• What are blackheads?
• What Causes Blackheads?
• How to treat blackheads?
• How to prevent blackheads?
• Summary
• Frequently Asked Questions On Blackheads (Faqs)

A stand-up comedian once famously joked that you can tell how much your girlfriend loves you with the amount of effort she takes to spot and remove blackheads from your face, an occurrence you were probably unaware of till she brought it to your attention. Sure enough the room erupted in laughs at this incredibly relatable joke. Besides giving you an idea of how many non-single people there were in the audience, it also threw shade on this one bane in all our lives- BLACKHEADS!

You will often find a mine of blackheads all over your face, which is totally unattractive and an indicator of poor skin health. But don't worry, we are here to save you from this recurring nightmare. Blackheads can be annoying and stubborn and no matter how hard you try to get rid of that pesky acne, they always bounce back. And when you squeeze them out, they leave behind other skin issues and scars.

But not any more. We understand your constant struggle with blackheads and have put together some easy ways to get rid of them for good. But first things first, let’s learn about blackheads in detail!

What Are Blackheads?

Blackheads are a type of mild acne that form when open pores get clogged with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. Upon coming in contact with air, it oxidises and turns black. At first, it may not seem like a problem, since it’s merely a small, black dot on your face; but if not treated properly, blackheads can make your skin rough, scratchy, and bumpy and steal your personality.

Though blackheads can erupt on any skin type, people with oily skin and hair are more susceptible to them due to the excess sebum secretion in their skin cells. This is also the main reason why you find  most blackheads around your nose. The area around the nose has an increased number of sebum glands, which makes it more prone to oil secretion, and, consequently, clogged pores.

What Causes Blackheads?

While age and hormones are inevitable factors that could lead to blackhead formation, the overproduction of skin cells could also cause blackheads to develop. This happens when the following situations occur:

• Your body starts to produce more oil than usual
• There is a buildup of bacteria in the skin
• Your dead skin cells irritate the hair follicles
• Taking drugs like lithium, or androgens

A few of the factors are supported with the consumption of dairy products, which leads to more sebum production by your skin’s sebaceous glands.

How To Treat Blackheads?

1. Try salicylic acid
   

   You can use ingredients like salicylic acid, AHA, and BHA for blackheads. They are usually found in over-the-counter products like face washes and scrubs. However, dermats believe that they are responsible for drying and irritating your skin. Hence, it is recommended that you use products with natural ingredients like sandalwood and neem, like those from Coco Soul, as they are significantly effective in controlling oil secretion and reducing blackheads. The best part is that all Coco Soul products are free from harmful chemicals such as sulphates, parabens, mineral oil, etc.
   
   

2. Use a skin brush

   Skin brushes help dust off dead cells, making your skin look fresh and clean. You can use a skin brush with a gentle cleanser occasionally during your cleansing routine. However, when buying a skin brush, ensure that you check your skin type first as using one on sensitive skin may not be a good idea.
   
   

3. Use non-comedogenic products

   Make-up and other skincare products can also trigger blackheads if they clog your pores. If you are prone to blackheads, investing in non-comedogenic products is your best bet. Non-comedogenic products are light on the skin and, hence, do not clog your pores. So whenever you buy any make-up or skincare product, read the label carefully to ensure that it is non-comedogenic.
   
   

4. Avoid pore strips and home remedies

   It is easy to get tempted and squeeze the blackheads out with nails or tools, but allow us to stop you from doing so. Dermatologists believe that picking, squeezing, or popping blackheads can only make the situation worse, and can lead to lifelong scarring too. While pore strips seem like a feasible option, they rob helpful elements like natural oils and hair follicles from your skin, the absence of which can make your skin dry and irritated. Similarly, blackhead removal tools, if not used properly, can lead to painful scratches and wounds on your skin.

How To Prevent Blackheads?

You can prevent blackheads by making a few changes to your skincare routine, namely:

• Wash your face regularly
  

  Regularly cleaning oil and dust off your face will reduce the chances of blackhead formation. Use a mild face wash to clear off the sebum collection from your face daily. If you have dry skin, cleansing once a day would suffice, but if your skin is oily, you should wash your face at least twice a day.
  
