We have all, at one point or another been affected by blackheads. They are spots that appear after a pimple clears from the face. I must admit, blackheads make me feel ugly because they’re just so out of place. The last blackhead I had was right under my eye and it made me so insecure that I turned to makeup every day for almost a month. I just couldn’t stand the sight of it. I felt like it was the first thing that everyone saw when they looked at me, especially when an aunt of mine pointed it out before even greeting me. The blackhead has since cleared, and I’m grateful. I just wish it took a shorter time because I really went through a lot when it was there. A skin specialist also mentioned to me that given its position on my face it was very close to the skin surface which made it take longer to disappear.
Blackheads are small bumps that appear on your skin due to clogged hair follicles. These bumps are called blackheads because the surface looks dark or black. Typically, blackheads are able to clear by themselves with time. However, here are a few ways in which you can make this process faster.
- Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin using a chemical, granular substance, or exfoliation tool. The skin takes 30 days to shed off dead cells and make room for new ones. But it seems as though blackheads remain there forever. To exfoliate helps to scrape off this layer of dead skin and therefore get rid of the blackheads. If you want to get rid of your blackheads faster, I would suggest that you follow this particular method. The most common exfoliation process is the use of creams, scrubs and face masks. Ensure that whichever type of exfoliation you choose, is not too harsh on your skin because this comes with its own problems such as over-sensitivity.
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- Make use of honey
Honey contains antioxidant properties, as well as moisturizing capabilities. Given its bacterial properties, it is effective against staphylococci, a harmful bacteria. Using honey is, therefore, a great way to increase the rate at which your blackheads clear. On top of this, its moisturizing abilities will also help the rest of your skin. It is important, however, to use raw honey, because processed honey might not have antibacterial properties. This is ideally found in organic hives. Health: 8 Benefits Of Honey You Should Know About
- Wash your face twice a day
Technically, blackheads are an accumulation of dirt on the skin. This means that you need to wash your face thoroughly, twice a day if you want to make the process of getting rid of them faster. Sweat can get trapped in pores along with dirt and oil, which is why you want to wash your face twice before the sweat has a chance to dry. It will eventually make the process of getting rid of the blackheads faster. This is a good habit to cultivate not only for clearing blackheads but to keep your skin healthy generally.
- Apply salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is typically found over the counter or online. It can help to dissolve the keratin that clogs pores, causing blackheads. However, be sure to only use the acid on the spots of the face that have blackheads or whiteheads, or you are bound to experience salicylate poisoning. As with any other medication, make sure to follow the instructions that are given on the bottle or you will experience some harmful effects.
5. Use lemon
Lemon juice has the ability to get rid of dead skin cells. Given that it is a natural astringent, it has the ability to get rid of blackheads. However, if you choose to use lemon to get rid of your blackheads, I would advise that you use the spot technique. This is using lemon only on the blackheads as opposed to all parts of the skin. This is because lemon may have the ability to lighten the skin. Because of this factor, you should not make use of lemon regular. You should consider having a bottle of Lemon Oil in your essential oils basket – it will work better on the spot. Health & Beauty: The Benefits Of Lemon
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