skin by sloughing off dead skin cells which may clog pores that can lead to blackheads. Whatever cleanser is chosen, the important thing is to ensure that it can remove all traces of dirt and makeup at the end of the day.

There is also a nifty little tool called a blackhead extractor. Most beauty companies like The Body Shop, for instance, sell this. The tool has a hole at one end which is used to apply pressure to the surrounding areas of a blackhead to make it "pop". Getting rid of blackheads this way can be tricky as a blackhead remover cannot guarantee extraction of each and every blackhead. However, it surely is effective for those blackheads which are ripe for the picking, so to speak.