Throughout our lives, it can happen to everyone that we don't always have the best skin: small or large skin imperfections and annoying blemishes can, at times, make us feel a little uncomfortable. From pimples, to dryness, to spots or excessive shine of the skin, we can also add blackheads, which we certainly can't say are welcome on our face!
Fortunately, having fresh and clean skin is not an unattainable goal: in this article we want to give you all the suggestions and effective advice to fight those much-hated blackheads.
Let's start, therefore, with some useful information to understand the nature of these blemishes and the small daily actions to do to purify the skin of the face and enjoy its beauty.
What are blackheads and why do they form?
The enemies of skin health and well-being are truly numerous: atmospheric agents, pollution and dirt can settle on our skin and penetrate deeply, contributing to the formation of blemishes.
Skin type and genetics can also influence the onset of skin blemishes: unlike so-called normal skin and dry skin, combination skin and oily skin types are generally more prone to the formation of whiteheads and blackheads. For these skin types, it is common for blemishes to concentrate in the famous T-zone, that area of the face located between the forehead, nose and chin where the skin can be more impure.
Those with oily, acne-prone skin are therefore more likely to see blackheads appear on their face: let's get into the details and find out together what they are and why they form.
Our skin naturally secretes sebum with the help of the sebaceous glands; when there is an excessive production of this natural oil, combined with the presence of residues such as dead cells, dirt and make up, it can happen that the pores of the skin, called hair follicles, fill up to the point of becoming completely clogged.
Whiteheads, or closed comedones, therefore, open due to this accumulation of material; thus, what is contained inside the pores is exposed to the air and is subject to oxidation, a reaction that causes, in effect, the dark color typical of blackheads, also called open comedones.
The formation of blackheads can depend on one's genetics, therefore on the type of skin we are born with, but also on variations in hormonal cycles: it is not uncommon, in fact, for skin rashes, pimples, boils or other blemishes to appear during adolescence, but it is not excluded that the problems arise in adulthood.
In the fight against the unsightly appearance of blackheads, a balanced diet and a dynamic lifestyle also play a major role. The general health of the body and skin, in fact, also depends on the nutrients we consume: so, green light to foods rich in vitamins and a daily dose of water, the best ally for good hydration.
How to remove blackheads without damaging your skin
When your reflection in the mirror shows you a dull face with blackheads in some areas, the desire to get rid of impurities can lead you to make the wrong move.
Know that squeezing pimples and blackheads can easily damage the skin: the pressure, the action of the fingertips or nails on the skin tissue can leave more or less evident scars. Our advice, therefore, is to try to resist the temptation of an improvised facial cleansing and to focus your energies on methods that are less harmful to the beauty of your skin.
So how can you remove blackheads without running the risk of permanently damaging your skin? The first piece of advice is to avoid excessively invasive actions.
To get rid of blackheads, it is important to keep your skin clean with the help of gentle cleansers and micellar water that remove impurities while respecting sensitive skin: we recommend choosing quality cosmetic products, especially if they contain organic ingredients, to take care of your facial skin more effectively.
To remove blackheads, you can then consider using patches: these small adhesive strips capture impurities and excess sebum, allowing you to eliminate all the blemishes from the oiliest areas of your face in a single step. This way, you won't have to act directly on the skin tissue and you'll avoid causing wounds and possible scars.
Remedies to remove blackheads
There are many treatments that allow you to improve the beauty of the oval of your face, but not all of them respond to the special needs of your skin type. In fact, each type corresponds to a different need for protection of the dermis: in the case of combination, oily and acne-prone skin, for example, it will be necessary to use a gel with a purifying effect followed by a product that contrasts dilated pores with an astringent effect.
To eliminate blackheads, instead, you can use easily available tools, such as exfoliating masks and scrubs. The dermocosmetics market offers a wide range of products designed to combat the formation of blackheads, redness and any skin rashes.
If you like to dedicate time to body care and skin wellness, you could take advantage of the bath time to apply a purifying mask to your face and thus make the wait for the action more pleasant.
Choose your mask carefully based on the ingredients listed, because not all of them are good for your skin type: if you have normal or dry skin, in fact, we advise against using a clay mask, which is more suitable for oily skin because it tends to dehydrate the skin.
If you prefer the more immediate action of a scrub, instead, you could use it as a natural remedy: brown sugar, honey and lemon juice are the ingredients needed to obtain a homemade exfoliant with an astringent and smoothing effect.
Whether you choose a product or make your own scrub at home, we recommend that you do not overdo the exfoliant to avoid compromising the natural balance of your skin: you will only need to act with a scrub or an exfoliating gel a couple of times a week. The use of this treatment allows you to act deeply against the impurities that accumulate inside the pores, preventing the problem of blackheads and bacterial proliferation.
Acting on the surface of your skin, however, is not the only move you can make to fight blackheads: there is also a way to act from the inside, that is, by taking nutrients that are useful for the well-being of your skin.
In this, in fact, food supplements come to the rescue: based on their formula, especially if based on copper, zinc, vitamin E and C, these solutions contribute to the general beauty of the skin and, therefore, of the face.
Additionally, some of the ingredients in food supplements can contribute to the normal formation of collagen, the protein that plays a role in the formation of fine lines and maintaining healthy connective tissue in the skin.
Do not hesitate, therefore, to ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice: these professionals, in fact, can indicate the product that can best meet your particular needs. Finally, we recommend that you remember that supplements should not be taken as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle.
Prevent with facial cleansing and skin nutrients
Do you often hear about beauty routines? In recent years, attention to skin care has gained a lot of importance: over time, the world of dermocosmetics and skin care has found new solutions, increasingly based on science, which have helped spread the idea of the importance of small daily gestures.
Depending on each skin type, each of us can indulge in a spa treat more than once a day, in the morning and in the evening, greatly benefiting the health of the skin even at home: based on your skin type, choose a cleanser, a hyaluronic acid toner and a moisturizing cream.
The winning feature of an effective beauty routine revolves around deep and daily cleansing of the skin: for example, removing makeup before going to sleep is a very good habit that you should never give up (even when, after a hectic day, you think you don't have the energy to dedicate to facial care!).
If your skin is oily and has some blackheads, allowing makeup residue and other impurities to accumulate in your pores and penetrate your skin could encourage bacterial proliferation and the formation of further annoying blemishes.
Every daily action, then, will allow you to take care of your face in its entirety, from the eye contour to the lips: therefore, dedicate yourself to hydrating the skin by massaging it with your hands and fingertips, in the most delicate areas, in order to promote blood circulation and oxygenation of the tissues, for even more toned skin.
Now that you know everything about facial care, all you have to do is dedicate yourself every day to the beauty of your skin, inside and out.
Sources:
Practical guide to dermocosmetic advice
Role of Vitamins in Skin Care. Stanley S. Shapiro, PhD, and Claude Saliou, PharmD, PhD