When you look in the mirror and see small black pimples on the nose, cheeks and chin, the whole face starts looking lifeless and rough. Many people believe that blackheads are caused only by accumulation of external dust and they will disappear by repeatedly scrubbing and washing the face, but the reality is quite different from this. There are sebaceous glands under our skin, which produce natural oil called sebum. When this excess oil combines with dead skin cells and gets stuck at the mouth of the pores, a plug is formed. The upper part of this plug remains open and as soon as it comes in contact with external air i.e. oxygen, it gets oxidized. Due to this chemical process of oxidation, this mixture turns black, which we call blackheads (Open Comedones). If the mouth of the pore remains closed then it becomes a whitehead, but if it remains open it takes the form of a blackhead. Trying to remove them by forcefully pressing them with nails can leave deep pits, swelling and permanent scars on the skin, hence it is very important to remove them in a scientific and safe manner.
To get rid of blackheads, the first priority should be to loosen the hardened grease inside the pores. For this, the easiest and most effective way is to steam the face.
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Heat water in a vessel and cover the head with a towel and take light steam on the face for 4 to 5 minutes. The heat of the steam opens the pores of the skin and the hard sebum accumulated in them melts and gets ready to come out.
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Exfoliate the skin gently immediately after taking steam. For this, mix a gentle home-made scrub like coarsely ground oats and a little curd and massage gently on the nose and T-zone in circular motion for 2 minutes.
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Keep in mind that never use walnut peels or harsh scrubs with very coarse grains by rubbing them vigorously on the face, as this causes fine scratches (micro-tears) on the skin and increases the risk of infection.
If blackheads return again and again on your face, you should include chemical exfoliants and clay masks in your routine. Salicylic acid (BHA) is considered the biggest enemy of blackheads in the world of dermatologists. Since it is an oil-soluble acid, instead of staying on the surface of the skin, it penetrates deep into the pores and gradually dissolves the excess sebum and dead cells and removes it. Using a cleanser or serum containing 1% to 2% salicylic acid two to three times a week eliminates the roots of blackheads. Additionally, apply an activated charcoal mask or multani mitti (bentonite clay) paste once a week. Clay masks act like a magnet and absorb excess oil from within the skin, completely cleansing and tightening the pores.
With the help of home remedies, the skin can be made clean and glowing without any side effects.
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Egg White and Tissue Paper Mask: If you can go for a non-vegetarian option, add a little lemon juice to the egg whites. Apply it on the nose, stick a thin layer of tissue paper on top and apply a coat again. After it dries, remove it by pulling it from the bottom upwards. It pulls out all the blackheads like a natural peel-off mask.
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Honey and cinnamon paste: Mix half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in one teaspoon of pure honey. Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties and honey cleanses the pores while moisturizing the skin. Apply it on the affected area for 10 minutes and wash it.
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Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil: Before sleeping at night, mix one drop of tea tree oil in fresh aloe vera gel and apply it on the nose and chin. It prevents bacteria from growing and balances the production of excess oil.
It is not enough to remove blackheads once, but it is wise to prevent them from forming again. For this, include some discipline in your skin care routine. Never make the mistake of sleeping with makeup on; Before sleeping at night, do double cleansing i.e. first remove makeup with a mild cleanser or micellar water and then do face wash. Always choose moisturizers and sunscreens that are clearly labeled as 'non-comedogenic' and 'oil-free' so that they don't block your pores. Avoid the habit of frequently touching your face with dirty hands and change your pillow cover at least twice a week so that the oil and bacteria accumulated on it are not transferred to your skin. Drink enough water, stay away from excessively oily and refined sugar foods and adopt balanced skin care daily. By regularly following these rules, your skin will not only always remain free from blackheads, but its natural glow will also be seen increasing every day.