Most youngsters and teenagers are troubled by blackheads and whiteheads. Firstly, why do these tiny little spots accumulate on our nose, chin, forehead, and cheeks?
What is the reason behind getting blackheads or whiteheads? Do whiteheads turn into blackheads eventually?
Don't worry! I am here to answer all your questions and give you a magnificent solution to help you get a glowing face!
Getting blackheads and whiteheads is normal.
Our environmental conditions are getting severe day by day, because of which skin problems like blackheads and whiteheads are common among people of all age groups, especially young adults and teenagers who spend most of their time outdoors.
Difference Between Blackheads And Whiteheads
Now let's come to the difference between blackheads and whiteheads.
Blackheads:
Closed comedones are what are known as whiteheads.
Bacteria accumulate in the follicles beneath your skin with an opening on top of your skin.
Because air can't get inside the follicle, the bacteria there don't go through the same chemical process that gives blackheads their dark colour.
Whiteheads commonly appear on the face, shoulders, and back as well.
Whiteheads:
Open comedones are another name for blackheads.
The skin-coloured lumps that appear when you get a pimple are called comedones.
Blackheads are comedones (follicles) hidden in the skin with big apertures or pores.
These big pores get blocked with sebum when you get blackheads. Under your skin, sebum and chemicals react.
The oxidized melanin gives the clogged pores a black tint.
Your back, shoulders, and face are frequent locations for this type of acne.
Reasons Behind Blackheads And Whiteheads
Some of the reasons behind blackheads and whiteheads are:
Not thoroughly washing the face leads to the deposition of dirt. It clogs the pores and leads to blackheads or whiteheads.
If your skin is extremely oily, blackheads and whiteheads can form. It can also happen if you do not wash off sweat frequently.
The chances of getting whiteheads or blackheads increase if you eat too much fried food.
Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency leads to dandruff. Dandruff can fall on your face, and if dandruff comes to the skin, it can lead to acne, whiteheads, and blackheads.
Excessive oiling also leads to blackheads and whiteheads.
How To Remove Blackheads And Whiteheads?
Now we know about the problem and its causes. It is time to move to the next phase - the solution.
For the solution, I am sharing a magical 5-step process that will help your skin be whitehead and blackhead-free!
All the products you need for this procedure are market-based. These products vary the results from person to person.
So make sure you understand your skin, what it needs, and what suits it best, and then proceed.
I highly recommend a patch test before beginning the procedure full-fledged.
STEP 1:
First thing, wash your face!
Use the cleanser of your choice. Make sure it is oil-free and non-comedogenic (it should not leave any deposition). It should preferably be fragrance-free.
You can use cleansers containing salicylic acid. Make sure to clean the problem areas thoroughly.
STEP 2:
For this step, you need hot water. Dip a towel in hot water and press the towel on those parts of your skin with blackheads and whiteheads.
We know that heat causes expansion. When we provide heat to the pores of your skin, they open up, loosening the deposition. It makes the process of removing blackheads and whiteheads easier.
So make sure you nicely steam those areas.
STEP 3:
This step requires COMEDONE EXTRACTOR. The entire set of comedone extractors looks like surgical instruments, and they are.
If you are not confident using it, please consult your dermatologist first. You can learn from them the ways of using a come done extractor.
All you have to do is gently press the tip of the extractor over your blackheads. Do not rub! It can harm your skin. You already provided steam to the areas needing an extraction, making the process easier.
Once done with removing all the blackheads and whiteheads, gently pat a warm wet towel over those areas.
If at all there is a blackhead left, do not fixate on it. We do not want to irritate our skin. You can remove it the next time.
STEP 4:
After removing blackheads and whiteheads, you will apply a salicylic acid serum, gel, or cream. Salicylic acid products are expensive.
As a substitute, you can use a Disprin tablet (take a patch test if using Disprin for the first time). These tablets are the most pocket-friendly source of salicylic acid. These tablets are effervescent.
So, all you have to do is take a tablet and dissolve it with the help of a damp finger (we do not need a lot of water).
Apply it ONLY on the affected areas (those areas which you have cleared). Leave it for 2-3 minutes (not more than that) and wipe it off.
Salicylic acid is like a chemical exfoliator. It cleanses those parts that the extractor could not reach. You might feel itchy and dry in those areas, but do not worry!
Salicylic acid does that. It shrinks the pores and removes sebum.
STEP 5:
Now your face is clean and clear to a great extent. It is time to apply moisturizer!
Use light and non-fragrant moisturizer, preferably.
Apply it to the areas you have just cleaned. You can tap the moisturizer on your skin so that it absorbs nicely.
Once done, your skin will be visibly happy!
Now let's talk about the usage.
Should you do all the steps daily? Well, your problem is severe (blackheads, whiteheads, acne, puss pimples), do all the steps except STEP: 3 (extraction) daily.
If your condition is moderate (blackheads and whiteheads), do this process on alternate days. Be gentle with extraction and avoid doing it regularly.
Can teenagers do this process?
I do not suggest this process for teenagers. In the adolescent period, we go through many hormonal changes. Sweat glands are in the developing stage during this period.
By using chemical or acid-based products, you might see results for now, but in the long run, they might not turn out well.
So avoid doing this procedure till you cross your adolescent year!
You can do these steps in the morning or evening hours (before bed). I suggest nighttime because it will give your skin a perfect environment to heal.
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