Overview
Blackheads are caused by clogged pores and manifest as ugly black marks on your skin. Caused by excess oil on your skin, you can prevent blackheads with good skin-care practices. If you already have blackheads, you can dissolve them away to get rid of them, for smoother skin. Instead of poking or prodding them, however, gently remove them so that you don’t put yourself at risk for an infection.
Step 1
Create a steam bath for your skin. Place a pot of water on the stove to boil, and toss in a few lemons, which are good for antiseptic and toning properties. When the water comes to a boil, remove it from the heat and place it on a table. Drape a towel over your head and the pot to trap the steam for at least two minutes. Steaming open your pores will help soften the blackheads, making it easier to dissolve them.
Step 2
Exfoliate your steamed skin. Make a paste made from a cup of oatmeal, a cup of brown sugar and a cup of olive oil. If your skin feels too oily, use water in place of the olive oil. Mix the ingredients and apply to your face in circular motions. This will help remove any dirt, oil or dead skin that could be prohibiting the release of the blackhead. Rinse away with warm water.
Step 3
Dab on alpha-hydroxy cream. Apply a cream that contains alpha-hydroxy acids to the blackhead, suggests AcneTalks.com. The strong alpha-hydroxy acids help to dissolve away the oil that is causing the blackhead. Use it sparingly, as alpha-hydroxy acids can be extremely drying and result in the overstimulation of your oil glands. Apply it for spot treatment only, or as a once-a-week facial treatment to keep pores clean.
Step 4
Smooth on an antibacterial ointment or a hydrocortisone cream. According to the website 10Acne.com, your skin will likely be irritated after the treatment, so applying either an antibacterial ointment or a hydrocortisone cream is a good way to soothe your red skin and prevent infection from touching the open pores.
Step 5
Apply a good-quality moisturizer. To finish the procedure, MarieClaire.com recommends choosing a moisturizer that is noncomedogenic, oil-free and water-based to smooth out your skin, provide it with moisture and stop future blackheads from happening.
