Explore on the various ways on how to get rid of blackheads fast on the various parts of your body using various treatments and home remedies. You will also learn on how to squeeze a blackhead.
What Causes Blackheads
Blackheads develops when the hair follicles on your skin becomes clogged. The hair follicles contains sebaceous glands at the base that produces oil that keeps the hair lubricated. It also keeps the skin soft and protected. When excessive oil, dead skin cells and dirty clogs in this opening of the hair follicle, they forms a bump on the skin surface known as comedo.
When the bump becomes open, the air enters and oxidizes the clogged substances to form black substances known as blackheads. The bump can also remain closed to form a whitehead. There are various factors that increases the chances of developing blackheads. They includes:
- Hormonal changes in your body that cause increased production of oil.
- Skin that produces too much oil
- The use of greasy skin care products and makeup.
- Buildup of propionibacterium acnes on your skin. This is a bacteria that causes acne.
- Irritation of the hair follicles as a result of dead skin cells.
- Taking certain medications
Your body may undergo some hormonal imbalances in your life. During puberty stage, menstruation and while taking birth control pills may cause hormone changes in your body. When the level of estrogen in your body declines, it gives an opportunity for the level of testosterone to increase.
This imbalance cause the oil glands to produce excessive oil that may clog the hair follicle to cause blackheads. This explains why most teenager and young mothers may suffer from this condition.
Some of the skin care products and makeup may also increase the chances of developing this condition. The use of greasy make ups such as lipsticks may contribute to what causes blackheads on lip line and other parts of your face. The use of soluble or water-based makeups are best in preventing this condition. You should also wash your face daily before going to bed to remove the makeups and other dirty that may clog the pores.
The irritation of the ingrown hair can also lead to formation of blackheads. The hair that grows underneath the skin can also prevent the oil from coming out. This may lead to an infection that may cause pus and inflammation of the hair follicles. This condition is common among individuals with coarse hair such as African-Americans.
The type of your skin can also contribute to formation of blackheads. Skin that produces more oil may experience this condition due to clogging of the hair follicles. Such skins also provide an ample condition for multiplication of acne causing bacteria if not cleaned well. You are supposed to wash such skin with warm water to get rid of excessive oil.
Taking certain medications can lead to blackheads. Some of the medicines may create a hormonal imbalances in your body. This may trigger the sebaceous glands to produce excessive oil that may clog the hair follicles. Such drugs includes androgens, corticosteroids among others.
Some people believe that taking certain foods may also contribute to this condition. Dairy products and carbohydrates may increase your blood sugar level that may trigger mild acne. But from the various dermatological research done there is minimal chances for such food to cause blackheads.
Blackheads on Nose Causes
Blackheads develops on the nose as a result of overproduction of sebum that causes clogging of the pores. Some people believe that poor hygiene contributes to this condition, however from the various scientifically research done shows that blackheads has nothing to do with improper cleaning of your skin.
The good news is that there is various remedies on how to get rid of blackheads fast. You may also visit your dermatologist if you have concern on clearing this condition. However, there are various factors that may contribute to blackheads on your nose. They include the following:
- Skin care products
Skin care products and makeups may contribute to what causes blackheads on nose. Your nose has more concentration of oil glands than the other parts of your face. Therefore, the skin products that you may be applying on your face may cause clogging of the hair follicles on your nose.
The oil may start to accumulate behind the clogged pores and hence resulting to formation of blackheads. If this condition is not controlled on time may lead to formation of pimples since blackheads is a mild acne.
- Poor sleeping position
The research done by Susan Binder, a dermatologist in New York City shows that sleeping on one side of your face may also contribute to what causes blackheads on the side of your nose. Sleeping on one side may cause friction on your nose against the pillowcase and sheets.
The pressure applied on the nose the whole night may also block the pores from excreting excessive oil from your nose. You are likely to develop blackheads especially on one side of your nose. Changing your sleeping position can help to fix this problem.
- Sweat
Working in high temperatures or intense working can cause excessive sweating. Over-production of sweat may contribute to formation of blackheads by blocking the sweat pores. Sweat can also cause dirty and makeups to clog the hair follicles that may result to accumulation of the oil behind the blocked pores.
Washing your face immediately after such strenuous work and exercises is important on how to get rid of blackheads. Using warm water can help in unblocking the clogged pores. You should also exfoliate your nose and face once a while to get rid of dead skin cell and dirty that may be clogging your nose.
- Hormones
The hormone changes in your body may contribute to what causes blackheads on the nose strips. The level of estrogen may start to drop in your twenties in women. This means that your body will have more testosterone than estrogen. This may activate your oil glands to produce excessive oil that may clog the pores and hence resulting to formation of blackheads.
- Some medications
Taking some medications may also cause the formation of blackheads on your nose and other parts of your face. Medicines such as steroids, phenytoin, estrogen and testosterone among others can contribute to this condition.
