Blackheads and whiteheads are not an uncommon occurrence. Many of us have struggled to fight the urge of popping these pesky zits at some point in life. And no matter what, they simply never say goodbye.
However, it’s now time to look for a solution and do away with their reappearances for good. Let’s understand what these zits are, what causes them, and some home remedies that could help you!
What Are Blackheads and Whiteheads?
Before you go about ridding your skin of blackheads and whiteheads (no popping, guys), it is important to understand what they are and what causes them.
Technically known as comedones, blackheads and whiteheads are just another type of acne. While the former looks like little black dots on your skin, whiteheads appear as small, round, white bumps. They are commonly seen on parts of the face, shoulders, and back.
How Are Blackheads and Whiteheads Formed?
It’s rather natural to wonder why these zits chose to make your skin their home. Let’s look at how they’re formed:
Blackheads
These dark little spots appear when hair follicles or pores become clogged with dirt, bacteria, and sebum – the naturally occurring oil in our skin. Since this mix is in direct contact with the air, it oxidises and turns black.
Due to a high presence of sebaceous glands around your nose, blackheads develop in large numbers there.
Whiteheads
Contrary to the case of blackheads, oil, grime, and bacteria gets trapped underneath your skin. Thus, oxidisation and blackening don’t take place, and these spots tend to stay white.
Pull back your lower lip, and you’ll probably see these white bumps chilling right above your chin.
While blackheads are generally experienced with larger pores, whiteheads tend to show up in the case of smaller ones.
Leading Causes of Blackheads and Whiteheads
A variety of factors play a role in causing blackheads and whiteheads. Let’s have a brief look at them:
- Poor Hygiene: Accumulation of sweat, dust, and dirt on the skin can worsen these zits, if not directly cause them.
- Hormonal Changes: Life happens, and hormonal changes are an inevitable part of it. The resultant fluctuating oil production causes blackheads and whiteheads.
- Lifestyle Factors: What you eat, where you live, whether you smoke, and how much beauty sleep you get matters.
- Hereditary Factors: Chances are that if your parents experienced this type of acne, you might too.
It might sound like there’s not much you can do to prevent blackheads and whiteheads, but that’s not the case.
Saying Goodbye to Blackheads and Whiteheads
Fortunately, there’s a cure for most things skincare. Blackheads and whiteheads tend to diminish with the following:
Exfoliation
This is the way to rid your skin of any sort of lingering impurities and toxins. In addition, it also helps eliminate dead skin cells, thus helping your skin breathe better.
So, incorporate a gentle exfoliant into your skincare routine, and embrace skin free from blackheads and whiteheads.
P.S: Do not overdo it. Exfoliating more than twice or thrice a week will strip the skin off of essential moisture and make it flaky.
Aloe Vera Gel Application
In a hypothetical scenario, if there was just one thing you could use on your skin, let it be fresh aloe vera gel. This is one naturally-found ingredient that is the cure to most skin problems in the world.
All you need to do is extract the gel from an aloe vera plant, and massage it on your blackheads and whiteheads. While immediate results are far-fetched, this method will definitely bring about changes that are sustainable.
Facial Steam
To get rid of blackheads and whiteheads, treat your skin to a hot facial steam. This technique has been recommended by dermatologists and experts for years now.
Here’s what you must do: pour boiling water into a container and let the steam reach affected areas. Alternatively, you can also place a hot cloth or towel on the blackheads and whiteheads.
What this does is open up and cleanse your pores, which is key to eliminating those pests.
Salicylic Acid
Just when we thought aloe vera was the only all-rounder for the skin, the salicylic acid discovery happened. By its ability to penetrate to the deepest levels of the skin, salicylic acid proves to be one of the most effective remedies for blackheads and whiteheads.
In addition to being an exfoliant, it also helps boost collagen production, and reduce skin redness.
However, if you have sensitive skin symptoms, beware. While many have reaped the benefits of salicylic acid, there have also been cases of dryness, peeling, and irritation from its usage. As a tip, always experiment on a selected area, and in case of any side-effects, terminate use.
…or if you simply want to cut to the chase and get some load off your shoulders, let us help! Yours personalised skincare will account for your skin type, lifestyle, and environment so you never have to deal with blackheads and whiteheads again.
What must you do? Simply spare 3 minutes, and take our free skin test. No kidding.
