Table of contents:
- How to get rid of blackheads
- 1. Benzoyl peroxide
- 2. Salicylic acid
- 3. Retinoids
- 4. AHA and BHA
- 5. Certain therapeutic options
- Natural way to get rid of blackheads
- Use of natural ingredients
- Tea tree oil
- Aloe vera
- Baking soda
- Lemon
- Baby oil
- Routinely use a mask
- Tips to prevent blackheads
Blackheads are the forerunner of acne. This type of mild acne can cause inflammation if left untreated. Therefore, you should immediately find out various ways to get rid of blackheads in order to prevent acne.
How to get rid of blackheads
The main cause of the appearance of this skin disease consisting of black and white blackheads is clogged pores. These clogged pores can be triggered by various things, such as hormonal changes, stress, unsuitable products, to food.
If pores become clogged, excess oil and dead skin cells cannot be removed and eventually build up. As a result, white or black bumps appear called blackheads, which are the forerunners of acne.
There are actually various ways you can do to remove blackheads from your skin. The reason is, blackheads are a type of acne that is fairly mild, so even natural treatments can help the healing process.
Here are some methods you can use to treat stubborn blackheads, from medicines to home remedies.
1. Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an active compound that you usually find in acne medications and is available in various variants, from gels, lotions, to soaps.
This compound can also be used as a way to get rid of blackheads. This is because benzoyl peroxide opens the skin pores and stops the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
Although it is considered effective, the use of benzoyl peroxide can trigger various side effects, such as dry skin to cause pain. Try to buy products with the lowest benzoyl peroxide content to minimize side effects.
2. Salicylic acid
Not only benzoyl peroxide, another active compound that is often used as a way to remove blackheads is salicylic acid.
Substances that fall into the category of keratolytic drugs help slow down the release of cells in the pores and break down blackheads. This aims to prevent clogging of the hair follicles.
If you choose salicylic acid as a treatment to treat blackheads, there are a number of things that need to be considered as follows.
- Avoid using other topical medications, such as benzoyl peroxide and retinoids.
- Do not use soap or other types of cleaners scrub.
- Limit the use of cosmetics or soaps that exfoliate the skin.
3. Retinoids
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives which are known to be effective in clearing clogged pores and removing blackheads.
In general, retinoid formulations are prescribed by doctors. This active vitamin A compound acts on skin receptors to improve skin growth and exfoliate to prevent acne.
The outer layer of skin (epidermis) will be flattened and thickened, while the dead skin layer will peel off.
Because of this, some people may experience flaking like scaly skin. However, these side effects will subside after regular use within a few days.
4. AHA and BHA
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA) are examples of the best exfoliators for skin. Both work by exfoliating the top layer of dull skin and clearing out pores.
This certainly can be an alternative for people who want their skin to look softer without stubborn blackheads. You can use products that contain AHA / BHA 1-2 times a week depending on the usage instructions.
5. Certain therapeutic options
For those of you who want to get rid of blackheads with the help of a dermatologist, you may be offered the following treatment options.
- Chemical peels with the help of a special solution that is applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells.
- Laser therapy and light therapy to reduce oil production.
- Microdermabrasion to renew the overall texture and skin tone, perfect for treating blackheads.
- Remove blackheads with a special tool to remove dead skin cells in the pore openings.
Natural way to get rid of blackheads
Apart from using drugs and therapy, both from a doctor and on your own, there is nothing wrong with applying home remedies. There are several natural ways you can help get rid of blackheads, such as:
Use of natural ingredients
You may prefer to use natural ingredients to remove blackheads. The reason is, natural ingredients are easier to obtain and more affordable. Here are some natural ingredients that are often used to help deal with blackheads.
Tea tree oil
Coconut tree oil (tea tree oil) has been used for a long time as an alternative treatment to get rid of stubborn pimples and blackheads. This is due to the presence of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds in it.
Both of these compounds are believed to kill bacteria and dirt that causes blackheads to accumulate. As an essential oil, tea tree oil can be used directly on problem areas, such as the face and nose.
You can also choose a care product that contains tea tree oil as another option. Even so, always consult a doctor if you want to use certain natural ingredients, especially when you are undergoing acne treatment.
Aloe vera
Not only tea tree oil Aloe vera leaves have long been known as a natural ingredient that helps get rid of pimples and blackheads. Although it does not directly affect blackheads, using aloe vera gel for acne can maintain skin health by:
- clean pores,
- softens the skin, and
- helps reduce excess oil production.
Baking soda
Baking soda is one of the most commonly used ingredients in microdermabrasion, a method of exfoliating dead skin that helps treat blackheads.
You can mix baking soda with a little water to make a thick paste. Then, apply the paste to the problem area and rub it gently in a circular motion.
When finished, rinse with clean water and apply a moisturizer afterward so that skin moisture is maintained.
Lemon
Several toner products on the market have proven to be effective in dealing with pimples and blackheads. However, you can also process natural ingredients, such as lemon, to be used as a toner to remove blackheads.
Lemon juice is a powerful natural astrigent for removing annoying skin problems. However, you need to be careful when using it because lemon has whitening properties that can temporarily lighten the skin.
As a result, the skin becomes more sensitive to light, so you have to apply it sunscreen every time you go outside the house.
Baby oil
If you have tried various essential oils as a way to get rid of blackheads and they are not getting better, give it a try baby oil .
Baby oil is an oil containing 98% mineral oil which can help overcome skin problems on the face. This finding has been proven in a study I international Journal of Cosmetic Science .
The study states that the mineral oil content can improve the skin layer and is non-comedogenic. Therefore, some may find that use baby oil does not clog pores and moisturizes the skin.
Routinely use a mask
The natural ingredients mentioned above can indeed be used as toners or scrubs. You can also process it into a mask as a way to get rid of stubborn blackheads.
Instead of squeezing blackheads that can trigger inflammation, you should choose the type of mask that suits your skin type. You can also make masks from several natural ingredients that are easily available, such as:
- egg white mask,
- green tea powder mask,
- mask of coconut oil and sugar, as well
- turmeric and coconut oil mask.
Tips to prevent blackheads
Basically, the main key to preventing blackheads is the same as preventing acne, namely maintaining clean skin and implementing healthy habits in the following ways.
- Avoid picking areas with blackheads or pimples.
- Clean your face with a mild soap twice a day.
- Limit use of exfoliator products or scrub , a maximum of once a week.
- Avoid oil-based cosmetics and grooming products.
- Always wear sunscreen when going outside.
Blackheads are one of the most common skin problems experienced by most people. After being treated, black spots will appear which become the prickly of blackheads.
Even so, don't give up on finding out what is the right way to get rid of blackheads that suits your skin type.