Blackheads
Blackheads result when a pore is only partially blocked, allowing some of the trapped sebu, bacteria, and dead skin cells to slowly drain to the surface. The dark color associated with this appearance is not caused by dirt. Rather, it is a reaction of the skin’s own pigment,melanin, reacting with the oxygen in the air. As a white head has a shirt life cycle, a blackhead is a firmer structure, and can often take a lone time to clear.
To prevent or reduce these annoying blackheads, I suggests that you:
- Avoid moisturizers. If you must use a moisturizer, use one that is oil-free and does not clog pores.
- Keep the skin dry.
- Stay cool mentally and physically. When you produce too much sweat, you also produce too much sebum.
- If you have blackheads, whiteheads and acne, get moderate sun exposure without a sunscreen. “If you use a sun-screen you don’t get ultra-violet light to dry up the pimples,” he explains.
- Wash your face morning and night, and in between if working out. And use face wash. “Regular soap doesn’t remove enough sebum,” says Goldstein.
- Exfoliate but only in the evening. When you exfoliate, you’re removing the top layer of the protective skin, so if you do it in the day you may get dark spots on the skin from sun exposure.
- If you have a tendency to get blackheads, avoid cosmetics with moisturizing lubrication.
- For existing blackheads and whiteheads, Goldstein also recommends over-the-counter drying products that contain sulfur, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide washes and gels.