Blackheads in Ear Causes
Blackheads results from too much oil that may clog the pores. Dirty, dead skin cells and sebum can also combine to clogging of the hair follicles and hence causing formation of comedo. The comedo may become open allowing air to oxidize and hence turning black. However there are various factors that may contribute to formation of blackheads in the ear. They include:
- Excessive dead skin cells
Excessive dead skin cell, dirty and sebum may accumulate in the hair follicles resulting to clogging. This may cause blackheads in ear piercing and other parts of the ear. You are supposed to gently exfoliate your ear twice a week to remove the dead cells and other dirty.
- Improper ear cleaning routine
Improper ear cleaning routine can also contributes to what causes blackheads behind ear and inside. Many people may forget to clean behind the ears most of the time when taking shower. Others also don’t know how to clean the inner side of the ear. Removing the earwax using a cotton swab frequently may not be a recommended way of cleaning the ears. Use warm water to clean the ear and areas around the ear. Use clean cotton towel to dry them every time you clean.
- Excessive skin oil production
If your skin produces excessive oil, you are likely to experience formation of blackheads. It may result to clogging of the hair follicles. You will therefore end up having blackheads on the various parts of your ear.
- Presence of propionibacterium acnes on your ears
This is a bacteria that causes acne. This bacteria may attack different parts of your body to cause acne. When it attacks the ears, it may result to painful blackheads in ear. Cleaning the ear using antibacterial soap can help in killing such bacteria.
- Use of some medications
Taking some medications such as androgens, lithium and corticosteroids can increase the chances of developing acne on different parts of your body including the ears.
- Hormonal changes
Hormonal imbalances may also lead to formation of blackheads in your ears. Hormone changes especially during puberty, menstruation, during pregnancy and while taking birth control pill may trigger sebaceous glands to produce excessive oil.
How to Get Rid Of Blackheads Fast
Blackheads is a mild type of acne that results from clogging of the hair follicles. They are formed when dirty, dead skin cells and excessive oil accumulates in the opening of the skin. When the accumulated sebum and dead cells are exposed to air, they oxidize to turn black. This is the main reason why they are known as blackheads although they can also be yellow in color.
They can affect any type of skin but they are common on oily skin. If you fail to control this condition, it may lead to severe acne on the different parts of your body. Therefore, there are various way of treating blackheads naturally and using medical treatments. You also need to be very careful by following correct procedures when treating them to avoid worsening the condition.
Everyone has a different skin, the treatment method that work best for your friend may not necessarily mean that it will work for you. Therefore, there are various ways you can try and choose the one that works best for your skin. They included the following:
- Visit your dermatologist for treatment
If you are having severe blackheads on different parts of your body, it is advisable to visit your dermatologist for treatment. He or she will be able to examine your condition and provide the correct treatment that will be able to clear your condition. The dermatologist will prescribe for you some medication to use or he or she may recommend natural treatments.
- Apply prescription products
Your dermatologist may prescribe you some antibiotic gel, creams and lotions that will clear blackheads on your skin. Such products may contain some concentration of salicylic acid that is effective in exfoliating the skin to open the blocked pores. This treatment is only done if your condition is severe. Ensure that you take the medicines as directed by your dermatologist or doctor.
- Apply benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is an over-the-counter product that can be obtained from a drug store within your location. It is recommended to use this product if you don’t have a sensitive skin. It contains key ingredients that are effective on how to get rid of blackheads fast at home by unblocking the clogged pores. This remedy is fast in clearing blackheads.
- Use salicylic and glycolic acid
A combination peel containing alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid is effective in breaking down oil and dead skin cell that clog the hair follicles. It also exfoliates the skin to prevent further formation of blackheads as well as treating the existing ones. This treatment is very effective according to Dr. MacGregor.
- Take prescription oral retinoid
Your dermatologist may also prescribe that you take oral retinoid such as isotietinoid. Prescribed-strength formulation works more effective as compared to over-the-counter retinol formulations. When taken, they helps in boosting the receptors inside the skin to improve skin growth and how it shed the dead skin cells.
This medication helps the skin to shed the dead cells more effectively as compared before. This helps in opening clogged hair follicles and hence getting rid of blackheads as well as controlling other skin blemishes. You are supposed to take such medicines as directed by your dermatologist.
Home Remedies for Blackheads
The various ingredients found in your kitchen and in a natural store can be used in controlling blackheads on your skin. Most of the ingredients are effective on how to get rid of blackheads fast and easy when you use the correct procedures. They are also gentle on your skin, they include the following:
- Apply egg white mask
Some people may not like this remedy because of the smell it causes on their face and other affected area. Other people do swear in the name of egg white as an effective remedy in getting rid of blackheads. Therefore you may not know the effectiveness of this remedy until you try it.
The egg white works by tightening you pores as well as removing the blackheads. You simply separate the egg white from the yolk. Use a soft brush or your fingers to apply 2-3 coats on your affected area. Apply the first coat and wait for a few minutes to dry before re-applying the second coat. You may apply a third coat in areas that are severely affected.
Give the mask 10-15 minutes to dry before you wash it away. This procedure may be repeated for several days until you acquire the best results. Am sure that you will be surprised with the new look of your face and other affected areas.
