Acne affects many people and causes whiteheads, blackheads and pimples to form. Blackheads become visible when hair follicles, or pores, become clogged with residues and excess sebum, the oil naturally produced by the skin. They are called "black points" because of their appearance; these are open comedones, which means that the residues and the sebum that clog them are exposed to the air. As a result, the obstruction oxidizes and turns black, but this does not mean it is dirt. You can treat blackheads even if you have sensitive skin. You can also prevent them from re-forming in the future by taking some preventative measures.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating the Outbreaks
Step 1. Try salicylic acid
Although this product can cause some irritation to sensitive skin, it is the best over-the-counter cleanser for black and whiteheads; its action consists in reducing swelling and clearing the pores. Look for foamy cleansers that contain it. You can also apply this substance through creams, gels or ointments.
- Since the skin is sensitive, test the product on a small area of the face first. If you notice a rash or feel itchy, switch to another solution.
- Salicylic acid can make the skin drier or more irritated, especially on first uses. Try to apply it only in small amounts and gradually increase the dosage as the epidermis adjusts.
- Use this cleanser once or twice a day to wash your face when you have an acne breakout. First, splash your face with water and then rub the cleanser into your skin. You can also use a cloth, as long as you don't rub too hard. When finished, rinse your face to get rid of the soap and dry your skin.
Step 2. Use baking soda
If you have a negative reaction to salicylic acid, try baking soda. This product is effective because it acts as an exfoliant by eliminating dry and dead skin that blocks pores. However, if you overdo it, the treatment can dry out your skin, so avoid using it every day.
- Mix some baking soda with water to make a paste and rub it on your face.
- When you have carefully treated the entire surface, rinse the skin.
Step 3. Try a cinnamon and honey based cleanser
It is another natural remedy that is capable of curing acne. Both ingredients have natural antibacterial properties, so they can kill the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts. Simply mix ground cinnamon with equal parts raw honey and rub the mixture on your face. Alternatively, you can use a few drops of cinnamon oil. After applying, cover your face with a cotton strip or thick paper towel. Wait five minutes before removing the cloth and rinsing your face.
- Honey kills bacteria and acts as an adhesive that "pulls out" blackheads.
- Cinnamon makes the skin healthy and glowing, as it increases the blood flow to the face.
Step 4. Give the steam a try
This method is very popular and reduces the evidence of blackheads. Pour boiling water into a bowl. Cover your head with a towel and lower it over the bowl to concentrate the steam on your face for about 10 minutes. The steam softens the material found in blackheads and you just need to gently wash your skin with warm water after the treatment is finished.
You can add a few drops of antibacterial essential oil to increase the cleansing effect of the steam. Lavender, thyme, mint and calendula have antiseptic properties
Step 5. Use a moisturizer
While it may seem counterintuitive, as you're trying to keep pores from clogging, it's actually important to moisturize your skin. The key is to avoid oily products that could block hair follicles.
Read the labels and choose a moisturizer that says "non-comedogenic", "oil-free" or "non-acnegenic"
Method 2 of 3: Follow a Daily Routine to Fight Blackheads
Step 1. Choose a mild cleanser to use between relieves
When you don't have acne lesions, don't use specific products. To wash your face every day, a mild soap enriched with a moisturizer is fine. Some examples are Dove, Aveeno and Neutrogena.
- Avoid soaps that contain alcohol, especially if you are using salicylic acid, as they dry out the skin causing redness and inflammation.
- If you tend to suffer from acne crises often and your skin doesn't react negatively to specific cleansers, you can continue to use them daily to prevent recurrence.
Step 2. Wash your face twice a day
Cleanse it in the morning and evening with a mild soap; however, do not overdo it or you will make the situation worse.
- If you sweat a lot or exercise, wash your face after you stop exercising. It is not necessary to use an antibacterial soap, as it does not prove more effective than normal ones.
- Resist the temptation to exfoliate your skin or use cleansers that contain micro-granules; these products further irritate, leaving dark blemishes or scars.
Step 3. Take off your make-up
At the end of the day, you may be tempted not to remove your make-up, but you need to wash your face before going to bed. Cosmetics clog pores and cause blackheads.
Step 4. Check the labels for the word "non-comedogenic"
You may notice that some skincare products and certain makeups have this wording on them. In practice, it means that they do not clog pores and consequently do not promote the formation of blackheads, at least those caused by the normal skincare routine. For example, the products of the Avène range specifically for acne-prone skin are non-comedogenic, as are those of Cetaphil.
Step 5. Prevents hair oil from transferring to the face
If you have particularly oily hair, tie it away from your face, as oil on your hair, such as from your hands or fingers, can clog pores.
- Also remember to wash your hair regularly, especially if it tends to be very oily.
- The sebum transfers from the hair to the face making the situation worse.
Step 6. Reduce Stress
Emotional pressure can contribute to acne development because it momentarily raises testosterone secretion.
- For example, you can try to relax each muscle group by respecting a certain sequence. Close your eyes, consciously contract and relax each muscle group, one at a time. This technique helps you feel more relaxed overall.
- Also try to focus on your breathing. Take some time to close your eyes, inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 4 and then exhale through your mouth for a further count of 4. Keep focusing on your breath until you feel more comfortable.
Method 3 of 3: Know What to Avoid
Step 1. Don't rub or exfoliate your face
Although some products are sold claiming that they "remove dead skin" or have other benefits, a facial scrub or exfoliation only makes it worse by irritating and inflaming the skin. Do not use abrasive cloths or sponges, do not rub your face vigorously, and do not use exfoliating cleansers.
Step 2. Don't crush the blackheads
You may be tempted to do this to get rid of it. However, you have to restrain yourself because by squeezing, pinching or squeezing these imperfections with your fingers or with a household tool, you only push the impurities into the deep layers of the epidermis. Also, you spread the infection and could cause scarring.
If blackheads are really a problem, see a dermatologist. He is able to safely extract them with a professional tool
Step 3. Reconsider the strips to clean the pores
While they may seem like a good solution, they actually make sensitive skin conditions worse. The adhesive could irritate the skin; the strips also manage to extract only the superficial layer of the blackhead, without completely removing the obstruction. You can use them from time to time, but if you notice any signs of irritation, stop using them.
Step 4. Check that the pillow is not dirty with sebum
The oil from the skin can build up on the pillows and transfer back to the face, blocking the pores. Wash your pillowcases at least once a week.
Step 5. Avoid tight-fitting hats
These items of clothing force the sebum into contact with the skin. Pores get clogged due to sebum and dead skin, so if your hats are too tight, you can suffer from blackheads.
Step 6. Don't eat foods rich in sugar
Although experts are not entirely in agreement that foods can trigger acne, most of them agree that carbohydrates and high-sugar foods contribute to the problem, along with dairy products. This food category includes white bread and french fries. Try to reduce your consumption to keep acne under control.
While it is important to ensure a good calcium supply, if you suffer from persistent acne, you should reduce your milk intake
Step 7. Don't touch your face
This gesture transfers sebum and bacteria to the face, as well as dirt; all of these substances increase the risk of developing blackheads.
Clean your cell phone often. The screen becomes dirty with sebum and dust from the face, which can be transferred back to the skin blocking the pores and causing blackheads
Step 8. See your dermatologist if treatments don't work or if your acne is severe or moderate
You don't have to just hope the treatments are effective. If you have been treating the problem for two weeks and have not noticed any improvement, go to your family doctor or make an appointment with a dermatologist.
