As an Aesthetician of 15 years, the most common question I get is how to properly remove blackheads. Most people who have oily, normal or combination skin get blackheads, which are usually found on the face around the “T-zone” area. Basically, blackheads are dead skin cells, pollution, make-up, dirt and oils that have clogged up a skin pore. You will notice that they can be fairly raised and black. Over time, blackheads can become infected, which can be very painful. For the best way to remove blackheads gently without breaking the skin’s surface, read on. Always consult with your dermatologist or aesthetician if you are considering removing any lesions, spots or abrasions on the skin.

How to Gently Remove Blackheads

1. The first tip is to get the skin warm. Consider doing this if you do not have acne, as warm or hot water/ temperatures can cause flare-ups and inflammation. Taking a shower/steaming the skin will get it warm and moist. Use a proper cleanser for your skin type. Make sure the cleanser is a bit astringent so that it removes excess oils.
2. Next use a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. Use circular motions to smooth the skin’s surface.
3. After cleansing and exfoliating use a warm cloth to prep the skin. Do this a couple of times until the skin appears flush.
4. If you have access to a disencrustation cream use this to soften the debris in the skin’s pores. (These creams are made with acids or enzymes that “eat up” the dead skin in the pores.) If you do not have anything of this nature, just be sure to exfoliate and then warm the skin well. If using a disencrustation cream use steam to help activate the product. Remove and wipe face clean.
5. Use medical gauze or cotton wrapped around finger tips and use light pressure on each side of the blackhead to work under and out. Use a little wiggling motion rather than pinching. Try to get under the blackhead rather than push on it or beside it–that will only force in into the skin or cause irritation. With consistent pressure you will see the blackhead to emerge. You will also notice the blackhead (debris in pore) to be black on top and white underneath. This is caused by oxidation of the air. Use light pressure until all of the congestion has been removed.
6. Key Points to remember- Keep skin warm, use gentle but firm pressure, and disinfect area once completed. Using a toner that compliments your skin tone. Do not bother with pimples as those are infected under the skin and the surface is closed. This will be a whole new technique for treatment.

Tips for Preventing Blackheads

• Never push on blackheads with firm pressure. Be gentle. You are not trying to sabotage your skin, only nurture it. If a blackhead is not coming out, see a professional.
• Always keep your hands clean. This will prevent blackheads in the first place.
• Make sure when removing blackheads you keep your skin warm; otherwise you will have a hard time getting the blackheads out. Your skin could then bruise from pressure.
• Using a blackhead extractor is tricky and can cause scarring if not used properly. The trick is to go through all steps above … place extractor tip (circle around blackhead), apply light pressure down. The pressure should allow the blackhead to rise to the surface.

Natural Remedies for the Prevention of Blackheads:

1. Dried Basil Leaves: Place two to three teaspoons of dried basil leaves in one cup of boiling water. Allow the herb to steep for 10 to 20 minutes. When the mixture has cooled, apply to blackheads using a cotton ball.
2. Orange Peel: Grind orange peel and mix with water to create a paste that works wonders on blackheads.
3. Rose Water: After cleaning your face, take cotton wool dipped in rose water and apply to the face two to three times per day.
4. Mint Juice: Mixing mint juice with turmeric powder is known to treat blackheads when left on the skin for 15 to 30 minutes. This natural cure is then washed off using lukewarm water.

Starlight Author Bio:
This article is provided by the good folks over at www.alternativemedicinedirect.com, where you’ll find plenty of great information on natural remedies for acne and other skincare issues such as whiteheads and aging skin.