How to Remove Blackheads Safely

Like many other forms of acne, a blackhead can be unsightly and very embarrassing to you. Almost everyone has had a blackhead at some point in his or her life, and so there are many home remedies and supposedly foolproof ways to get rid of blackheads. However, failing to remove blackheads safely could in fact do even more damage to your skin. There are many ways to rid yourself of blackheads and avoid such damage or other side effects.

First, you should determine that what you have is indeed a blackhead and not another form of acne. It's pretty simple to identify a blackhead. As the name suggests, a blackhead is a form of acne in which the part that shows on your skin is black in color, due to bacteria and dead skin cells. Occasionally, a blackhead may have a yellowish tinge. Blackheads are most commonly found on the forehead, nose, and chin.

Once you've determined that you do have a blackhead, you can take the necessary steps to get rid of it. The first step you will take to remove blackheads safely is to thoroughly wash your face. Using a product designed for facial washing is best, especially if it contains benzoyl peroxide. This will help to exfoliate your face and remove dead skin cells as well as dirt. Rinsing well is imperative, to remove all traces of the facial wash from your skin. Be gentle when drying your face-pat, don't rub with your towel. You should also thoroughly wash your hands before attempting to remove blackheads.

Next, you need to decide how you'd like to remove the blackhead. There are tools available to remove blackheads safely, but unless you are frequently plagued by blackheads, you may not want to make this investment. Also, blackhead removal tools must be sterilized before each use, which may be too time-consuming or inconvenient for you. Blackhead removal strips are also commercially available, but they tend to be rather large in area. Unless you have a cluster of blackheads, they may not be right for you. Blackhead removal strips may also irritate sensitive skin.

Home remedies for removing blackheads safely include making facial scrubs, steaming your face, or mask treatments. Facial scrub recipes generally include a gritty ingredient such as sugar or dry rice. It is therefore very important to be sure you do not scrub your face too hard with them, as you can irritate your skin if you do. If you have sensitive skin, scrubbing gently becomes even more important. You may find it useful to combine home remedies for blackheads. For example, if you steam your face before using a facial scrub, it will open your pores and soften your blackheads, making them much easier to remove with a minimum of scrubbing.

The most important thing to remember, no matter what method you choose to remove blackheads, is to always be gentle. Never pick at a blackhead or dig at it with your fingernails. If you must squeeze a blackhead at all, always do it gently. Picking at blackheads or squeezing them too hard can cause scarring, spreading of blackheads, or infection if your hands and face aren't clean when you do it. Don't touch blackheads more than necessary.

As a last resort, you may need to seek a dermatologist's help to remove blackheads safely. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in skin conditions such as blackheads and other forms of acne. He or she can prescribe medications such as creams that will help to clear your skin of blackheads and prevent them from forming in the future.