In order to get rid of blackheads, it is important to understand what it is and what causes it. Blackheads are termed as such because they appear as little black dots on the face. They are usually visible on the nose and on the cheeks because these are the areas of the face that produce more oil. On the body, these blackheads often appear on the back. Contrary to popular belief however, blackheads are not dirt trapped in the skin. These tiny dots are made up of a combination of factors such as oil, dead skin cells and bacteria that have clogged the pores of the skin. The black color actually results from the oxidation of these congested toxins in the pores. There are several ways to get rid of blackheads and the most effective method need not cause an arm and a leg.
There are so many products on the market and one of the earlier products specifically made to get rid of blackheads is the pore strip. For blackheads concentrated on the nose and other small areas of the face, pore strips may seem like a good solution as they are inexpensive and easy to use. For pore strips, just apply it over clean skin and wet the strip with clean and tepid water. Wait a few minutes for strip to harden. Once the strip hardens, carefully lift the sides of the strip and watch how it literally lifts with it the blackheads out of the pores. The problem with pore strips however is that they may do more harm than good. Aside from hurting like hell, pore strip users can expect a lot of swelling and redness to occur after using the product. In addition, not all blackheads are lifted by the strip.
Of late, skin companies have been in a race to discover ways to get rid of blackheads more effectively. More recently, Clean & Clear by Johnson’s and Johnson’s has come up with Advantage Blackhead Eraser Exfoliating Cleanser. For those in the dark, this product is a handheld battery-operated and water-resistant device that comes with a medicated pad. The applicator works by massaging the skin to exfoliate dead skin and remove dirt. Neutrogena’s Wave is a similar product and both devices require customers to buy refill pads for use with the applicator which can get too costly in the long run. Aside from the cost, other complaints are that the pads are rough on the skin and the medicated pad can be too drying. The worst complaint about these products is that they are ineffective at what they are supposed to do.
Clearly, there are always pros and cons to any product but the cheapest and probably most effective way to get rid of blackheads is simply to stick to a regimen of cleaning the face twice a day using a gentle cleanser and washing the body at least once a day. For severe cases, a consultation with a dermatologist might be in order.
