Blackheads are caused by hair follicles that become clogged by sebum and dead skin cells. Sebum is the oily matter that is produced by your sebaceous glands in the skin. The hair follicles that cause blackheads are more open than other follicles, which allows for air to enter. While it appears that your face has spots of dirt, the discoloration is actually caused by a chemical reaction resulting in the oxidization of the substances trapped in the follicle which gives the spots their black or dark brown color.

Blackheads are typically not painful, but they can be at risk for becoming infected and developing into larger and more painful spots. They can often be treated through the proper cleansing and care for the skin. While they cannot go away on their own or overnight, using good skin care practices for preventing acne can be of great help in reducing the number you have.

Cleaning the skin should be done daily with a mild cleanser. Some use exfoliating cleansers, which are believed to help with cleaning into the pores and removing the build up of dead skin cells and sebum. Blackheads do not go away over night or by magic, and even once they have been controlled it is important to create a daily routine to help keep them from recurring.

Here are some different remedies available that may work for you:

Astringents: Astringents are any substance or chemical that causes the body tissue to constrict. One of the most common and easily obtained astringents is witch hazel, which is extracted from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel plant. There are also other astringents available, such as “Sea-Breeze” available in most retail stores, as well as many other naturally occurring substances.

Beta Hydroxy Acid: This is another compound you may find in many cleansers and creams and lotions available. They are naturally occurring or may be produced synthetically. The most common type of beta hydroxy acid used for treating blackheads and whiteheads is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid works by helping dead skin cells shed more easily which can help reduce the build up of them resulting in clogged pores.

Exfoliates: Many cleansers contain exfoliates which can help with reducing the build up of dead skin cells and sebum in hair follicles. These types of cleansers often have a “sandy” or “abrasive” feel to them as they shed away the dead skin cells. An exfoliating scrub should only be used 3-4 times per week at maximum to prevent excessive drying, peeling, or abrasion to the skin.

Pore Cleansing Strips: Pore cleansing strips became very popular in the nineties and have shown for some to be beneficial in help reducing blackhead breakouts. They work by applying the strip to the affected area for a certain amount of time as specified by the package instructions and then peeling away. When the strip is lifted, much of the build up inside of the pores also comes up with it.

Finding a solution and treatment for acne blackheads can be a process of trial and error for many. Using different combinations and practicing good cleansing habits can greatly reduce and help prevent the build up of blackheads and whiteheads on your skin. If experimenting with several products, it is usually best to try one at a time to make sure it is not causing an allergic reaction, as well as how effective one treatment may be compared to the others for you.

Have any experiences to share about acne blackheads? Leave your comments below.

An astringent may also be helpful in cleaning out clogged pores.

Remember that everyone is different and some treatments may or may not work for you. It can sometimes be a matter of trial and error to find the best solution.