Blackheads are a common form of acne vulgaris. They result when pores get partially clogged with sebum, dead skin and dirt.
When the pore is completely clogged a whitehead results. Blackheads appear as little black dots on your face. The same thing that causes acne causes blackheads, because they are a type of acne. Acne is thought to be caused by hormonal imbalances and the p. acnes bacteria. Both teens and adults suffer from this skin condition. Luckily there are plenty of ways to eradicate this unsightly problem.
Steam is a good treatment for some acne sufferers because it opens the pores. You can easily do a steam treatment at home using your sink bowl and a large towel. Fill the sink with hot water, lean your face over it and cover your head with the towel to trap in the steam. Never use plastic for this, breathable fabric only. Ten minutes is the recommended time, but sensitive skin types may want to start off with only five minutes of steam. There are blends from companies like The Body Shop and Origins that you can put in the water to enhance the steam. Or, try a few drops of tea tree oil which has astringent properties.
Exfoliation is another way to remove blackheads. There are many methods of exfoliation you can try. Natural scrubs are often made with walnut shells and apricots and are sometimes harsh on adult skin but ideal for teens. Microdermabrasion scrubs are available both at the dermatologist and over the counter, and contain tiny exfoliating beads that get the job done without irritating the face. Many microdermabrasion treatments come with a soothing serum to apply afterwards. There are also products like alpha hydroxy acid creams, glycolic acid creams and lactic acid creams both medical and OTC that help fight blackheads and reveal newer skin.
You may also want to try the new pore cleansing strips on the market from companies like Biore. Biore also has a new line for adult acne. Pore strips are usually designed to be applied to the nose then peeled off much like a waxing strip. You can actually look at the strip and see the grime and blackheads that came off when the strip was removed. As you can see, there are a variety of ways to get rid of blackheads and there is no best way to remove blackheads, the treatment has a lot to do with your age and your skin type.