HOW TO GET RID OF BLACKHEADS

If you have oily skin, blackheads can occur on your face. A blackhead (an open comedon) is a yellow or blackish bump or plug on the skin. Blackheads are caused by excess oils that have accumulated in the sebaceous gland's duct. The substance found in these bumps mostly consists of keratin and oily secretion of the sebaceous gland, which darkens as it oxidizes.Many people believe that these blackheads are formed due to dirt. This is wrong, because frequent washing does not rid you of blackheads.

How to get rid of blackheads

Do not extract blackheads using your fingernails or a comedone remover. This can cause permanent damage to the pores.
Do not use medications for acne if you have blackheads only. Medications will not help you but can cause significant harm to the skin.
Treatment Options

• If you have a small amount of black dots, then try a gentle scrub to exfoliate your skin.
• Try over-the-counter medications containing BHA (Beta hydroxy acid, Salicylic acid). BHA works as a bacteriocide and comedolytic agent by causing the cells of the epidermis to shed more readily, opening clogged pores and neutralizing bacteria within, preventing pores from clogging up again by constricting pore diameter, and allowing room for new cell growth. Optimum concentration of BHA in an over-the-counter product is 1-2%.
• Try over-the-counter medications containing benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide works as a peeling agent, increasing skin turnover and clearing pores, thus reducing the bacterial count there as well as directly as an antimicrobial. Optimum concentration of benzoyl peroxide in an over-the-counter product is 2.5-10%.

Doctors and dermatologists can prescribe products that contain a much higher concentration, but as with any radical exfoliant, care must be taken when using these products.