Acne is a skin problem that most people experience. In addition to its common form, acne can occur in the form of open comedones and closed comedones. Blackheads appear when the follicles in the skin, or pores, become clogged due to dust and buildup of sebum (an oil produced naturally by the body). Blackheads are black because of dust and dirt that clogs open pores/exposed to air and oxidized (when exposed to oxygen). However, blackheads are not dirt. People who have sensitive skin can try to get rid of blackheads. You can also prevent them from appearing by performing certain strategies.
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Method 1 of 3: Clearing Pimples
Step 1. Try using salicylic acid
Although this type of acid can cause reactions on sensitive skin, salicylic acid is the best over-the-counter cleanser for open and closed blackheads. Salicylic acid treats blackheads by reducing swelling and opening up clogged pores. Try looking for a facial cleanser that contains salicylic acid. You can also apply it as a cream, gel, or ointment.
- Since your skin is sensitive, do the test first on a small area on the face. If your face is acne-prone or itchy, stop and use another product.
- Salicylic acid can make skin dry or irritated, especially when you first start using it. Try using a small amount, and increase the amount as the skin adjusts.
- Use the facial cleanser once or twice a day. Use a facial cleanser that contains salicylic acid to clean the face with acne. Flush your face first with water and rub in the facial cleanser. You can use a washcloth, but rub gently. Wash off the foam with water and dry your face.
Step 2. Try baking soda
If your skin reacts to salicylic acid, try baking soda instead. The main reason for using baking soda is because of its benefits as an exfoliant, which is to clean dead skin that is dirty and clogs pores. However, this treatment can dry out the skin if used too much. So, don't use baking soda every day.
- Mix a little baking soda with water until it has a paste-like texture. Rub the paste on the skin.
- Rinse the rubbed mixture thoroughly on the skin.
Step 3. Use a facial cleanser made of honey and cinnamon
A natural remedy that some people use is a mixture of honey and cinnamon. Honey and cinnamon have natural antibacterial ingredients that can eradicate acne-causing bacteria. Mix raw honey with cinnamon powder or cinnamon oil in equal proportions. Rub the mixture on your face. After scrubbing thoroughly, cover with a thin strip of cotton or a thick tissue. Leave it on for 5 minutes, then pull the strip off and rinse your face.
- Honey will help kill bacteria and act as a liquid glue that removes blackheads.
- Cinnamon can give your face a healthy glow because it increases blood flow to the face.
Step 4. Try the steam method
This method is commonly used to make blackheads less visible. First, pour boiling water into a bowl. Place a towel over your head and bowl to allow the steam to concentrate on your face for about 10 minutes. The steam will reduce the dirt in the blackheads. After that, gently wash your face with warm water.
You can add antibacterial essential oil to add to the steam's cleansing properties. Lavender, thyme, peppermint, and calendula contain antiseptic ingredients
Step 5. Use a moisturizer
Even if it seems counterintuitive to your goal of keeping your pores from clogging, moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated. The key is to use a moisturizer that doesn't contain oil, as this type of moisturizer can clog pores.
Look for moisturizers that are labeled "non-comedogenic," "oil-free," or "non-acnegenic."
Method 2 of 3: Doing a Routine to Get Rid of Blackheads
Step 1. Choose a gentle facial cleanser
When the face is not acne, do not use acne cleanser. To clean your face every day, use a mild soap that moisturizes the skin. Some examples of this type of soap are Dove, Basics, and Neutrogena.
- Avoid products that contain alcohol, especially if you use salicylic acid. Alcohol will make the skin dry, red, and inflamed.
- If your skin is prone to breakouts and doesn't seem to react negatively to acne cleansers, continue to use the product every day to prevent breakouts.
Step 2. Clean your face every day
Clean your face twice a day, in the morning and at night, using a gentle facial cleanser. However, don't wash your face more than twice a day as this can make acne worse.
- If you sweat a lot or exercise, wash your face afterwards. You do not need to use antibacterial soap because the benefits are also not very pronounced.
- Do not remove dead skin or use facial cleansers with " scrubbing beads " and others. These items will actually make the irritation worse and can cause discoloration or scarring of the skin.
Step 3. Remove makeup
You may be tempted not to remove your make-up after you're done with your activities. However, make sure to remove all makeup before going to bed. Makeup can clog pores and cause blackheads.
Step 4. Look for products labeled "non-comedogenic"
This word can be found in certain skin care and makeup products. Non-comedogenic products have been shown to not clog pores. This means that you won't have a lot of blackheads (caused by your skincare routine). Examples of products that produce non-comedogenic products are the brands Simple, and Cetaphil (such as moisturizing lotion).
Step 5. Keep hair oil away from face
If you have oily hair, tie it back. Just like oil from your hands or fingers, oil from your hair can also hit your face.
- Also, wash your hair regularly, especially if your hair tends to be oily.
- The oil in your hair can stick to your face and cause more blackheads.
Step 6. Reduce your stress level
Stress can cause acne because it temporarily increases testosterone production and testosterone can cause acne.
- For example, you could try relaxing each muscle group in turn. Close your eyes. Move your body while alternately tensing and relaxing each muscle group. This technique will help you feel more relaxed.
- You can also try focusing on your breathing. Close your eyes for a moment. Inhale deeply through your nose while counting 1 to 4. Exhale through your mouth while counting 1 to 4 again. Stay focused on doing it until you feel calm.
Method 3 of 3: Knowing What to Avoid
Step 1. Do not rub or exfoliate facial skin
Although some products claim to "remove dead skin" or other benefits. Rubbing or exfoliating the skin on your face will actually make blackheads worse because they cause irritation and inflammation. Don't use abrasive scrubbers or cloths, don't rub your face harshly, and don't use exfoliating facial cleansers.
Step 2. Do not press the blackheads
Do not remove blackheads by pressing on them. If blackheads are squeezed or pressed with your fingers or other household tools, dirt can go deeper into the skin. It can also spread infection around it and even lead to scarring.
If blackheads bother you a lot, try contacting a dermatologist. Dermatologists can safely remove blackheads using professional tools
Step 3. Reconsider blackhead removal strips
While they may seem helpful, blackhead removal strips will actually exacerbate the problem of blackheads if you have sensitive skin. In addition, the strip will also only lift the surface layer of blackheads, and not remove all the dirt underneath. Blackhead removal strips can be used occasionally, but discontinue use if skin becomes irritated.
Step 4. Make sure that the pillow you are using is not greasy
Oil can accumulate on the pillow so that it hits the face and clogs the pores. Try to wash the void cover at least once every week.
Step 5. Don't wear tight hats
Tight hats can hold oils on to skin. Oil and dead skin can clog pores. So, a hat that is too tight can cause blackheads.
Step 6. Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar
Although experts don't 100 percent agree on acne-causing foods, most agree that foods high in sugar and carbohydrates and dairy products contribute to the problem. Try to reduce the consumption of these foods to reduce acne problems.
Although the body should get a lot of calcium, reducing milk consumption can help reduce acne problems that are difficult to disappear
Step 7. Try not to touch your face
Touched face can be exposed to oil and bacteria. In addition, the existing dirt can also hit the face. Oil, bacteria, and dirt can cause pimples and blackheads.
Clean your phone often. Oil and dirt on the face can stick to the phone screen. Oil and dirt can re-enter the pores and become blackheads
Step 8. Call your doctor if treatment doesn't work or if your acne problem is severe
Treatment is not the only solution for blackheads. If you've been on blackhead removal for two weeks and haven't noticed any changes, call your doctor or ask for a referral to a dermatologist.
