Blackheads

Blackheads are reoccurring nettlesome black spots on your nose, ears, chin or back. They mostly occur in constellates and are so unpleasant to look at that the affected persons try every medication possible to get rid of them and bring back pleasant look to their skin. Blackheads appear mainly due to partially blocked pores. It seems as if dirt is the actual reason for dark appearance of the blackheads. But, on the other hand, its blackness is caused by the oxidizing effect of air on the sebum (oil) in a closed up pore and the melanin pigment from the dead skin cells. This is why they are yellowish or blackish on the surface of your skin. The material inside a blackhead comprises of keratin and sebum- which is the oily substance that comes out from sebaceous glands. Normally people think blackheads cause acne. But instead, they are non inflammatory acne and may engender other severe form of acne which are inflammatory in nature and could be painful too.

Myth and Fact about blackhead

A common belief about the blackhead is that it is a cosmetic trouble and can be dealt only at beauty parlors. But this is a big myth and any attempt to get treatment in any beauty salon without any expert’s advice might expose you to bigger troubles. In medical terms, blackheads are known as open comedones and needs to be treated on time.

Causes of blackheads

People with oily skin are more prone to be plagued with blackheads. Rising pollution in the environment is the other cause of blackheads that exacerbates when proper hygiene is not maintained. However, to get rid of blackheads it is significant to know about the fundamental reasons that cause blackheads to you. Frequently appearance of new blackheads on your skin indicates a greater problem inside you. The possible reasons that cause blackheads are:

Too many dead cells hindering the opening to the pore.

Large production of facial oil.

Deficiency of water in one's body.

Excess scrubbing of the skin.

Use of oily products/makeup.

Cleansing routine not maintained properly due to which the facial oil may not be getting removed.

Common medical problems, such as indigestion, constipation, under active thyroid and anemia are also considered as conducing factors to blackheads.

Blackheads Diet

You have to be selective while eating food materials and must choose right kinds of foods. This will reduce sebum production, increase adequate moisture in the skin and help the formation of new skin cells. Meanwhile, shun cooked carbohydrates and fats, replace these with fresh fruits, vegetables and raw fats (avocadoes, olives, olive oil etc).

Precaution while applying make up

Make sure the foundations you use are non-comedogenic and oil free while applying cosmetics to the face so that they won't block pores. In case if your face is sweating too much, just avoid applying make up. Always use cleanser to remove your make up at the end of the day. Keep your make up brushes and sponges clean. Rinse them in mild shampoo once a month and let dry completely before using.

Homemade remedies for blackheads

Prepare a face wash by mixing fresh lime juice with a glass of boiled milk to remove blackheads.

Applying a paste of ground radish seeds in water also removes blackheads. This is one of the effective blackheads treatment.

Apply mixture of one teaspoonful (tsp) of groundnut oil with one tsp of fresh lime juice on the face to prevent formation of blackheads.

Take one fourth cup of hot water and one tsp of Epsom salt with 4 drops of iodine. Mix well and allow it to cool. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply to the blackhead and surrounding areas. After sometimes, gently remove the dried mixture with a clean cloth. This is the good remedy to remove blackheads.

Apply mixture of fresh lime juice with grounded drumstick pods and leaves on the blackheads. This is one of the useful blackheads remedies.

Prepare a paste of fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves and apply on the face for 10-15 minutes every night and wash the face with warm water.

Steaming is another effective option as it opens and softens the pores for easy removal of blackheads.

Prepare a paste of 5gm each of red sandalwood (Rakta Chandan) and turmeric made with milk and apply on the blackheads. This is the effective way to get rid of blackheads.

Use a face scrub of green tea to loosen the blackheads.

Apply a poultice made of grated potatoes on the skin to get rid of blackheads.