How To’s

How to get Rid of Severe Blackheads

So how do you get rid of severe blackheads? If you’ve tried blackhead removal face washes, face scrubs, intense toners, blackhead pore strips, various skin treatments and a change of diet and yet nothing works it may be time to try something more powerful.

Acne is caused by a number of different irritants within the skin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center blackheads are caused by dried oil, dead skin cells and bacteria that cover the hair follicles. This results in the follicles becoming plugged and skin bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. Acnes) growing inside the follicles resulting in inflammation.

Anti-acne Antibiotics
One way of combating blackheads is by taking antibiotics as these can stop or slow the growth of P. Acnes in the skin. By decreasing the number of bacteria in and around the follicle there is less chance of a serious outbreak. Antibiotics have a secondary benefit in that they help to reduce the chemicals produced by white blood cells and the free fatty acids in the sebum that irritate the skin and exasperate the problem.

The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for blackheads include Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Minocycline Doxycycline and Clindamycin. Antibiotics re relatively safe but can cause yeast infections in women and lessen the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Vitamin A derivatives
Retinoids are powerful vitamin A derivatives and can work in conjunction with topical antibiotics and help prevent antibiotic resistance. They also help to deter the growth of the bacteria that triggers acne and help unplug existing blackheads therefore releasing blocked oils and dirt from the skin. Opening up the pores on the skin also has the added benefit of removing the buildup of bacteria that cause acne and this facilitates the cleaning process from normal facial scrubs. Vitamin A is also an important anti-oxidant that has the added benefit of keeping the skin healthy and youthful.

How to Use a Blackhead Remover Tool

A blackhead remover tool can be an effective method of blackhead removal. Read our article for more about selecting a blackhead remover. Here are step by step directions on how to use a blackhead remover tool.

1. Sterilize your blackhead extractor by soaking it in rubbing alcohol Dry thoroughly.

2. Cleanse your face and hands with a mild cleanser such as Cetaphil or Cerave. It is essential to have clean hands and face prior to using a blackhead removal tool or you risk spreading bacteria.

3. Place a warm washcloth on your face to steam the skin and loosen your pores. The will make it easier for the blackhead remover to extract the blackheads.

3. Place the loop of the sterilized blackhead extractor over the blackhead. Very gently apply an even, steady pressure. The contents of the blackhead should come out. If the contents do not come out when you lightly press with the blackhead remover, do not force it. Forcing a blackhead to come out can result in skin damage.

4. Apply disinfectant to a cotton ball. Gently pat the disinfectant on the areas you worked on. One of the most effective disinfectants is isopropyl alcohol. Be sure to apply it very lightly so it does not cause irritation.

5. If desired after blackhead extraction you may follow up with a dab of a topical antibiotic such as Polysporin.

6. Wash your hands and disinfect your blackhead remover tool.