What are blackheads?

Blackheads refer to openings on the skin which are covered in black-colored skin debris. They appear as little dark spots on the skin. Blackheads mostly affect the face and tend to be more common at puberty when there is a hormonal surge in the body. Blackheads are usually the initial stages of acne, they may or may not develop into acne.

What causes blackheads?

They are formed as a result of the skin’s sebaceous glands secreting excess sebum. The excess sebum settles in between the skin pores and blends with dead skin cells thereby forming blackheads. The black color occurs as a result of the melanin in the sebum being oxidised when the sebum is exposed to air. Melanin is a pigment that gives the skin its color.

When excess sebum is deposited in between the skin pores and the pores open, the resulting swellings are known as blackheads. However, when the pores remain closed after the excess sebum has been deposited in between them, the spots on the skin are known as whiteheads.

Embarassment from having blackheads

Many people usually worry about how they look when they get blackheads. Some people may even want to avoid social settings as a result of having blackheads. Blackheads can indeed cause someone to worry especially when they occur at a time when he or she may not wish to have them for example a few days prior to one’s wedding or any other important occasion.

How do you get rid of blackheads?

First and foremost, it is important to know that blackheads don’t occur as a result of dirt or poor skin hygiene, they occur majorly because of secretion of excess sebum by the oil glands of the skin. Blackheads may also be triggered or worsened by make up. Because blackheads are not caused by dirt, it is pointless to try to get rid of them through washing your face repeatedly.

There are a number of ways in which you can get rid of blackheads. The first way is to scrub your face with a face scrub in which some kitchen sugar has been added. The sugar and scrub particles help exfoliate the face by removing dead skin cells and the sebum that has been deposited in between the pores.

Secondly, you can get rid of blackheads using Bentonite clay. Bentonite clay helps in removing excess oil from the skin. It also clears impurities from the skin and in addition has healing properties that are beneficial to health of one’s skin. Prepare a clay mask by mixing some clay and water in a bowl and then massage it onto your face. Leave if for about 25 minutes then rinse your face and pat dry it.

The third way of getting rid of blackheads is through the use of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties. It helps remove particles that block the skin pores and thereby clearing blackheads. Apply tea tree oil on your face and leave for about 10 minutes then rinse with clean water.

Additionally, you can get rid of blackheads using lemon and olive oil. Lemon helps in cleansing the skin and declogging the pores. Olive oil also helps in making the skin smooth. A combination of lemon and olive oil helps in clearing blackheads. Mix lemon juice and olive oil in equal parts and then massage the mixture on your face. Rinse with water after a while.

Lastly, steam is also beneficial in removing blackheads. Steam helps in opening pores. Steam your face using a basin of hot water.