Blackhead Removal
Effective Tips for Blackhead Removal
No one likes to wake up in the morning to find an unsightly blackhead staring at them in the mirror. Of course, the natural instinct is to squeeze that puppy right out, but too much messing with the skin can cause scarring you will have to live with for the rest of your life. However, this risk doesn't have to diminish your ability to get rid of those blackheads completely. We have some effective methods of blackhead removal that will kiss those blemishes goodbye without causing any permanent damage to your skin.
Exfoliation
Exfoliating products are an excellent addition to skin care, because they can effectively remove dead skin cells and the occasional blackhead. Use an exfoliating product containing benzoyl peroxide on clean skin, be careful not to rub too hard and then rinse your face thoroughly. You should see an improvement overall, as well as the disappearance of smaller blackheads that have been driving you batty. If home treatments do not work, you can also talk to your doctor about a cosmetic treatment such as microdermabrasion or a light chemical peel. In addition to removing stubborn blackheads, these resurfacing techniques can reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles, leaving softer, smoother skin.
Extraction
Any type of extraction method for blackhead removal should be done with utmost caution to minimize any permanent damage to the skin. There are devices on the market that are designed specifically for this purpose, and they can be very effective when they are used carefully and correctly. This method of blackhead removal tends to work best if the skin is treated first through exfoliation or steaming to expose the blackhead and make it easier to extract.
Pore Strips
You have probably seen them on commercials. The model places a strip on her nose or forehead and when she peels it off, all the blackheads come off with it. While this method of blackhead removal is not as effective as advertising would suggest, it can remove smaller blackheads without damaging the skin in the process. You can find these strips specifically designed to fit across the nose, or basic shapes to use on the forehead and chin.
Topical Creams
While acne topical solutions may not be all that effective in blackhead removal, they can reduce the number of blackheads you have to deal with. Creams that contain retinol, a derivative of vitamin A are especially effective for this purpose. However, retinol creams can also be very irritating to sensitive skin and will make skin more vulnerable to sun damage. It is important to use retinol products sparingly at first, until you see how your skin will react. It is also a good idea to use sunscreen if you are using a retinol-based product on your skin to avoid sun damage.
Blackheads are not attractive, but there are effective methods for blackhead removal that can get rid of those nasty black dots once and for all. Try one or two of the methods listed above until you find the one that works the best for you.