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Blackheads-How to Get Rid of a Blackhead #2
Black heads-How to get rid of blackheads #1-Safe ways
using facial steamer
Cleanse the skin regularly and thoroughly using a facial steamer and boiling water containing one or all of the following healing herbs: comfrey, peppermint, yarrow, thyme.This will help in reducing blackheads.
I think one of the safest way to get rid of blackheads is to use a peel-off mask. Any peel-off mask should do the job, but there are some that are specifically designed to lift blackheads and I suppose it is possible those work better, but honestly I doubt it makes that much difference. The .99c mask from CVS should do the trick.
Before applying the mask, you want to open your pores. So either steam for awhile (a pot of hot water and a towel over your head will do the trick) or if that is too much work, simply soak a face cloth as hot as you can stand it and place this over your face. Leave it on until it cools and then do it one more time.
Now you are ready to apply the mask. Simply follow the instructions and leave the mask on for as long as required. Most of them usually are for 30 minutes or so.
Peel! You'll notice all the blackheads that come off with it! Eww! But still, your skin looks a lot better right?
Now the final crucial step to help prevent an immediate reoccurence. Be sure to close your pores. Cool water compresses applied to your face will do the trick.
iore Strips
You can use Biore or any other manufacturer's facial strips to quickly get rid of blackheads. Ponds makes strips as well.
Just make sure that after you use the strips that you close your pores by holding some cool compresses to your face.
Some users report that the strips tend to leave your pores open and make things worse, but if you use compresses after using the strips, that should not be a problem.
Use a Blackhead Removal Tool
If you go and have a professional facial, this is what the aesthecian will use to get rid of blackheads. You can do this at home yourself, but I recommend it as a last resort. Try a mask first and then use the blackhead tool to get rid of the stubborn blackheads that remain behind.
You want to carefully wash your face beforehand and I recommend steaming your pores open. When you use the blackhead tool, it should gently squeeze it out. So don't start digging into your face with the tool. That's even worse than using your fingers to squeeze.
If the blackhead doesn't want to come up, leave it for a couple of days, try some Biore strips and then try the tool again. If your skin is getting all red, you are doing it too hard!
Get a Professional Facial
If you have the cash, do yourself a favor and get a professional facial done. You will not regret it and all those nasty blackheads will be gone. Your skin will start to look a lot better in a day or two as well.
Before scheduling a facial, be sure to ask if they do "extractions". If they don't, find someone who does. You can do a facial without extractions at home yourself. I think they are a waste of money to have done professionally. I want all the crud pulled out. So extractions are the way to go.
Blackhead Treatment-benzoyl peroxide-blackheads-pimples-acne treatment
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect and may also decrease the chemical reaction that changes the lining of the hair follicle. This may help reduce the plugging that causes comedones. Benzoyl peroxide may be used for a mild case of comedones or to help prevent formation of others.Tretinoin (Retin-A)
Tretinoin (Retin-A, Avita, Renova) is the mainstay of treatment for whiteheads and blackheads. Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and works by increasing cell turnover and reducing the "stickiness" of the sloughed cells. It helps expel the plugged material returning the pore to normal. Tretinoin can be irritating, so specific instructions on how to use it can be found here.Antibiotics
Prescription topical antibiotics or oral antibiotics might be used if some of the blackheads and whiteheads are infected, but antibiotics do not help with comedones that are not infected.Isotretinoin (Accutane)
Isotretinoin (Accutane) is used for severe cystic acne and has many side effects. It is very effective for comedones when used properly, but is not usually prescribed for mild acne of either type.Extraction
Extraction may be used by a health care provider on open comedones. This process is performed using a device called a comedone extractor. This is a small, metal, circular instrument that is centered on the comedone and pushes down the surrounding skin, causing the plug to extrude.No Need to Suffer
Whiteheads and blackheads are types of acne that affect many people. There are good treatment options available, so there is no need to suffer with this condition in silence. A primary care provider can initiate treatment for acne and follow mild to moderate cases. Severe cases or those resistant to treatment should be seen by a dermatologist.Sources:
Feldman, Steven, et al. "Diagnosis and Treatment of Acne." American Family Physician 69(2004): 2123-36.
Habif, Thomas. "Acne, Rosacea, and Related Disorders." Clinical Dermatology, 4th Edition. Ed. Thomas Habif, MD. New York: Mosby, 2004. 167-71.
Haider, Aamir, and James Shaw. "Treatment of Acne Vulgaris." Journal of the American Medical Associaion 292(2004): 726-35.
Zaenglein, Andrea and Diane Thiboutot. "Acne Vulgaris." Dermatology. Ed. Jean Bolognia. New York: Mosby, 2003: 531-5.
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