“Blackheads are the biggest nightmare, even to my concealer and foundation” is probably something most girls can relate to growing up. While it’s important to understand that on behalf of the blackheads that show up every once in a few days are darker than the other bumps on the skin’s surface, it still falls under the category of a type of ‘acne’. Just like how it’s said, “sebum and oily/ combination skin are more prone to forming acne and rosacea”, it works the same for blackheads as well. Blackheads are the outcome of a combination of sebum and dead skin cells being clogged up under the open pores, leaving their excess out in the form of visible blackheads. It’s naturally and safely treatable with keeping the insides of our systems clean by investing in a good facial exfoliator .
Another highly recommended and must follow advice all the dermatologists have always recommended is that no matter how big and tempting the blackhead gets, leaving one wanting to pop it or excrete it out of the skin using fingernails, one must remember that it will only leave the skin being more prone for germs to enter, and having it scarred if not appropriately treated.
Below listed are the top ways one must wisely follow to eliminate the multiplication of blackheads and gear their journey closer to clear skin.
Make salicylic acid your best friend
Salicylic acid is really the most common ingredient found in all the medicated and purification/ clarification products as it directly targets the areas that contain excessive sebum production. It also actively targets the present acne, pimples and even blackheads, making them dry (but not excessively) so that they gradually shrink to the point they disappear, leaving no or minimal post damage (scarring).
One should invest in a good cleanser with one or two per cent of salicylic acid (depending on the extreme of their situation) and invest in a good facial exfoliator to complement the benefits it may do to one’s skin, targeting those stubborn dead skin cells and oil. It is also known that salicylic acid can penetrate the skin cells and layers better than any other skin medicated acid and leave one’s skin with glowing and brighter skin after two weeks of continuous usage.
AHAs and BHAs are a must-try
It may be true that scrubbing can worsen the situation for active or stubborn acne that is known to be inflammatory; however, for blackheads, on the other hand, it is well-advised to perform some daily kind of exfoliation (chemical or non-chemical) that can actively remove dead skin cells and clogged pores. AHAs and BHAs, actually, on the other hand, are either beta or alpha hydroxy types of acids that are a chemical kind of an exfoliant. If one faces dry or requires hydration for their skin, they should opt for a glycolic acid (AHA) and, if it’s the other way around, salicylic (BHA). The common thing between both the combinations is that both actively work towards removing the topmost layer of skin known as the layer of dead skin cells, leaving the skin acne and wrinkle-free, feeling plumped and illuminated at the end.
Retinoids can leave one well off faster
Retinoids are concentrated gels or serums with approximately a concentration of 0.1 or 1 per cent (more in extreme cases requiring a prescription). While retinol unclogs pores faster, using a serum before applications of other ingredients helps better penetrate the skin due to its dynamic nature of clearing pores, leaving one with faster and more visible results. However, if one faces sensitive or sunburned skin, they are advised to avoid using these retinoids as they may surrender the skin to more chemical burns and leave it more sensitive.
