Everybody knows what blackheads are. They are one of the most common types of pimples, especially among people with oily skin. People swear up and down that blackheads are caused by not washing the skin. It is now a well known fact that they are actually caused by oil build-up on the skin.

The “black” appearance of blackheads is caused by the oxidizing of air on the oil clogging the pores and causing the pimple known as a blackhead. It’s like when rust forms on metal that is exposed to water and wind. Skin color also contributes to their dark color.

The two best ways to remove blackheads are to remove their main causes: excessive oil and dead skin cells.

The best way to remove excessive oil from your skin…

The use of gentle products is essential to the treatment and elimination of blackheads. Why? Using harsh products will actually defeat the purpose of cleaning your skin. Harsh products strip the skin of needed oil. Your skin reacts by producing even more oil, and that oil blocks your pores and causes the process to begin all over again.

FYI: Harsh products are products that contain alcohol, mineral oil, and any other product that may redden and irritate the skin.

There are natural products available that contain natural oils to cleanse the skin, as they are often more gentle. Since these oils are close to the oils your body produce, they won’t block your pores like many synthetic products will.

To remove dead skin cells, it is advised to use a gentle exfoliant everyday. This keeps pores from becoming blocked by the dead skin cells. But don’t overdo it! Be gentle with the gentle exfoliant. The last thing you want to do is to over-exfoliate and then irritate the very skin you’re trying to get under control.

The best way to remove blackheads from the skin…

Do not try to forcibly extract blackheads. What? Yes… Popping pimples may remove some of the blackhead. But you also take the chance of pushing some of it deeper into your skin, causing further irritation and infection. That is why you should use gentle products that will help blackheads dry up and go away on their own. Yeah, it takes longer than popping of them yourself, but it will be a thousand times better for your skin. Why? Because in the long run because you will be allowing it to heal naturally by itself.

Though diet has been reported to not affect acne, it is still advised that you eat properly. Some physicians still maintain that a proper diet can help decrease oil production, provide proper moisture to the skin, and help facilitate new and healthy skin cells. This, in turn, will decrease the appearance of blackheads, and stop the formation of new ones.

The 4 best over-the-counter products for blackheads…

Many doctors recommend the following products because they are effect in the reduction of blackheads on your skin: 1) Benzoyl peroxide – destroys P. acnes, and may also reduce oil production. 2) Resorcinol – can help break down blackheads and whiteheads. 3) Resorcinol – can help break down blackheads and whiteheads the shedding of cells lining the hair follicles. 4) Sulfur – helps break down blackheads and whiteheads.

These four products come in many forms, namely soaps, lotions, and gels. Keep in mind that there may be side effects such as itching, burning and redness. But those side effects usually go away with continued use of the product. You’ll also have to be patient, sometimes it can take up to 8 weeks to get the results you want.

In conclusion…

Though as mentioned above, blackheads happen more often in people with oily skin. But blackheads occurs with all skin types, though not as often in others. Carefully choose your skin care products. They are essential to having healthy skin and a healthy complexion. Eat healthy and keep your body well hydrated. Water is essential to healthy skin. If blackheads occur, take the proper steps to eliminate them. Be gentle to your skin. If you are unable to treat blackheads by using over-the-counter products, seek the care of a physician.

(c) 2007 Joey Pinkney & JoeyPinkney.com

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