Beat Blackheads Today!

(pic from fitnesshealthpros.com)

Everyone has probably experienced blackheads. In fact, a huge population may still suffer from a couple of these culprits as late as their 40s. Some are negligible but the others are downright distracting. What’s worse, if you have fair complexion, the visibility is almost thrice those who have morena/ dark skin.

So let’s break this down. What is a blackhead? Also, what are whiteheads?

The technical term for a blackhead is an “open comedo”. According to www.medicalnewstoday.com, an open comedo is “a wide opening on the skin with a blackened mass of skin debris covering the opening”. Despite being called blackheads, some open comedomes may be yellowish in color. Comedomes are brought aout by widened hair follicles, unfortunately filled with bacteria, oil (sebum) and skin debris. Whiteheads, on the other hand, are closed comedomes. They are milder cases of blackheads because they have less dirt and sebum, but you have to watch out for them as well.

(pic from sifascorner.com)

Although this may surprise you, a blackhead is actually the first stage of acne. Before these blemishes become pimples, they are blackheads first. If the bacteria isn’t properly treated, a.k.a. you have a very poor (or nonexistent) skin care regimen, you could garner acne or pimples.

To beat blackheads, first you have to know when these normally come out. Just like oil production, blackheads take center stage as you are approaching puberty. Your hormone imbalances make your skin produce more oil and when oil accumulates, gets through these open spaces and get exposed to air, it turns black. It would be wise to say you have to beat oil first.

If your skin is oily or problem-prone, pick a facial wash that’s non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), hypoallergenic and is especially formulated to beat oil and dirt. Facial wash nowadays come in different variants so I’m sure you’d land with a good brand in no time. There are also brands that claim to specifically beat blackheads. They’re usually the ones with little beads for mild exfoliation. Make sure you clean your face before you leave for the day and before you sleep at night. Make this a strict habit.

Also, refrain from using loads of chemicals on your skin. Sunblock, moisturizer or the trusty BB Cream will do. During the day, you can carry oil-blotting papers and/ or powder once in a while to keep the oil at bay.

Do not prick your blackheads. You are only wounding your skin and may be exposing it to worse conditions. Lucky us, we live in a generation where blackheads-removing strips are available. I think they cost P20-30 each and you may only use them 2x a month. They really take out your blackheads the safe way. It’s like magic. The best part? I can work overnight! So even when you're preparing for your wedding, you can totally be a blackhead-free bride the next day!

So that’s it for those black enemies! Enjoy your blackhead-free skin for the rest of your life! J