Our skin is full of pores containing sebaceous (oil) glands which produce sebum required for lubricating our skin. Blackheads appear when there’s a build-up of oil in the skin pores causing dead skin cells to clog the area. The debris of sebum and dead cells in the pores undergoes oxidative reaction, resulting in hyper-pigmentation and what you get is a dark colored blackhead.
Hormone problems, poor eating habits, excessive use of makeup and bad hygiene can all cause blackheads to form on the skin. Lack of cleanliness also contributes in worsening the condition. If not treated, blackheads can result in painful and unsightly acne spots.
Although blackheads may recur, it is possible to get rid of them. Unlike pimples, which are an inflamed condition of the skin caused by a variety of factors, a blackhead or comedo is a complete formation that can be removed entirely without seriously damaging the surrounding skin, if done correctly. Dr Uma Singh, Medical Director of Ozone Ayurvedics gives a bunch of tips to get rid of acne and blackheads.
First, soften the area around the blackhead. You can do this easily by applying clean, warm compresses to the spot or by steaming your face. Heat and steam soften the blackheads and your skin becomes more receptive to popping. Squeeze them out using a tweezer. Next, press the skin around the blackheads slightly with a clean tissue and close the pores with an astringent solution. If you do not want to pop them, try these methods:
- Apply a mask twice a week to absorb the excess oil and to tighten the skin pores.
- A paste of neem leaves and turmeric can be useful for blackhead and acne prone skin. Mix dry turmeric root powder and milk to a fine paste, apply this paste on your face and neck and keep for 30 minutes. Wash gently with water and pat dry.
- You can also use almond powder mixed with rose water and make it a fine paste. Apply this paste on blackheads.
- Rose water can be mixed with cucumber juice and applied on the face to reduce oiliness. Night-time cleansing is a must to prevent and treat blackheads and acne.
The best way to prevent blackheads and acne is by maintaining a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water. It is important for you to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water on a daily basis. It helps in flushing toxins out of the body, keeps the body hydrated, improves blood circulation, fights inflammation and nourishes the skin providing a healthy, clear, clean and radiant complexion.
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