blackhead Blackheads or blackheads are small dark bumps that grow in the pores of the skin. blackhead Usually appears on the face, but can also grow in other parts of the body, such as the back, chest, neck, shoulders, and hands.
blackhead Generally it does not cause pain like acne, but is easily visible on the surface of the skin because of its dark color. Therefore, if it grows on exposed skin surfaces, such as on the face, blackhead may interfere with appearance.
Reason blackhead
blackhead It can form due to the buildup and blockage of dead skin cells and oil in the hair follicles on the surface of the skin. This buildup can then protrude outside the pores and become blackhead after being oxidized by air.
There are several factors that can increase the likelihood of occurrence blackhead on the skin, including:
- Irritation of hair follicles
- Excess oil production
- Bacterial build-up Propionibacterium acnes on the skin
- Hormonal changes, for example during menstruation or as a result of taking birth control pills or certain drugs
In addition, the consumption of certain foods and drinks is also said to trigger the formation of blackhead, for example various dairy products and foods that contain lots of sugar. However, this still requires further research.
How to overcome blackhead
Before overcoming blackhead, the first thing you have to remember is never to pick it up.
Instead of healing, scraping blackhead can increase inflammation and worsen skin conditions. The reason is, there are lots of bacteria and dirt on your hands that can move when you scratch blackheads.
If you already understand, here are ways you can do to overcome it blackhead:
1. Use products that contain salicylic acid
When buying skin care products, read the label on the back of the package, then choose a product that contains salicylic acid (salicylic acid). This content has the ability to clean dead skin cells and excess oil blackhead even easier to lose.
2. Use retinoid creams and lotions
Retinoid creams and lotions made from vitamin A are also able to open pores and help skin regeneration. However, using retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, so it's a good idea to use this cream just before going to bed at night.
Retinoid creams or lotions generally require a prescription, but there are also some products that you can buy over-the-counter at pharmacies without a prescription.
3. Do it chemical peel
This is a skin care method that uses high levels of chemicals, such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or retinoic acid. This treatment will exfoliate the top layer of your skin so that it is replaced with a newer, smoother layer of skin.
With this method, oil and dead skin cells that cause blackhead can also be lifted.
4. Get laser therapy
Laser therapy is a skin treatment method that involves shooting a laser into the skin. This method is done to reduce oil production and kill bacteria on the skin. The advantage of laser therapy is that it can reach below the surface of the skin without damaging the top layer of skin.
Preventing Tips blackhead
Own blackheads, especially on facial skin, certainly not fun. As a precaution, you can try the tips below:
- Wash your face when you wake up and before going to bed. Avoid washing your face more than 2 times a day.
- Clean your face using your fingertips gently, no need to use a sponge or brush that can irritate the skin.
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
- Avoid touching your face unnecessarily.
- Use alcohol-free skin care products.
- Use facial cleanser with scrub soft. Stop using if scrub irritate the skin.
- Use the product skin care or cosmetics that do not cause comedones (non-comedogenic).
Living a healthy lifestyle can also maintain overall skin health. Therefore, as much as possible make it a habit to always eat foods with balanced nutrition, meet the needs of fluids with water, be diligent in exercising, and get enough sleep.
You can try ways to overcome and prevent blackhead as described above. However, when blackhead does not improve, do not hesitate to consult a doctor. That way, your doctor can suggest treatments that suit your skin condition.