Backheads

Backheads

Blackheads are blackish or yellowish plugs or bumps on the skin. They mainly appear on the face and on other areas of the body such as neck, chest and back that are rich in oily (sebaceous) glands.

Causes of Blackheads

Blackheads occur when sebum, congesting toxins and skin oil expel through the skin from blood or lymph fluids that supply nutrients to your skin. The other causes are…

* Genetics
* Hormones
* Oily skin
* Poor cleansing routine
* Squeezing or picking of the skin
* Excessive makeup and use of excessive oil based cosmetics
* Dirt is also a major cause of blackheads. The dirt collected on the face and other parts of the body gives rise to bacteria development and results in blackheads. Dirt collected on oily skin makes the condition worst.
* Some medications
* Environmental pollution and humidity
* Stress

Symptoms of Blackheads:

* Flaky skin
* Coarse skin
* Enlargement of pores
* Appearance of acne scars

Prevention of Blackheads:

Our body has oil ducts lying at the base of sebaceous glands. When these glands get blocked with oil, oil based cosmetics, dust and the grime of the environment, the result is blackheads.

Some people try removing them by squeezing, pricking with a needle, pin or tweezers. This is the worst thing people do to their delicate facial skin that makes the condition worst. Not only is it unhygienic but it also aggravates the spread of skin disorders. There are professionals to do this job painlessly and properly for you at reasonable rates in reputed beauty parlors and skin clinics.

The best way to prevent your blackheads is to know the cause behind it and take steps accordingly. When you notice blackheads on your skin take the following preventive measures.

* Keep your skin clean
* Avoid picking and squeezing your skin
* Avoid oil based cosmetics
* Avoid heavy make up
* Avoid coming in contact with dust
* In case of severity, consult a specialist and follow the suggestions

Home Remedies for Removing Blackheads

Here are the best home remedies to help you get rid of blackheads easily:

* Mix almond powder or oatmeal with rose water and make a soft paste. Gently rub it on your face, leave it for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
* Warm little honey, apply it on the blackheads and wash off after 10 to 15 minutes.
* Apply undiluted lemon juice 2 to 3 times a day.
* Make a paste of fenugreek leaves, apply gently over the face, keep it for 10 to 15 minutes and wash it with warm water.
* Make a lotion by taking equal amount of glycerin, almond oil and lime juice, apply on the face, keep it for 15 minutes and wash it off.
* Take equal amount of lime juice and rose water, mix both, apply on your face, keep it for 15 minutes and wash off.
* Mix turmeric powder with mint juice, apply the paste on the affected area, leave it for 15 minutes and wash it with lukewarm water.

How to get Rid of Blackheads? - Treatment of Blackheads:

* Mild cases can be treated by using over the counter medicines such as cleansers, moisturizers, creams and ointments.
* In case of severity medications are followed according to the physician’s check ups and recommendations.

Skin Cleansing To Remove Blackheads

Skin that has not been cleaned throughly is the primary cause for blackheads. When the skin is not cleansed properly, dead cells can accumulate and can block the pore openings. This results in oil build up and blackheads. However, avoid over-scrubbing or over-cleansing as it can irritate the skin and aggravate the condition.

Not removing make-up also causes comedones. Moisturizers, foundations can block the pores and result in blackheads. So, always remember to take out whatever make-up you have put on face before you sleep to keep your skin clear.

Use a good exfoliant for skin cleansing to remove the dead skin cells and get rid of the blackheads. You can also use a comedone extractor, which is a strip that can be put on the skin and removed after 10 minutes. This strip extracts the blackhead in this process.

If the cleansing routine and home remedies do not help in reducing blackheads, consult your dermatologist. Dermatologists offer deep cleansing facial treatments which can clear your skin and remove the comedones. For severe cases, your dermatologist can prescribe acne medications, salicylic acid, or Retin-A which can help in removing the dead skin and thereby you would be able to get rid of blackheads.