The 8 ways to remove blackheads (nose and face)
Blackheads are an unsightly problem very common that they appear especially in areas such as the face or nose, and that even if they are removed they reappear easily.
But can blackheads be permanently removed? There are ways to remove them without damaging the skin, but to prevent their reappearance you need to maintain a cleaning routine on a regular basis.
In this article we explain why they appear and we explain 8 ways to keep your pores clean and remove blackheads.
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What are blackheads?
Blackheads are dark colored pores that can appear on our skin, especially in areas of the face such as the nose and surroundings, and that we have all been able to have at some time.
They are known as open comedones, since they are open pores that become clogged by accumulation of impurities, excess sebum and dead cells. They usually appear in areas of the face where more excess fat is produced, such as the nose, forehead or chin; but they can also appear on other parts of the body such as the neck, shoulders or arms.
Sebum or impurities are trapped in the pore forming a plug and preventing the pore from closing. Accumulated substances such as sebum are exposed to the air, which ends up oxidizing them and giving them a dark color, hence they look like black dots.
Although it is above all an unsightly problem, it is important to remove blackheads and keep pores clean, since without good hygiene they can become infected and inflamed, causing pimples and pustules typical of acne.
How to remove blackheads at home
Eliminating blackheads is not an easy task, since even if we clean and eliminate that excess waste that accumulates in the pore, this remains open and takes time to close, so it is easy for it to fill up with sebum or dead cells and become clogged again.
That is why we give you some tips on how to prevent its reappearance and what are the best ways to keep pores clean and free from blackhead formation.
1. Do not remove with fingers
Although it may seem like the quick way to remove blackheads, it is the worst. Many people feel the urge to try remove blackheads with fingers or tweezers, but in this way you can damage your skin and leave a scar. Or worse yet, you can infect the pore.
If you want to remove blackheads manually, it is best to go to a specialist to remove them with a specific comedone extractor. In any case, this does not ensure that you will eliminate them completely, so it is necessary to follow other tips to prevent their appearance.
2. Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water daily is essential to maintain healthy skin free of blemishes. Although it is not a way to eliminate blackheads per se, drinking between 1 and a half liters or 2 of water daily helps to keep skin hydrated and remove impurities from the face, thus avoiding that they can accumulate in the pores and end up forming a plug.
3. Balance diet
Another way to prevent blackheads from the start is to eat a good diet. Many types of food favor the accumulation of fats and toxins in the body that must be eliminated through the skin, so an excess of sebum can end up forming blackheads or pimples.
It is recommended to reduce the intake of foods that contain artificial fats, fried foods, red meat or dairy. On the other hand, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits or healthy fats such as oily fish helps to maintain healthy skin and free of excess fats.
4. Daily cleaning routine
However, the most important thing to permanently eliminate blackheads will be to perform a good daily cleaning of the face. Washing your face daily, even just with water, allows get rid of excess sebum and impurities. It will also be important to remove make-up every night before going to bed.
But if you want to maintain this cleanliness, it is best to follow a cleaning routine with products that you help clean pores and make it easier for them to close, such as the use of cleansing gels and tonics. Find the one that best suits the needs of your skin.
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5. Good exfoliation
If you maintain good eating habits and a good daily cleaning, you can prevent excess sebum and impurities. To remove existing blackheads, you can perform a facial exfoliation that allows a deep cleaning of clogged pores.
There are specific exfoliating gels for blackheads. For greater effectiveness, make a steam bath that reaches your face well, so that the pores open well and facilitate cleaning.
The continued use of these gels once or twice a week also allows you to clean the dead cells that can clog pores on a daily basis.
6. Adhesive bands
If exfoliating gels are not enough to remove blackheads on your face, there are also specific adhesive strips for areas where there may be more presence, such as the nose or chin.
These adhesive bands are placed for several minutes in the affected area and remove the substances accumulated within the pore in a gentle way and without damaging the skin.
7. Masks
Also exist specific masks to clean blackheads or that they are effective in cleaning the pores. Masks that contain clay are recommended, which acts as a powerful exfoliator and cleanser of impurities from the skin.
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8. Home remedies
If you want to eliminate blackheads with more homemade products, you can create your own homemade masks or creams that help you clean and exfoliate the pores.
One of the most used remedies is egg white, which can clean pores and help seal them to prevent clogging. To create this mask, it is enough to beat an egg white together with a tablespoon of honey. Apply the mixture to your face and let it dry for about 10 minutes before washing it off with warm water. You can repeat it once or twice a week.
Baking soda is another remedy used to remove blackheads and pimples. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Apply to the area affected by blackheads and let it dry for about 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. It can also be repeated once or twice a week.
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