  
  
  Similarly, if you workout or sweat a lot, it would help if you wash your face before and after a workout. To get the best results, you can use a natural, Ayurveda-based face wash that gently cleans your face without drying it out, like the Coco Soul Revitalising Face Wash. It contains:
• Virgin coconut oil: To promote cellular repair and soften the skin.
• Neem: To remove pigmentation and deliver younger, blemish-free skin.
• Gotukola: To fight skin sagging and promote collagen production to reveal younger and firmer skin.

• Exfoliate often
  

  To get rid of blackheads, regular exfoliation is a must. Exfoliation clears dead skin cells and unclogs pores to prevent blackheads. However, it is essential that your face scrub or exfoliator is gentle and suits your skin. If you have oily skin, exfoliating everyday or every alternate day is suggested, but if you have sensitive skin, you can exfoliate your skin once every two days.
  
  
  
  Using a natural exfoliator infused with natural oils and Ayurvedic herbs will not only treat blackheads but also give you flawless and radiant skin. As such, you can try this organic face scrub from Coco Soul, which is gentle on all skin types. Made with the belief that Mother Nature has the solution to all our skincare problems, the Coco Soul Face Scrub is infused with exotic virgin king coconut oil and potent Ayurvedic herbs. It has:
  
  
• Virgin coconut oil: Known as an elixir in Ayurveda, it contains skin-nurturing compounds that hydrate and moisturise your skin.
• Venivel: An exotic ingredient, it exfoliates dead skin and removes excess oil to give you a renewed, blemish-free complexion.
• Sandalwood: Revered in eastern cultures, it reverses sun damage and minimises age spots.

• Protect your skin
  

  Sun exposure can further damage your skin and cause blackheads. So whenever you step out, protect your skin against the harsh rays of the sun with a hat or scarf. Also, keep your pillows and bedsheets clean to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating. If you have oily hair, shampoo it daily and avoid touching your face too often. Drinking ample water can also help reduce your skin's natural oil secretion and prevent blackheads.

• Don't sleep with your make-up on
  

  While you can experiment with all the tips mentioned above to get rid of blackheads, it would be best if you avoid getting blackheads completely. The best way to do this is to avoid sleeping with a dirty/sweaty face, or worse, without removing your make-up. Make-up can clog your pores which, as you know, is the primary reason for blackheads' formation.
  
  Even if you’re tired and exhausted, make sure to remove all make-up residue from your face before hitting the bed. Remember to use a make-up remover and wash off the stubs with a mild face wash. Pro-tip: Virgin coconut oil is a great make-up remover that simultaneously freshens your face with an intense dose of hydration. Now that you know how to prevent blackheads, you must also check out our blog on how to get rid of acne.

Summary

It can be tough to get rid of blackheads. They can make your face look dull and lead to breakouts, if left untreated. But simple changes in your daily routine can help cure these pesky skin issues and prevent them from attacking your personality. Meanwhile, ensure that you save your face from the many harsh chemicals that can aggravate your blackheads. Shop for natural skincare products from Coco Soul here and get rid of blackheads naturally. Did you know that drinking insufficient water can affect your skin? Check out our blog on benefits of drinking water for skin to learn more about it.

Frequently Asked Questions Blackheads (FAQs)

1. How do you remove blackheads?
   

   It is important to avoid oil-based skincare products, surroundings that are humid, and clothes that are too tight, in order to reduce the possibility of blackheads. Tea tree oil, sugar or salt scrubs, and green tea are some ways you can naturally remove blackheads.
   
   

2. Should you squeeze blackheads?

   As tempting and satisfying it may feel, it is not at all advisable to pop your blackheads. Squeezing them could lead to pushing them further into the skin, introducing more bacteria and blackheads, or even scars and inflammation that would need to be treated.
   
   

3. Do blackheads go away naturally?

   Blackheads do not go away on their own, we need to remove them with natural herbs or skin care products. There are also certain things to keep in mind to prevent blackheads, which include washing your face daily, using moisturiser regularly, using natural products, and not touching your face.
   
   

4. Do blackheads leave holes?

   Blackheads are enlarged pores, and only if you pop them or squeeze them, it could lead to formation of scars or inflamed marks.