No matter your age or gender, you've probably also recently had problems with blackheads, which occur when hair follicles become clogged due to excess sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria. To treat them as effectively as possible, it is good to take preventive measures to prevent them from appearing in the first place. However, despite having the utmost care in skin care, it is still possible that from time to time a black spot forms and that you feel the need to get rid of it as soon as possible.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Fighting Blackheads with Toothpaste
Step 1. Choose the right toothpaste
You need to make sure you are using a suitable product. It is good that it is white and pasty, avoid those in gels. It should also be a very normal type of toothpaste, therefore not whitening or for sensitive gums, perhaps mint.
The toothpaste method is highly recommended by many DIY experts and ordinary people, but is not recommended by doctors. This product allows you to get rid of blackheads and pimples because it contains ingredients that help dry out infected pores. However, as you can imagine, it also has other substances that could cause skin problems, including allergic reactions. You can try this remedy, but remember that your dermatologist probably won't approve it. If you are concerned, try other methods that only require using pure ingredients
Step 2. Wash your face and apply the toothpaste
Wash your face with warm water and pat it dry, just like you do every day. Apply a layer of toothpaste to the affected areas, such as the nose or chin. Let it dry completely. At this point, massage it gently into the skin to help remove blackheads from the pores. Wash your face again and pat it dry.
Instead of using your fingers, you can apply with a small towel soaked in olive or sweet almond oil. You can massage the toothpaste into the skin for a few minutes with the help of the towel
Step 3. For faster results, add salt to the toothpaste
Wash your face with warm water and dry it as usual. Make a mixture with 1 part of toothpaste and 1 part of salt (if it is too thick, add a few drops of water to dilute it). Spread it on your face and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Gently massage it again to remove blackheads from pores, then rinse. After drying your face, then apply your usual moisturizer.
- The face should remain moist throughout the process.
- You can use baking soda instead of salt.
- Before moisturizing, you can also wipe your face with an ice cube to help close pores and prevent bacterial growth.
Part 2 of 3: Preventing Blackheads
Step 1. Wash your face twice a day
If you have a lot of blackheads or acne, you may want to use a cleanser that contains salicylic acid. Before applying it, rinse your face with warm water to open the pores. After washing, never forget to apply a moisturizer.
- To further open your pores before washing your face, fill a bowl with boiling water and steam your face.
- The face should always be washed after doing any activity that causes intense sweating.
Step 2. Exfoliate your face at least once a week
If done too often, the scrub can irritate the skin, so to start, don't repeat it more than once a week. If the skin does not appear irritated, you can switch to 2-3 times a week.
Step 3. Don't touch your face
Your hands come into contact with many surfaces, so avoid touching your face or you risk infecting your pores with oil, dirt and bacteria. If possible, also avoid that the hair touches the face: the sebum can end up on the skin and clog the pores.
Step 4. Apply sunscreen every day
All moisturizers you use should contain SPF, and for the face you should use sun protection factor cream all year round.
Step 5. Use oil-free or mineral makeup
Also, powdered products are preferable to cream products. Always remember to remove your make-up well before going to bed.
Also remember that it is important to wash your brushes and make-up sponges regularly, as bacteria and dirt accumulate in them over time. Use warm water and a mild soap
Step 6. Drink lots of water
Hydration is vital for the skin in general, and the best way to hydrate the skin is to simply drink a lot.
Part 3 of 3: Fighting Blackheads Without Toothpaste
Step 1. Make an egg white mask
Wash and dry your face as usual. Break an egg and separate the yolk from the white, pouring the latter into a small bowl. Apply it to your face with a brush. Adhere a handkerchief, toilet paper, or napkin to the first layer of egg white. Wait for it to dry, then apply another layer of egg white to the handkerchief, toilet paper, or napkin. Repeat the process 3 more times. Let all layers dry thoroughly, then peel off the paper. Wash and dry your face again to remove egg residue.
- You can also try another mask: mix 2 tablespoons of oat flakes and 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt. You can also add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice if you want. Leave it on for just 5 minutes before removing it with cold water.
- You can also make a tomato mask. Crush a tomato and massage it on your face for a couple of minutes, then leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing off.
Step 2. Make blackhead patches with milk and honey
In a small glass bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of milk and 1 tablespoon of raw honey. Heat in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. Once you have a paste, let it cool. Apply it to your face with a brush, then adhere a dry piece of cotton to your skin. Let it dry completely. Finally, remove the cotton strip and rinse your face with cold water to remove any dried pasta residue.
You can use 1 teaspoon of cinnamon instead of milk, then mix it with 1 teaspoon of raw honey. Also in this case you have to get a paste, but it should not be heated. Leave it on for only 3-5 minutes before removing the cotton strip
Step 3. Use lemon juice to close pores
Wash and dry your face as usual. Squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon and pour it into a small bottle. Apply it to your face with a cotton ball just before going to sleep. In the morning, rinse your face and apply your usual moisturizer.
- Lemon juice can be stored in a small bottle and kept in the fridge for a week.
- If pure juice is too harsh for your skin, dilute it with water before applying.
- Alternatively, mix 3 teaspoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Apply it to your face following the same method and leave it on overnight.
- You can also mix 4 teaspoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of milk. Leave it on your face for about 30 minutes before rinsing off. Don't leave it on overnight.
Step 4. Wash your face with baking soda
In a small bowl, mix a handful of baking soda with water until it forms a paste. Apply it to your face with your fingers and massage it in a circular motion. Rinse your face, pat it dry and apply your usual moisturizer.
Alternatively, mix 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of olive oil or lemon juice. Massage it on your face for about a minute and rinse
Step 5. Buy a dedicated product to remove blackheads
Many companies sell acne and blackhead specific products that do not require a prescription. They often contain ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, tea tree oil, and others. Your favorite cosmetic line probably has a product that can help you target the problem.
Advice
Blackhead problems also affect men, not just women. Following a regular washing and hydration routine is therefore also important for boys! All blackhead treatments are good for both men and women
Warnings
- Each skin has particular characteristics and sensitivities. Not all methods are effective for everyone and they may not always work. If your skin starts to irritate or itch, develop erythema or experience other side effects, stop treatment immediately. If the problem doesn't go away quickly, ask a dermatologist for advice.
- If you have acne, only do the treatments prescribed by your dermatologist.