How to Get Rid of Blackheads - Advanced Dermatology Care
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How to Get Rid of Blackheads

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Woman Touching Skin

Everyone has blackheads that they are desperately trying to get rid of at some point or another. Blackheads are a combination of dead skin cells and oil mixed together. Blackheads are black because while they sit on your pores they are being exposed to the air which in turn oxidizes them. There are several things you can do to get rid of blackheads depending on their severity. For instance, you can use a salicylic acid scrub for mild blackheads. However, you want to make sure that you aren’t exfoliating every day because you don’t want to over exfoliate and dry your skin out.

There are also several masks that you can apply such as a clay or charcoal mask. These types of masks help draw out oils and toxins from the skin. Besides helping with blackheads, clay and charcoal masks help reduce redness and balance the skins overall tone. There are also various cleansers that can help reduce blackheads and contain salicylic acid. If you have black heads in concentrated areas, such as your nose. you can use pore strips. Pore strips can be effective in small areas but aren’t recommended for other parts of your face.

You can also try using an electronic brush to thoroughly clean out your pores. There are plenty of brushes on the market, so it is important that you do your research because you want to ensure that you aren’t using a brush head that is too rough. If you have stubborn blackheads try using a retinoid cream. Retinoid cream is great for reducing how sticky the cells are that clog pores. There are over the counter retinoid creams that work well in removing blackheads, and for stubborn blackheads you can use a prescription retinoid cream.

If you have a severe case of blackheads you can consider oral acne medication. This type of medication is prescribed by a dermatologist or skin care specialist. Acne medication can help decrease the oil production which helps reduce the number of blackheads that appear. If you see an esthetician or dermatologist, consider a chemical peel. Chemical peels are great for removing the dead skin cells and dirt that is trapped in your pores. Chemical peels are also great for treating wrinkles and improving the appearance of mild scares.

Finally, it is essential that you wash your face regularly during the day and at night. It is equally important to sleep with clean sheets. Your pillowcase accumulates bacteria and dirt which transfers onto your face. This can also lead to pimples and breakouts. Having a clean face and clean sheets with proper skin care habits will reduce blackheads and help your skin appear healthy and radiant.

About

Advanced Dermatology Care of Southern California is a comprehensive dermatology group providing general & surgical dermatology, cosmetic enhancements and plastic surgery with two Southern California locations. Under the direction of Michael P. Tabibian, M.D., Medical Director, our collective experience aims to provide our patients innovative and highly individualized skin treatment solutions for patients of all ages and skin types.