- Use lemon juice scrub
Lemon is effective in treating acne and other skin blemishes. It contains antibacterial and exfoliating properties that works together in killing the bacteria that may cause blackheads as well as exfoliating the dead skin cells. You may need several ingredients to make the scrub that include honey or sugar, yogurt and lemon juice.
Mix the three ingredients in a bowl to make a scrub. Apply the scrub on the affected areas and allow it to dry for 15 minutes before washing it away. You are supposed to repeat this procedure daily for 1-2 weeks until the blackheads disappears.
- Apply cinnamon and honey strips
A combination of cinnamon and honey is effective on how to get rid of blackheads fast especially on the nose and other areas that are affected. The antibacterial properties of honey gives it power to kill the acne causing bacteria on the skin. Cinnamon on the other hand helps in improving the circulation by unblocking the clogged pores.
You simply need raw organic honey, cinnamon powder and a clean cotton strip. Mix the honey and cinnamon to make enough mask that will cover the affected area. Apply a thin layer of the mixture on the affected area and cover it using the cotton strip. Remove the strip after 10 minutes and rinse the affected area with water.
- Sugar scrub
Dead skin cells, sebum and dirty is among what causes blackheads on different parts of your body. You may only need to exfoliate your skin to open the clogged hair follicles. A sugar scrub improves circulation of your skin as well as giving it a youthful look.
You simply need ¼ cup of sugar and 3 tablespoons of jojoba oil. Mix the two ingredients and stir well to mix. Leave the mixture for some time to stand. Clean the affected area before applying your scrub. Use your fingers to spread the scrub in a circular motion over the affected areas for some time. Allow it to exfoliate your skin for 20 minutes before washing it away.
- Apply a mixture of mint and apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps in breaking down the materials that might be clogging the hair follicle while mint works by tightening the hair follicles. The antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar also helps in killing the bacteria that may cause new forms of blackheads.
To make this mixture, you will require 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons of fine chopped fresh mint leaves, water and a cotton ball. Place the chopped mint leaves and apple cider vinegar in a bottle and keep them in a cool and dry place for 5 day. Add a few drops of water in the mixture and stir well before applying on the affected area using a cotton ball.
- Use baking soda paste
Baking soda is also effective on how to get rid of blackheads fast. It helps in exfoliating the skin to get rid of dead skin cells debris, dirty and oil that clogs the hair follicles. This is among the cheapest remedy that will give you positive results.
You simply mix some baking soda with a few drops of water to make a thick paste and apply directly on the blackheads. Allow the paste to penetrate your skin for 15 minutes before washing it away with clean water.
- Apply a mixture of milk and honey
Honey and milk is known from the ancient time for healing various skin blemishes including the blackheads. The antibacterial properties in honey helps in treating blackheads on back and other areas that are affected by killing the acne causing bacteria. Mix the two ingredients and apply directly on the affected areas.
- Use clay mask
Some of the best face masks for acne and blackheads There are various types of cosmetic clays that are found in cosmetic shops. They help in drying out excessive oil on your skin that may be causing clogging of the pores. The cosmetic clay gives the best results when mixed with other ingredients such as apple cider vinegar. Mix the clay, apple cider vinegar and some water and apply on the affected areas.
Best Way to Remove Blackheads
There are various ways you can employ in removing blackheads that forms on the various parts of your body. This skin condition can be treated by cleansing, exfoliating and using chemical treatments as explained below:
- Cleansing the affected areas
Blackheads mainly results from clogging of the hair follicles due accumulation of dead skin cells, sebum and dirty into the hair follicles. Cleansing may be the best way to remove blackheads from cheeks and other affected areas. Various ingredients can be used to cleanse the affected areas by opening the clogged hair follicles.
Cleansing is done using some of the ingredients that are available within your kitchen and in the grocery store near your location. They include a mixture of honey and cinnamon, clay mask, egg white mask, turmeric and mint leaves among others.
- Exfoliating the affected areas
Exfoliation is also the best way to remove blackheads and whiteheads on your skin. This method is effective on how to get rid of blackheads fast. It helps in shedding of dead skin cells and dirty that may aid in clogging of the hair follicles. There are various exfoliating agents that you may use such as a mixture of lemon and salt, green tea scrub and baking soda paste. There is also other exfoliating agents that you may obtain from cosmetic stores.
- Chemical treatments
There are also various chemical treatment you may perform on your skin to get rid of blackheads. Some of the chemical treatment works by drying the affected areas to remove excessive oil that causes clogging of the hair follicles. They include facial peel, retinoid cleansers, microdermabrasion and use of pore cleansing strips among others.
Squeezing Blackheads
Squeezing can help to eliminate some blackheads when done using the correct procedure. This method may only give a temporal solution to your condition. However, dermatologist may not prefer squeezing as a treatment for blackheads. They recommend the use of other methods of treatment.
Blackheads contains bacteria under the surface of the skin on the walls of clogged hair follicles. Therefore, squeezing may cause damage on the walls of the hair follicles which may result to the spread of bacteria on the areas around to form new blackheads.
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