Want to get rid of blackheads?

What are blackheads

Blackheads are no ones bff, unfortunately lots of us have them. We have hair follicles all over our bodies except for the soles of our feet and the palms of our hands. Even though we can't see most of them, we even have them on our face and this is the home for blackheads.

At the end of a hair follicle is a sebaceous gland which produces oil. Blackheads form from the combination of bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells. They form a plug in your follicle that is open, allowing the air to enter, meaning it oxidizes to form a black colour. Like a banana when its cut open. 

Who is more likely to have blackheads?

• Acne

• Teenagers

• Combination skin type

• More noticeable in men- they have a larger oil production

• Woman- during ovulation your pores are more visible

• Older people - pores are more dilated and more noticeable from sun damage

Cleanse Cleanse Cleanse

You know when you wake up in the morning and your skin feels super oily? Make sure to cleanse first thing and lastly before you go to bed. You need to break down your oil, bacteria and dead skin cells in order to get rid of blackheads.

Exfoliate them dead skin cells

I cannot stress enough how important it is to exfoliate. Imagine your whole face full with dead skin. Your true radiant complexion is trying to get thought but it can't. Exfoliating promotes blood flow, collagen production, cell turnover and keeps your pores clean. You should aim to exfoliate twice a week. It's all about routine. My routine is to exfoliate every time I put face tan on. Scrub all those dead skin cells off to apply the freshest layer of tan. This makes my skin super healthy, with a natural glow.

Salicylic acid (BHA) 

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid. BHA’s go deeper into the skin that AHA’s helping to really unclog them pores and treat blackheads. BHA’s love oil so they will do all they can to get it. The job of Salicylic acid is to exfoliate, antibacterial, anti inflammatory, and reduces sebum production. Give it some time to absorb, take your time applying and removing. Apply it to your problem area to target. Follow up with a moisturiser as it can be quite drying.

Clay mask and charcoal masks 

Masks are great for drawing out excess oil. They really help to loosen and remove clogged pores. I would recommend that you exfoliate first, heat the skin with a hot face cloth to really open up them pores. The only thing i would say it not to expect incredible results, there fine to do, but they are a quick fix. They remove your natural oils, which tends to dry out the skin slightly. Make sure not to leave it on longer than recommended. fThis can send mixed signals to your oil glands. Your skin is super smart (it will dry up and in turn the sebaceous glands will produce more oil as a defence mechanism).

Moisturise 

Moisturizing is one of the main parts of your skincare routine. You can't use all these acids/masks/exfoliating product's without having your moisturiser to bring everything together. Your skin would be too tight. Daily moisturizing helps to keep your skins moisture levels balanced, preventing your pores from becoming clogged and regulating oil production. Use an oil free moisturiser.

Try using oil free products

One of the causes of blackheads is excess oil, applying more oil won't make things any better. Look out for the word non-comedogenic in skincare and especially makeup.

Retinol

Retinol helps to remove blackheads without over stripping the skin and helping with cell turnover. It helps to reduce the stickiness of the cells that clog pores.

Dont squeeze

I feel as tho everyone knows they shouldn’t do it, but does it anyway ( including myself). It increases the risk of scarring by damaging the pore walls. Since the walls are broken, bacteria spreads causing a spot to form. 

Drink plenty of water

Water intake is super important for all aspects of your life. It keeps your skin from going flaky and gives a natural glow. You are keeping your skin cells hydrated and preventing the build up of toxins.

Things that dont work

• pore strips - they exfoliate the dead layer of skin. They cause alot of dryness and irritation, the blackhead is going to come right back so they really are a waste of money as it is a quick fix.

• Lemon juice for pores.