It is no wonder you want to know how to remove blackheads. They can easily spoil a date or an important event; they make your skin look dirty and untidy, as if you had not been washing it often enough.
Whether you want to remove blackheads from nose or from face, there are several ways you can attempt to get rid of your blackheads. Some of them are, so to say, “mechanical” and others consist in applying chemical products or treatments, or to remove them naturally at home. Mechanical ways to remove comedones include the use of a blackhead extractor, a blackhead pen, or blackhead strips. Here are some useful tips on removing blackheads.
“Mechanical” blackhead removal is done with the use of a special tool called blackhead extractor. There are several variations of it available. Some of them can be used at home, but it is always better for you to get access to blackhead removal professional services than to remove them on your own. A dermatologist would know how to remove them, how much pressure to cause and how to use the blackhead extractor properly, both to remove blackheads and whiteheads. This will also help prevent the formation of acne scars.
You should know that if blackheads are not removed professionally, you run a great risk of damaging your skin. And of course this is very important, especially when it goes about blackheads on your nose and on your face. If you press your skin too hard, the pores may get permanently damaged. They may stay enlarged and you might get blackheads over and over again.
Now, besides mechanical means, there are other means to deal with your blackheads that you should know of, if you want to learn how to remove blackheads. Those are various topical products and treatments. There are many over-the-counter blackhead removal products and some prescription drugs available. They may contain such ingredients as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, for instance.
Benzoyl peroxide cleanses the skin, it helps it to exfoliate more actively. It is also a potent germ killer. It is available in different OTC acne fighting products such as acne washes, gels, lotions or creams. This agent makes your skin less oily, which is good for blackhead removal, as comedones are caused by an excessive skin oil production. It will also fight your pimples if you have any.
Various products may contain 2,5 to 10 percent of benzoyl peroxide. Before choosing a product with a high concentration of this ingredient, you should know that potent benzoyl peroxide treatments may cause some serious side-effects for your skin. They may make your skin too dry, irritated and red. They may also cause skin inflammation and flacking off. Benzoyl peroxide should generally not be used if you have very sensitive skin. And in any case, you may want to use a moisturizer right after you apply this acne treatment.
Acids are another option to resort to, if you want to know how to remove blackheads. Salicylic acid is also a good solution and many OTC products contain this active ingredient. It helps to remove dead skin cells and sebum clogging your skin pores. It will also fight pimples, just like benzoyl peroxide.
Natural acids, such as are found in lemon or lime juice can also be applied for removing blackheads. This is a natural way of removing blackheads that can be used at home. They help to dissolve skin oil, remove dead skin cells and soften the skin. Apply lemon juice to clean skin and let it stay on for about 15 minutes before washing it off.
As you see, there are different ways to remove blackheads. You can have your dermatologist remove them manually with an extractor, or you can choose an OTC product or a home remedy. Remember that your type of skin does play a role and make sure to choose a remedy according to your skin type. Also remember that you might need to try several products before finding the one that really works for you.
