Blackheads are a common skin problem which are very stubborn and difficult to get rid of. Blackheads are also a kind of acne. They are the result of clogged pores due to sebum and dirt entrapment in the pores. These pores are exposed to air which oxidizes the trapped sebum and dirt and it appears black. These blackheads if not removed properly could get very difficult to remove. That is why you require proper care for removing these stubborn spots from your face.
Using a routine cleanser for blackheads won’t help as they perform surface cleaning only, so you require an exfoliating face scrub. Scrub would help in deeply exfoliating the impurities from the pores and dissolve the hard plug of blackheads. It totally depends on the choice of ingredients you are using. Right formulation helps in effectively removing the blackheads.
Effective exfoliation not only helps in clearing impurities but also helps greatly in providing a smooth texture to the skin. It would not give any better results if you start over-exfoliating your skin. Harsh scrubbing could easily result in stripping the skin and causing excessive dryness along with barrier disruption. So you need to use body scrub in moderation.
What are blackheads and the reason behind it?
Blackheads are the open comedones. They are a subtype of acne. They are formed due to accumulation of dirt, oil and dead skin cells in the pores which clogs the pores. They are open at the surface.They appear as small bumps on the surface of skin. They aren’t painful like pimples.
These stubborn spots usually occur on the T-zone of the face including the forehead, nose and chin. This happens because of the presence of more pores in these regions. These pores usually produce higher amounts of sebum than normal so it could get clogged easily.
Blackheads are caused mainly due to clogged pores which happens due to dirt, oil and sebum production. They appear black because these impurities get oxidized and turn dark. Blackheads are also formed when the dead skin cells stop shedding naturally. They are also affected due to inconsistent hormonal fluctuations which increase the sebum production on the skin. Poor hygiene can also cause blackheads.
How does a face scrub clears blackheads?
A scrub is a cosmetic formulation meant for the exfoliation purposes. They are different from cleansers because cleansers have a surface cleansing action whereas a scrub has a deep pore exfoliating action. Face scrubs help in clearing out the impurities that lead to formation of blackheads.
- Deep cleansing: Exfoliating agents go in the pores and dissolve the impurities. They work by clearing sebum, dust and dead skin cell buildup from within the pores.
- Unclog the pores: A natural exfoliant works to exfoliate away the impurities from the pores properly. It would wipe off the dirt, dead skin cells and sebum that result in clogging the pores. This results in clear and blackheads free skin.
Routine for using a scrub for blackheads
For getting rid of stubborn blackheads you need to use a scrub in the proper way. It is advised to use a scrub only twice a week. Over exfoliation could worsen the condition.
You can follow the steps for scrubbing correctly
- Wash your face with water (lukewarm or cold)
- Take some amount of scrub in your hand
- Now apply this to your face while gently rubbing it
- Target the T-zone of the face which has more blackheads
- Rub the scrub gently on your face for a minute or two
- Wipe it off using water
- Pat dry your face with towel and then follow by applying a moisturizer
Effective ingredients
- Neem: Neem is an astringent which helps in clearing out the excess sebum from the pores and the surface. It has a gentle cleansing effect which clears and wipes off the impurities from the skin and helps in dissolving the blackheads. It also has an antibacterial effect which prevents any other acne breakouts.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps in hydrating the skin after scrubbing. It provides hydration to the skin and prevents drying out. It helps in soothing and calming the skin after scrubbing. It helps in providing relief from skin redness.
- Green PE microspheres: They are microsphere beads which are biodegradable stearic acid. These beads do not cause any micro-tears as they have a smooth texture and do not feel harsh on skin. They help in easy exfoliating of the skin.
- Tea tree oil: It is a naturally derived oil. This helps in removing the excess sebum from the pores and also helps in cleansing the pores properly. This allows blackheads to be removed after pore clearance. It also helps in soothing the irritated and inflamed skin.
Additional tips for keeping blackheads at bay
- Wash your face twice a day regularly
- Apply sunscreen while going out
- Avoid dust and pollution. Cover your face while going out
- Use scrub twice or thrice a week
- Do not peel blackheads
- Avoid scrubbing harshly
- Avoid using blackheads removing pin, it could cause inflammation
Final thoughts
Blackheads are a stubborn skin concern. They are open comedones and usually occur around the forehead, nose and chin. These blackheads require proper exfoliation rather than surface cleansing. Using a scrub for exfoliating away the buildup of dead skin cells, dirt and sebum could help in getting rid of blackheads. It needs to be used twice a week for getting results.
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