Blackheads

Get Rid of Unsightly Blackheads

Blackheads are oily germ infested follicle plugs exposed to the air. The technical term for them is open comedones. The black appearance, from which they get their name, comes from their exposure to oxygen. The oxygen in the air combines with the exposed comedo (the plug clogging the pore), causing it to turn black.

What cause blackheads?

Well, the basic cause is the sebaceous gland overproducing sebum, skin oil. With the onset of puberty, hormones go haywire, and one particular hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes the oil glands to go into hyperdrive, causing clogging. Too much makeup, foundations, sunscreen oils, and excessive moisturizing contributes to the problem.

Good hygiene is important. Just make sure that you don’t overdo it by over-cleansing or scrubbing. Over-cleansing or scrubbing can stimulate the oil glands to produce more oil, and thus defeat your purpose…

How do you get rid of blackheads?

The key is cleaning regularly. Again, don’t overdo it.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts.

Don’t squeeze

Use a gentle cleanser and exfoliant

Use cosmetics labeled noncomedogenic (which means it won’t clog your pores) and oil free

Use oil-free moisturizers.

Avoid too much sun

And here are a few home remedies for you to try.

Take one tablespoon black pepper powder and add curd, enough to make thick paste. Apply the paste to the infected area and let it dry. Rinse after 5-7 minutes. Works like magic.

Beat the white part of an egg. Add one teaspoon of honey. Using a cotton swab, apply the mixture to your face. Keep it on for 30 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

Make a paste of ground radish seeds and water, and apply it to the blackhead. Leave the paste on for about 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Pretty effective.