Blackhead Removal - How To Get Rid Of Blackheads
By admin | April 30, 2008
Blackheads are small “plugs” that develop in the pores of the skin. They are caused when the over active sebaceous (oil producing) glands in the skin become clogged with oil. This sebum then begins to harden in the pore. Since skin pores are open to the air, the top part of the hardened sebum or oil oxidizes, turning black. This black top of the oil plug is then forced closer to the surface of skin by the oil hardening beneath it. This then causes the blackhead to be visible.
It is not clearly understood why the sebaceous glands begin to become overactive. It is often noted that this situation begins at puberty, and may stop at the end of puberty leading to the conclusion that it is hormonally controlled. For some people this is not the case however, and they may continue to experience blackheads and whiteheads well past puberty and into adulthood. Whiteheads are formed the same way as blackheads with the exception that the pore is closed and the oxidation does not occur.
Acne results from infection of the oil gland due to the blockage by the blackhead. Preventing and removing blackheads helps to control acne.
Blackhead Removal
The following are some tips for removing blackheads:
- Keep the skin as clean and oil free as possible. Use natural or chemically prepared cleansers, astringent solutions or masks to accomplish this. Avoid harsh soaps that may irritate the skin or any creams that leave an oily finish.
- Use a gentle exfoliant to keep the dead cells off your skin and away from the pore openings.
- Avoid harsh squeezing or scraping at the blackhead. Excessive squeezing can damage the skin surround the pore and can actually increase the size of the pore leading to more blackheads in the future.
- A warm compress of water applied to the area of the blackhead followed by a very, very gentle pressure can help in clearing the clog from the pore.
- Commercial “blackhead strips” which are basically a tape like substance that is placed over the nose and then pulled off will remove some blackheads that are at the surface. Caution should be used with these products and it is important to read the directions completely before deciding to use the strips or not.
Mike Singh is the publisher of http://www.stopping-acne-now.com/ On his website, he provides articles about the acne causes and treatments and how to get rid of acne scars.
Tags: acne, blackheads, pimples, skin, Treatment, zitsDo Staph Infections Cause Acne Breakouts
By admin | April 20, 2008
Staph infections can manifest themselves on the skin, in the form of eruptions that are pus-filled and look like boils. But, if the eruptions are smaller, they can be more like zits or pimples.
Typically, more than one eruption will be present, and they can be present in one or more areas on the body. They can be painful and very unsightly.
These eruptions are different than normal acne in that they are not caused by pores clogging and becoming infected. Therefore, normal acne treatments like topical Benzoyl peroxide will not be effective in treating the breakout.
If you have a staph infection, you will need a doctor to diagnose it and treat it. Antibiotics MUST be prescribed in order to cure a staph infection.
How do you tell if you have a staph infection or if it is just regular acne? It can be hard to tell the difference, but some signs to look for are eruptions in places you do not normally get pimples. For instance, if you occasionally get pimples, but only on your chin, then suddenly you start to experience eruptions on your cheeks or forehead, it may not be simple acne.
Everyone’s skin is different, and only you know how your skin usually behaves. If you see signs that something unusual is happening, then you should check with your doctor to find out the cause.
Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Clear-Skin-Solutions.com He provides more acne clearing solutions, remedies and acne skin care products that you can research in your pajamas on his website.
Tags: acne treatment, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, breakouts, clear skin, clogged, pores, staph infection, zitsDry Pimples Fast, Destroy Acne!
By admin | April 18, 2008
Clear, blemish free skin in no time!
Pimples and zits are the products of bacteria and clogged pores. When you see a white head, the thing you squeeze and white stuff comes out of it, that is a mix of dead bacteria, blood, and the white blood cells that combatted the bacteria… the mixture is known as pus. If you must squeeze, make sure your hands are clean or you use a pimple tool. Due to the way the blood vessels in the face lead directly to drainage sinuses in the head, it has been known to occur that if you squeeze a pimple, it can lead to an infection and even meningitis… So squeeze at your own discretion. I do believe it is better to let the pimple pop when it is ripe (whiteheaded). Some pimples after treatment go away on their own but before they do, they are hard lumps beneath the skin and when they go away, they leave a faint scar.
To prevent pimples, I suggest sleep and drinking plenty of water each day, at least eight cups. During menstruation, however, due to hormone levels and changes, many females have acne. I do not know if it is true, but eating hot peppers and very oil foods may lead to pimples as well.
Overall, try not to touch your face so often. Your hands and fingers are so dirty, it’s just disgusting to add oil and germs to the pores in your skin. Having oily skin leads to breakouts, yes. Still, dry skin is uncomfortable. The following is not foolproof but it will work.
Wash your face daily with a soap. A good soap is Clinique Antibacterial Facial Soap. Follow with a toner or an astringent. After that, apply an oil-free lotion. Once a week or twice, clean your t-zone with a scrub. That will exfoliate your skin and clear some pores.
To treat pimples and zits that are incredibly big, ice them. This will not cure them but it will lessen the redness. I have heard about applying toothpaste and even wart-remover salicylic acid, but that stings and the labels on plantar wart removers say specifically to not apply them on the face. I have also heard about Cortisone or red-remover eyedrops to ease the redness of zits.
Finally, if you do have zits and they are killing your social life, just wear them proudly because underneath the blemish is clear skin and one day, you will have clear skin, unless something is wrong with you genetically. After all, if someone doesn’t like you because of how you look, that person is not a good anything at all, be he or she a friend or relative or crush or love.
Still, if you take care of your skin and prevent breakouts, it will only be a matter of time and persistence that will bring the results you seek. Hope this helps.
Visit http://nummyz.com for more information and free articles and the author’s bio.
Tags: acne, pimples, Treatment, zits