How To’s

How to Get Rid of Blackheads

Blackheads are the result of pores being clogged with sebum and other debris. This material oxidizes when exposed to air turning the area black. Here are simple steps you can take to get rid of blackheads.

1. Stop using oil based skin preparations and cosmetics. These clog the pores creating more blackheads. To get rid of blackheads you will want to use non-comedogenic products. These products do not clog pores.

2. Keep things that get near your face clean. This means wash your hands frequently, wipe off your cell phone with a sanitizer, make sure your head phones are clean etc. These can spread bacteria making it hard to get rid of blackheads.

3. Decide on your method of treatment to get rid of blackheads. If you have just a few you will may want to use a blackhead remover tool.
If you have a ton you will want to consider using an exfoliant such as Salicylic Acid or you may prefer to use Pore Strips
.

4. Follow the directions to use each blackhead remover method. This will depend on the formulation you purchase ie strips, oil, lotion, cream etc.

5. Use an astringent to help get rid of blackheads. Used once or twice a day an astringent can help prevent blackheads from forming.

6. To get rid of blackheads you will want to be consistent and use your blackhead removal methods regularly to unclog the pores but avoid stripping the skin of it’s natural oils. Start off gently with the methods you use.

7. Give it time. It may take a while for optimal results. If you still have problems after trying a few methods consult a dermatologist.

How to Get Rid of a Pimple

I’m sure you’ve had this situation occur to you – you have a big date tonight and when you wake up you look in the mirror and staring back at you is the biggest pimple you’ve ever had. Don’t follow your first instinct to squeeze the pimple, that will only make it worse. Instead follow these steps to safely get rid of that annoying pimple.

1. If you notice the pimple the night before you can get a jump on reducing it. Regular toothpaste can help and all you need to do is put a small dab of the paste on the pimple before heading off to bed. This will work to reduce swelling and redness while you sleep.

2. Get an ice pack and put it on the pimple. Hold it on there for 2 minutes or so and repeat every hour. This will reduce the swelling and remove the redness of the pimple.

3. Keep resisting your urge to touch, poke prod or squeeze the pimple. The only thing you will accomplish doing this is to further aggravate the irritated spot, making it more red, swollen and inflamed. You will also run the risk of making the infection worse and of causing a permanent acne scar. Please just keep your hands away from the pimple.

4. Benzoyl peroxide works well to get rid of zits, but isn’t good to use on a regular basis. It can dry your skin too much and you will actually end up with more pimples when your body tries to balance itself by producing more oil. Using an over the counter benzoyl peroxide cream should be fine for occasional emergencies though, so just get a tube at your local pharmacy and apply on and around the pimple.

5. You may be able to get rid of pimples by washing your face more often. Washing 2-3 times a day with a gentle soap like Dove or Ivory will help remove dirt, dead skin cells and oils that can clog pores and set the stage for pimples.

6. Avoid wearing make up whenever possible and if you must put on make up use only non oil based cosmetics. You should also try to choose cosmetics formulated for your skin type. If you are going to wear make up though make sure you clean your skin well at the end of the day to remove all the make up. Oil based cosmetics can actually soak into your pores and is especially difficult to clean off once the oil is inside the pore.

7. Before heading out on your date you can apply a concealer to hide the pimple. After following the above steps it should be small and less red so a concealer will work fine to disguise the fact that you have a pimple.

To get rid of a surprise pimple just use the 7 steps above and you will be able to smile and go out with confidence. Just the first two can make a dramatic difference in under 24 hours, while the remaining tips will help you remain pimple free or at the least minimize the number of pimples you experience. If all else fails make an appointment to see your dermatologist so they can recommend and appropriate course of action.