The reason it looks like dirt or a small black spot, is because the main two substances that are actually inside the pore, keratin and sebum( an oily secretion of the sebaceous gland) have oxidized, this process is what turns it to it's very dark colour.

Treatment of Blackheads

Treating blackheads will take time. It will not happen overnight, unfortunately, because they can be quite unsightly in an otherwise healthy looking skin.

Increased oil production caused by hormones are the major cause of blackheads. The male hormones, androgens, will impact on the amount of oil produced. Upsetting the natural balance, this increased amount of oil naturally builds up in the pores of the skin. This creates a kind of “plug”. Hence the appearance of the blackhead.

Make-up and other types of skin care products can also mix with the oil to help in blocking the pores.

Now how do you get rid of blackheads? Good question. There are lots of solutions out there and I am sure, if you are reading this article, then you have tried most of them.

Well for me, here's my solution to remove blackheads:

Use a mild facial scrub first. This will clean the skin and at the same time remove any dead skin cells, while presenting the blackhead for more easy access.

Pat your skin dry, I recommend facial tissue for this, definitely not a towel and do not rub your skin.

You can then do one of two things: either place a heated compress against the skin, or put fairly hot water in a bowl, place your face over the bowl and cover your head with a dry cloth. Then allow the steam to cover your face until the water goes cool ( please be careful not to burn yourself, by having the water too hot). Both of these will soften the blackhead, which will make it much easier to remove.

Repeat the process of drying your face by patting it dry with facial tissue. Using tissues on your fingertips gently apply even pressure to both sides of the blackhead. Your intention is to squeeze from underneath the blackhead to force the “ gunk” up and out.

I would not advise you to keep on squeezing endlessly if the blackhead doesn't pop out easily. After the proper cleaning and the heated compress or steam the blackhead should be easy to remove. If it does not come easily, continued squeezing will definitely make the situation much worse and may even cause some scarring. So please be careful.

Now we all know that within a few hours the blackheads will return. So what do we do for a longer term solution. Definitely try to control the oil production that is clogging your pores is the best way to get rid of blackheads. Easy to say,but not to do. That is why I am writing this blog. Please come back and visit my site again. Where I will be adding tips, help and advice.

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