Blackheads, or open comedomes are larger pores in the skin taking the form of a circle, with generally a blacked mass on the skin debris covering the opening. Despite their name, some blackheads can be a pale colour. These nasties are caused by a small blockage in the opening of a pore (follicle). Sebum is designed to lubricate the hair and skin and usually drains out of the pores, but sometimes the sebum becomes blocked and bacteria begins to accumulate. Blackheads are generally caused by this overproduction of such sebums, bacteria and oils, which tends to occur when you reach puberty.
Foods, stress, hormones and family history have no effect with this skin condition as it would do with spots or acne. No, this condition is solely linked with oil production and products blocking our skins pores. The most common areas for this tends to be the nose, cheeks close to the nose, chin and occasionally the fore head. Click here for blackhead images.
So what can be done about these pore blocking blackheads? Well there are a few different methods that have been tried and tested and are very effective. However there are a few methods that stand out as being quick, easy and simply work very well. Yet these methods aren't as well known as many other so with out any furthered ado lets get into it.
Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a deep pore exfoliant, which encourages pores to soften and pushes the gunk out to the surface. It helps to break down the top layer of skin removing bacteria and dirt trapped deep in the pores. You can buy it on it's own or you can look for products which contain salicylic acid in them such as facial washes and scrubs. Clean and clear blackhead scrub has salicylic acid in and is relatively effective. However diluting with water and applying with a cotton pad is generally the best way to use the pure product. Allow it to settle in over night and gently exfoliate off in the morning. This should be done twice weekly results can be seen from the first time of use. Dont be tempted to over use this product as it can dry out the skin causing dry patches.
Quinaderm
Quinaderm has two active ingredients, benzoyl peroxide and potassium hydroxyquinoline sulphate. Benzoyl peroxide is a type of medicine known as a keratolytic. This means that it works by breaking down keratin, a protein which makes up the cells of the skin.When you apply benzoyl peroxide to the skin it causes the top layers of skin to shed. This helps break down deep dirt in comedones (blackheads)and those pesky spots.This used with salicylic acid makes for the best combination for spots and black heads. This should be applied 2-3 times a week. For more information on Quinaderm click here.
Traditions pore strips and tea tree.Traditional methods like pore strips are very commonly used and do work well. Any pore strips that use tea tree are ofern most effective as the tea tree acts as a anti bacterial. This kills all the nasty bacteria and dirt trapped in the pores. These strips can sometimes be. Little rough on the skin so once a week is plenty.
Using all these methods you will quickly be on the road to recovery from blackheads. Beating the blackheads is a ongoing battle. Once you've got rid of them you have to keep up treatment. This will need to be done less frequently, but ensures those beastly blackheads are gone for good ! With methods that work quickly and effectively there's no need to try different lotions and potions. In my experience stick to what works simply and effectively and enjoy your clear skin!
