What Causes Blackheads and How Are They Treated

Blackheads are one of the most common types of pimples, especially among people with oily skin. Where it was once believed that blackheads were caused from not washing the skin, it is now known that they are actually caused by oil build-up on the skin.

The “black” appearance of blackheads is caused by the oxidizing of air on the oil clogging the pores and causing the pimple known as a blackhead. The melanin pigment in the skin also contributes to their dark color. The best way to remove blackheads is to remove their cause, excessive oil and dead skin cells.

You should use gentle products to treat and eliminate blackheads. Harsh products can actually strip the skin of needed oil, which, in turn, causes it to produce more oil, which then blocks the pores and causes the process to begin all over again.

Some people prefer using natural products that contain natural oils to cleanse the skin, as they are often more gentle. Many of these oils are close to our natural oils, so they don’t block pores like many synthetic products.

To remove dead skin cells, it is advised to use a gentle exfoliant everyday. This keeps pores from becoming blocked by the dead skin cells. Take care to use this product gently as well, so as not to over exfoliate and irritate the skin.

Stay away from products containing alcohol, mineral oil, and other harsh products that may redden and irritate the skin.

Do not try to forcibly extract blackheads. By picking at or squeezing them, you may remove some of the blackhead, but may also push some of it deeper within the skin, causing further irritation and infection. It is better to use gentle products that will help blackheads dry up and go away on their own. While this may seem to take longer than ridding of them yourself, it can be better for your skin in the long run because you will be allowing it to heal naturally by itself.

Though diet has been reported to not affect acne, it is still advised that you eat properly. Some physicians still maintain that a proper diet can help decrease oil production, provide proper moisture to the skin, and help facilitate new and healthy skin cells. This, n turn, will decrease the appearance of blackheads, and stop the formation of new ones.

Though as mentioned above, blackheads are often prevalent in people with oily skin, but they can occur with other skin types, though not as often. Carefully choose your skin care products. They are essential to having healthy skin and a healthy complexion. Eat healthy and keep your body well hydrated. Water is essential to healthy skin. If blackheads occur, take the proper steps to eliminate them. Be gentle to your skin. If you are unable to treat blackheads by using over-the-counter products, seek the care of a physician.

Should You Use Makeup To Cover Up Your Acne?

Acne can leave the skin looking red blotchy, and blemished. It can also leave scars, some easy to treat, and others more difficult. Many people who suffer from acne wish to cover it up, even if it is a mild form.

Some acne scars are easy to conceal. These are the scars left by milder forms of acne, or acne that is treated at the beginning of its course. Deeper scars are often caused by more severe types of acne and may require medical treatment to remove. These scars are not easily covered up by the use of cosmetics.

When determining which makeup products to use to cover your acne and its residual effects, be sure to stay away from products that are cometigenic, meaning products that actually clog pores and cause acne. These products can add oils to your skin, causing breakouts and irritation. Instead, use non-cometigenic products which do not contain oil and won’t clog pores.

If your scars are easily concealed, covering them with makeup will save you the expense of scar removal treatments, which are medical procedures performed by a dermatologist. For this, there is makeup available that can help enhance the appearance of your skin, giving it an even look, and giving you a bright, clear complexion.

There is a variety of makeup developed especially for this. but many people find that when applied correctly, ordinary makeup will get the job done.

If you have had a history of problem skin, it is often wise to select makeup that is light, non-greasy, and non-cometagenic products. There are numerous foundations and powders available for sensitive skin. People with especially oily skin might want to use a powder, as it serves as a modifier and can help control the oil on your face.

Many of these products are good for sensitive skin, as well and contain medication that works on your skin while you wear the makeup.

This is especially helpful if you have to wear makeup for long periods of time such as all day.

Remember, acne scars often lighten over time, so it may not always be necessary to cover them up. For those that don’t, treatment is available to remove them, or makeup is available that can help conceal them.

Take care when choosing a foundation or powder to cover up acne, that you choose a product that is not harsh to your face. Don’t use products that make your face itch or burn.

Likewise, when trying to cover acne scars, don’t use a shade that will only bring attention to them. Choose shades that suit your skin tone, and be sure the makeup is applied evenly on your skin.

If makeup isn’t working to cover up your acne, you may try a concealer cream, also available over-the-counter. This is often used to cover blemishes and can help reduce the appearance of acne. If you use a product that irritates your skin, switch to one that doesn’t. The idea is to keep your skin looking smooth and even.