The 411 On Blackheads

Treatments For Blackheads And Enlarged Pores

So. Blackheads. They aren’t nearly as painful as whiteheads but pose their own nuisances. We’ll look at what they are, what causes them and why enlarged pores don’t have to be something “you just deal with”.

Like actual pimples, they are impacted pores. However, they have not been trapped below the skin’s surface so they do not become infected and turn in to a whitehead. They don’t become infected because they aren’t a good home for bacteria.

Pores get impacted from everyday living. It can be dead skin cells, facial oil, makeup, pollution, dust, pollen, sebum, dirt and skin pigment.

While not an aching, glowing red spot these blemishes have their own set of irritations. The major one, especially on the nose, is called “enlarged pores”.

Enlarged pores are essentially pores that are big enough to become visible when debris gets trapped in them. You can’t “shrink” them (unless you want to try laser treatments); they are part of your facial landscape. You can, however, keep them clean and minimized.

They are more of a nuisance than a real health issue, but there are lots of good, effective ways of dealing with them.

Enlarged pores are most prevalent on the nose, the chin and the forehead. Some people experience them on their cheeks and backs.

It’s pretty tempting to squeeze the little suckers, but frankly there’s too many to do it all by hand and you can really damage your skin using your nails with all that pressure. A scrape from your nails is more noticeable than the blackhead, so it’s best to avoid squeezing them by hand.

Extractor Tool: There are “tools” made especially for extraction. I have not found them to be especially effective, but I still use one from time to time. Basically, you use press the convex side into your skin so the extraction comes through the hole. This disperses the pressure so you don’t damage your facial skin.

Scrubs: Scrubs can be a great way to keep your pores clean and minimized provided you use them regularly. Try to avoid scrubs that use crushed nut shells or pumice. Those are extremely harsh on delicate facial skin. Instead, focus on sugar scrubs or scrubs with microbeads. They work great and don’t leave you looking a little raw.

Masks: Drying masks are also exceptionally effective. You apply them as a cream and let them dry, which tightens your skin as they do so. Those with China clay (green, white (also called kaolin) or rose) are especially effective in my opinion. The clay draws out the impurities leaving you looking radiant without stripping your skin.

Nose Strips: Finally, the nose strips. These little strips work extremely well, but I would caution you to use them sparingly. Once a week should be sufficient. You can suffer skin damage and discoloration if you use them more frequently. The same reason that makes them so effective can also lead to damage because the product is so strong.

Blackhead treatment should be in addition to a regular skincare routine. Doesn’t matter if you have oily, acne-prone or dry skin. Maintaining a regular routine will keep your skin looking it’s best.

Now You Know Blackheads. How About Acne, Dry Skin Or Other Skincare Topics?

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