But there are several methods you can try at home or with professional help. Here are some of the most effective ways to remove blackheads:
Home Remedies
- Exfoliate with sugar or salt: Mix 1 tablespoon of sugar or salt with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and gently massage onto your skin. Rinse with warm water.
- Use a clay mask: Clay masks can help draw out impurities and unclog pores. Look for a mask containing ingredients like kaolin or bentonite clay.
- Try a warm compress: Soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out, and apply it to your skin for 5-7 minutes. Repeat this process a few times to help loosen blackheads.
- Use a salicylic acid treatment: Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that can help exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. Look for products containing between 0.5-2% salicylic acid.
Pic shows: Li Lin injured back. A man has been left with seven holes on his back after undergoing cupping therapy that he was told would make him feel better.
The man identified as Li Lin, 63, began taking the treatment every day from mid-May to mid-June in the hope of treating his scapulohumeral periarthritis – more commonly referred to as “frozen shoulder”.
He was told that the therapy, which has a history of several thousand years in traditional Chinese medicine, would help with the pain and stiffness and allow him to move freely.
The treatment, known in Chinese as “ba guan”, traditionally utilises heated glass cups to create local suction on the patient’s skin, causing circular bruising that is believed to be the result of now mobilised and free-flowing blood.
However, instead of having his condition cured, the man from Chengdu, capital of south-western China’s Sichuan Province, was left with holes on his back that were essentially very serious, deep burn wounds.
Li said he went for the treatment every day in Chengdu, and his therapist placed the cups in the same position on his back.
After 10 days he reportedly began to notice blisters on his back, but convinced the treatment would cure his aching shoulder, Li asked his wife to remove the blisters so he could continue the cupping therapy
Two days before the scheduled end of his treatment, however, Li started experiencing severe pain on his back and also started spiking a high fever.
A trip to the doctors then revealed horrifying circular wounds on his back that had started to fester.
Doctors ordered Li to stop his cupping therapy and he was given treatment for his wounds.
Reports quoting doctors said Li could have suffered from serious infections had he not checked himself into hospital in time.
They noted that while cupping therapy is perfectly fine, the method should not be done on the same place on the body over such a long period of time.
Professional Treatments
- Facials: A professional facial can help deep clean your pores and remove blackheads.
- Microdermabrasion: This non-invasive exfoliating treatment can help remove dead skin cells and smooth out your skin.
- Chemical peels: A chemical peel can help exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, reducing the appearance of blackheads.
- Extraction: A professional esthetician or dermatologist can manually extract blackheads using specialized tools.
Prevention
- Keep your skin clean: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil.
- Use non-comedogenic products: Look for products labeled “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” as they are less likely to clog pores.
- Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliating 1-2 times a week can help remove dead skin cells and prevent blackheads from forming.
- Avoid picking or squeezing: Resist the temptation to pick or squeeze blackheads, as this can lead to infection, scarring, and prolonged healing time.
Remember, it’s essential to be patient and consistent when trying to remove blackheads.
It may take some time to see results, and it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist or esthetician for personalized advice.
