Blackheads are little, dark spots caused by a small plug in the opening of a follicle (pore) on the skin. Also, they are called open comedones, a type of acne vulgaris and is normally caused by makeup and excessive oil, which can enable the increase of the major anaerobe of the normal skin flora known as the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes. Keratin and modified sebum are generally the substance found in these bumps, an oily secretion of the sebaceous gland which blackens (similar to dirt) as it oxidizes.
Blackheads and zits are slightly different siblings, and squeezing them can be addictive. Composed of sebum or the same oil that contributes to the production of blackheads, pimples result from a building up of this oil in pores.
The difference in appearance is the outcome of the blackhead’s exposure to the air, the response of which with the oil causes the characteristic black color of these blemishes. And while blackheads are more easily concealed by makeup, they can seem less offensive to the sufferer, and as a result, less harmful to squeeze.
I wrote here the best makeup brands that could do the concealing. Going back, squeezing is not good for blackhead as it leaves a permanent scar on skin and also infection will occur. Whiteheads and blackheads, both symptoms of the skin condition acne, commonly appear on the face and shoulders, but they may also develop on the trunk, buttocks, legs, and arms. They are most common in teenagers but can happen at any age including infants.
Causes of Blackheads
Blackheads are caused when sebum, excess skin oil, and clogging toxins are excluded through your skin from the lymph fluid and blood which are the supplier of nutrients of your skin.
These obstructing toxins combined with sebum and skin oil clogs your pores causing whiteheads, blackheads, and acne. Also, dirt plays a massive role in developing skin blackheads.
The dirt stored on the face or other parts of the body make the bacteria to develop. The dirt with oily skin makes things even worse. Although food is thought not to be the cause of blackhead, doctors believe that there may be some role of food in it too.
Symptoms of Blackheads
Blackheads and whiteheads are a mixture of sebum, oils and cellular remains that form firm to solid plugs within hair follicles. Blackheads are exposed to the surface of the skin and darken at the surface when exposed to oxygen.
Whiteheads are closed from the surface of the skin through cellular debris at the follicle opening. They do not oxidize or turn brown because they are closed from oxygen. They form “milia”, a light or yellow-white lump. An important note to consider is it can lead to acne as soon as bacteria are added to these plugs.
The treatment is not to pop the problem but to extract the oils and debris instead. Read on to know our favorite blackhead masks that will break down the blemish-like issue ASAP!
Face Masks
1. The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Face Mask
If you’ve already heard about the natural glow benefits of tea tree mask, bravo! If not, note that this clay mask is infused with this results-driven essential oil to kill acne-causing bacteria, unclog pores, and reduce pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and other impurities. Consider this a must-have because it’s not only travel-friendly, it leaves your skin feeling moist while decreasing blackheads over time. Click the above image to get this.
2. Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
The Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask is 100% made of natural calcium bentonite clay, well-known for its detoxifying and healing properties. You can get this by clicking the photo above.
According to Dr. Axe, a famous online health professional, the clay generates an electrical charge when it comes into contact with liquid. This charge is capable of binding any toxins it comes into contact.
3. InstaNatural Dead Sea Mud Mask
InstaNatural Dead Sea Mud Mask has 7 widely known ingredients which produce a creamy texture and earthy smell. If you have blackheads or other blemishes, this mask will dry that all out and restore your skin. It detoxifies pores and controls future impurity attacks. Also, the mask contains some of the earth’s most preferred ingredients, Aloe Vera, Hickory Bark Extract, Jojoba Oil and Calendula Oil. The Hickory bark extract is used to sooth dry skin while the filtered water and xanthan gum improve stability all over. You can get this when you click the photo above.
4. Benatu Blue Clay Mask
Benatu Blue Clay Mask is formulated with 100% natural and organic ingredients – Dead Sea Mud, Pure Sandalwood Oil and Natural Plant Extracts. Combined with peppermint essence, it can purify your skin and shrink pores, make skin more relaxed and refreshed, relieve itching of the skin, to remove blackheads also effect extremely. You can easily get this by simply clicking the image above.
5. Al’Iver Charcoal Peel Off Mask
Charcoal powder mask is a big trend right now and this one works great as blackhead remover and so forth. It has its main ingredients of an organic acid, bamboo charcoal powder and bamboo vinegar that helps absorb pores, blackhead and stubborn dirt in keeping the skin tender and smoother. If you want to have this mask, simply click the image above.
Ways to Prevent Blackheads:
- Cleanse your face with unboiled milk; gently rub a coarse cloth dipped in milk to remove the blackheads. Steam your face with herbs like lemon peel, lavender, and mint leaves added to the water and lets the skin soak up its goodness.
- Cut back on your sugar intake. It will cause breaks outs. Don’t drink too many cola’s or eat too many sweets. Also, cut back on your intake of fat. Like in chips and so forth.
- Try pore strips – they work well for some people – use right after shower or bath so pores are open. Use a clean washcloth, scrub, or just your fingers to wash face every time.
- Eat a ‘clean’ diet – lean protein, low-fat dairy, whole grain cereal and bread, lots of fruit and vegetables. No fried, fast, or junk food – even diet junk food.
- Drink 1/2 gallon of water a day.
- Use creams containing AHAs or Alpha Hydroxy Fruit acids like glyco-creams which clear away any dead skin cells and “expose” the blackhead. Use the AHA’s every 3 days or so.
- Exfoliate the blackhead prone area 3-4 times a week using facial exfoliators and scrubs.
- Refrain from washing your face with soaps more than twice a day.
- Instead wash your face often with plain water splashes.
- Use a good exfoliant then while your face is still warm, take an extractor and get them all out. You can find some of them here!
- After that just be sure to wash your face every night before you go to bed and you should be 100% blackhead free.
Have I missed anything? Let’s talk about blackheads in the comments. 🙂
