Your body has its own natural way of keeping your skin moisturized through the sebaceous glands. While these glands often work well, there are times that things can go wrong due to numerous factors. Too much oil production can make it difficult for your body to get rid of the dead skin cells, and this often leads to blackheads and whiteheads. These problems can ruin your day, but there are ways to get rid of them. Read on to know more about them.
More about whiteheads or closed comedones
The hardened sebum, mixed with dead skin cells, can get stuck in your pores. Sometimes, bacteria can get stuck, too, and feed on the dead skin cells to reproduce. Contents of the pores that remain open will be oxidized and turn black, which is why they are called blackheads or open comedones. Whiteheads or closed comedones, meanwhile, are formed the same way as blackheads, but they form in pores with small openings.
You now know how whiteheads form. Below are effective ways to remove those comedones and finally let your skin become healthy again.
11 Ways to Get Rid of Closed Comedones
1. Remove excess oil
Excessive oil production can lead to close comedones. You have to properly clean the area to get rid of them. This can be done by using a cleanser to remove the build up.
2. Open the pores
It is technically impossible to actually “open” the pores. However, there are some techniques that will allow you to flush out the clogged dirt. One of them is through the use of heat or steam.
3. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is crucial in keeping the skin clean and healthy. It ensures the removal of dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores. You must exfoliate at least three times a week, as long as you can tolerate the process.
4. Use natural antiseptics to remove bacteria
The bacteria present in your pores can cause nasty things on your skin. In order to get rid of them, you may use natural antiseptics or any substances with acidic pH. Your skin is acidic because of the sebum and sweat, and this helps prevent bacterial growth. An alkaline skin, however, can put you at risk of developing acne.
5. Cleanse
You will want to get rid of the other pollutants from your skin, apart from the dead skin cells. These include dirt from air or makeup residue. There are products out there that help remove the sebum plugs, and they are often sticky. Pore strips are like glue: they grab the whiteheads and pull them out. There are also many natural home remedies that you can make for this purpose.
6. Consider natural chemical peel
Alpha-hydroxy acids are natural acids used by doctors to treat acne and reduce the signs of aging. This mild acid can be used to peel your skin to remove the dead skin cells. AHAs are commonly found in foods, which means you can do a homemade chemical peel. The best sources include lemon juice, cane sugar, milk, yogurt, apple sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
7. Eat foods rich in Vitamin A
Retinoids are also used to treat acne. Retinoids, a type of vitamin A, work by unblocking the pores upon application, as well as ease inflammation and prevent comedones. You can get vitamin A from egg whites, yogurt, and milk. Using yogurt can also deliver probiotics into your skin and make it healthier.
8. Try natural oil control treatments
Products with sulfur are used for oil-control. This substance is an FDA-approved ingredient for acne treatments bought over the counter. It helps get rid of whiteheads and blackheads in various ways.
Sulfur is a mild antiseptic and a keratolytic. It means that this ingredient dries the skin and allow it to shed quickly to unblock the pores. Natural sources include dairy products, egg whites, aloe vera, and buckwheat flour. (Warning: Using sulfur may lighten or darken your skin, depending on your skin tone).
9. Wear homemade facial mask
Salicylic acid is found in creams for the treatment of mild acne. It helps reduce the dead skin cells and unclog pores. This type of acid must be regularly used for it to continue taking effect.
Aside from creams, you can also find salicylic acid in foods like tomato, tea, mint, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, aloe vera, and orange peel. To make your own homemade facial mask, simply add two teaspoons of orange zest to a tablespoon of honey and mix thoroughly. Apply on the face and let it set for 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
10. Clean your surroundings
It is still possible to have acne or comedones when you transfer sebum and bacteria from your own hands, glasses, hair, or even pillowcase. Check your surroundings and consider which items always come in contact with your skin. Have these items cleaned regularly to ensure clean pores.
11. Sweat it out
Sweating helps flush out toxins from your pores. This can be done through exercising, by going for a sauna, or by applying hot towel onto your skin. However, it is crucial to wash your face before and after sweating to prevent the oil and dirt from coming back into your pores.
Conclusion
Acne is never any fun but it can be treated and cured. Try these methods next time you are having trouble with acne-causing clogged pores.