Blackheads, Oily Skin, Enlarged Pores

Blackheads

Blackheads, or comedones as they are technically known, are a really common problem that can affect all skin types. However, they are particularly problematic for those with oily skin.

A blackhead is formed by a plug of sebum or oil becoming trapped in a pore. The plug becomes hard and oxidises turning black, hence the name. They are most commonly found on oily areas of the face especially the chin, forehead and sides of the nostrils. Very oily skin may also have blackheads on the cheeks and tip of the nose. In addition they can occur on the chest, back and anywhere where there is a build up of oily sebum If left, the blackhead will continue to build up until it stretches the pore permanently. This is why areas that have blackheads often have open pores that clog easily and thus produce more of them. If dirt enters the pore or they become infected the blackhead may turn into a whitehead. To keep the skin clear and smooth it's essential to keep blackheads at bay.

Oily Skin

One of the problems for oily skin is the shine caused by excess oil or sebum sitting on the surface. Excess sebum can also cause the pores to become blocked and lead to spots and blackheads. Pores that produce too much oil easily become clogged and then expand to give an uneven look. Oily skin can also be quite sensitive and may react to aggressive cleansers and clarifiers. The best way to treat oily skin is very gently.
A soap-free facial wash is a good idea followed by an alcohol free toner. Oily skin still needs moisture so chose an oil-free formula that will not leave a shiny residue. You can use this at night as well as any anti-ageing treatments as long as they are not too rich. A gentle facial scrub once or twice a week is also an excellent to loosen blockages and remove dead cells.
Give your skin a regular home facial with a face mask once a week to absorb excess oil and deep clean the skin. Follow a healthy diet and avoid too many fatty foods. Sometimes reducing dairy foods in your diet helps rebalance an oily skin.

So what can you do?

If a blackhead is large and there is no infection present, you can 'extract' it yourself. To do this you firstly need to soften the skin by having a hot shower or by steaming your face over a bowl of hot water. Even a hot flannel (not so hot you scald yourself!) placed over the area will soften the blockages making them easier to lift out. You can also try a solution designed to soften stubborn blackheads such as Gatineau Formula Effervescent (Deep Cleansing Foam). You can then either use a tissue and clean fingers to gently squeeze out the blockage or use an extractor.

Tissue Extraction

Take two tissues and wrap one around each index finger so that they form pads at the finger tips. After softening the skin, place a padded fingertip each side of the blackhead and gently wriggle and roll the skin; pushing until it pops out. If it doesn't come out easily leave it as too much squeezing will damage the skin making it look worse than before.

Comedone Extractor

These are instruments used by professional beauty therapists to gently lever out blockages and blackheads. An extractor is a stainless steel tool with a scoop-shaped end with a central hole. After first softening the skin, you press the hole over the offending blackhead and press gently. The plug should come out through the hole without damaging the surrounding skin. The side of the scoop can also be used to remove oily skin debris at the side of the nostrils, the dip of the chin and in the ears. You need to take great care when using an extractor as pressing too hard can damage the skin and cause scarring so take it easy. You also need to make sure the extractor is sterilised before each use.

Aftercare

Immediately after removing a blackhead apply an antiseptic soothing cream to kill any bacteria that may enter the open pore. To keep blackheads at bay make sure you a suitable facial wash every day. Twice a week use a facial scrub to help shift pore-clogging debris and dead cells. If the skin is very greasy, try using a clay mask once a week to absorb excess oil and impurities.
If all else fails and you are still having problems why not try a professional deep cleansing face treatment at your local beauty salon or spa.

Enlarged Pores

Pores are actually tiny openings in your skin that provide a way for the oil glands underneath to lubricate and protect the surface of your skin. Pores enlarge during puberty, when oil glands in your skin begin to increase the amount of oil that they pump through your pores. The pores get bigger to handle the increased output. You're most likely to notice enlarged pores around your nose because that area has more oil glands per square inch than any other part of your body. They stay enlarged until middle age when they shrink into the perfect, totally unnoticeable size that you've always wanted.

There are ways of diminishing the enlarged pore problem. First, keep your face clean and resist the urge to pick at spots -- this will prevent pores from becoming irritated and more noticeable.

Secondly, keep your skin clean by regularly cleansing using a face wash and using an exfoliant twice a week, AHA’s and salicylic acid are good ingredients for reducing pore size. Clay masks are also excellent to help with tightening the pores, although it is impossible to completely get rid of them.

Source: www.beautyexpert.co.uk