B.L.A.C.K H.E.A.D.S

I am sure many of you face the same problem as me. I was looking at my mirror today (who doesnt?!) and realise I can actually "Count" the blackheads on my nose! So i search around for remedies to get rid of it, well at least minimise it.

Blackheads are caused by pores blocked with oil. We tend to believe that the black appearance is due to dirt, but in fact, it is simply oil or sebum which has turned black due to the oxidizing effect. While it is easy to clean the surface of our face, making sure that our pores are clean takes a little more work than just a perfunctory splash of water.

There are a few ways of getting rid of them:

1) Removal strips
Blackhead removal strips are readily available at all major departmental stores. All you need to do is to wet the strip, place the strip on your nose, which is where blackheads are very likely to form, leave it on till it dries completely, and peel it off.

2) Steam
You could also try removing blackheads yourself, but make sure you are gentle, or you may cause scarring. Steam your face for around ten minutes with a steamer, or by placing your face over a vessel of boiling water if you do not have a steamer. Form a tent with your towel over your head and around the bowl, to trap the steam. This opens and softens pores, and makes the blackheads easier to remove. Then take a wad of cotton in both hands, and use the cotton to gently squeeze out the blackheads.

3) Exfoliate
Make sure the blackheads don't reappear by exfoliate your skin with a face scrub, to get rid of dead skin so they do not block pores. Use it on your nose, or wherever you have blackheads. Scrub the area gently. Do not be too harsh as you may cause further damage.
While you need exfoliate your face only twice a week, many women have reported that their blackheads on their nose have totally disappeared after they started using a face scrub on their nose on a daily basis.

Lastly, there are a few homemade remedies you could use! well, no harm DIY isnt it?

Homemade remedy 1:

SUGAR SCRUB
Ingredients: 1 Tablesoon each of sugar, olive oil and honey.Wet face, apply scrub by rubbing very gently in a circular motion. Remove with water with hands only.

Homemade remedy 2:

EGG WHITE MASK
Mix 2 egg whites with a few drops of lemon juice. Apply on face and leave on for 5-7 minutes, then rinse with hands. Note: As egg whites dry, they linghten the skin and pull debris out of pores. Lemon is a natural fruit acid which also helps to exfoliate.

OR

You could purchase a face scrub from the market, or make one at home. Beat up the white of an egg, and add a tablespoon of salt. Apply to your face with your fingertips, massaging gently. Wait for it to dry, and wash off with warm water. You could also make a scrub by adding salt to a lemon and honey mixture. After scrubbing your face, apply a little yogurt to soothe your complexion and balance the pH level.


*POPPER Advice*

These are temporary remedies, and blackheads will keep re-appearing unless you target the source. Make sure you keep your skin clean, by cleansing, toning and moisturizing it twice a day.

- Do not apply make up if your face is sweating. Always clean your face before applying make-up.
- Make sure you wash off all traces of makeup before turning in for the night. Never, ever go to bed with make-up still on, as it contributes to blocking pores, and will lead to pimples and blackheads.
- Avoid using oil-based make-up if you have oily skin and are prone to developing blackheads.
- Heavy foundations will draw attention to your large pores. So, stay with a sheer, light and oil free foundation.
- Apply foundation, concealer, powder and blusher in a downward motion, otherwise you'll accentuate pores by pushing colour up and into them.