How To Get Rid Of Blackheads
Blackheads are a mild form of acne that appear as unsightly, open pores that look darker than the skin surrounding them. They get their dark appearance from a skin pigment called melanin, which oxidizes and turns black when it’s exposed to the air. Blackheads aren’t caused by dirt, but by sebum and dead skin cells blocking the pore. If the pore remains open, it becomes a blackhead if it’s completely blocked and closed, it turns into a whitehead.
Baldwin says squeezing is the best way to get rid of blackheads, but it should be left to a professional if possible. “A good cosmetologist can do an awesome facial,” she says. “Pore strips can also help. But both of these are made much easier by starting on a retinoid first. Prescription retinoids soften the pore contents and make the whole process more successful and less painful. With time they will also eradicate the blackheads.” The best way to get rid of blackheads for good is with a skin care regimen and the best acne products for clearing the pores. Do not try to pop blackheads or dislodge the blockage with your nails, as your hands may introduce new bacteria to the pores. Instead, see how to get rid of zits fast and prevent blackheads with these acne treatments:
Apply Green Tea To Your Skin
Green tea is very high in antioxidants, and drinking it can promote good health.
It may also help reduce acne. This is likely because the polyphenols in green tea help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which are two main causes of acne .
There isnt much research exploring the benefits of drinking green tea when it comes to acne, and more studies are needed.
In one small study with 80 women, participants took 1,500 mg of green tea extract daily for 4 weeks. By the end of the study, women who took the extract had less acne on their noses, chins, and around their mouths .
Research has also found that drinking green tea may lower blood sugar and insulin levels, which are factors that can contribute to the development of acne .
Many studies also indicate that applying green tea directly to the skin may help with acne.
Research shows that the main antioxidant in green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate reduces sebum production, fights inflammation, and inhibits the growth of P. acnes in individuals with acne-prone skin .
Multiple studies have found that applying green tea extract to the skin significantly reduces sebum production and pimples in those with acne .
You can buy creams and lotions that contain green tea, but its just as easy to make your own mixture at home.
Fade Acne Scars With Over
Over-the-counter or nonprescription products may also help minimize the appearance of acne scars.
Even though dark spots may fade over time on their own, an over-the-counter medicated dark spot remover with hydroquinone may help these scars fade quicker, notes Yoram Harth, MD, a dermatologist and the medical director of MDacne in San Francisco.
In addition, acne treatments with alpha hydroxy acids can stimulate the growth of new skin, minimizing the appearance of old scars while simultaneously preventing the formation of new acne, says the Mayo Clinic. When shopping for an acne treatment, look for products that contain alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and lactic acid.
If over-the-counter products dont fade acne scars, concealer and foundation can help camouflage discoloration.
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Replenix Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Body Wash With Aloe Vera
As an alternative, use zinc-packed dandruff shampoos:
I find that often back acne is actually pityrosporum folliculitis, an overgrowth of a yeast normally found on our skin. Using antifungal shampoos and body washes, daily for 10 days, then weekly for maintenance, is helpful, says Dr. Debbie Elder.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the medical term for dark spots caused by pimples, or other types of inflammatory damage, such as burns or eczema.
PIH is common among people of color, with over 65% of African Americans reporting symptoms. It is also more common in Latinx females than Asian, Indian, or white females. The spots tend to be redder in people with pale skin, and brown in people with dark skin.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association , although dark spots caused by pimples will clear, it may take months.
The first step is to treat the acne. A person can then focus on preventing further damage and using products, medications, procedures, and supplements to promote healing.
Regular skin care can help people deal with acne and its after-effects. Over-the-counter products are available to treat dark spots caused by pimples.
It is particularly important for people of color to find and use appropriate products for their skin.
Although current research is not conclusive, studies have found promising results for:
How To Use A Product That Can Even Out Your Skin Tone
Once you eliminate whats causing the dark spots and protect your skin from sunlight, a product that can fade dark spots tends to be more effective.
You may have success with a product that you can buy without a prescription. If you choose this option, use a product that contains one of the following ingredients:
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Azelaic acid
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Oral Contraceptives With Estrogen
The birth control pill is another option for women suffering hormonal acne. Four types of birth control pills have been approved by the FDA for use as acne treatment, and all four are combination pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone. Talk to your doctor about how to get rid of acne using birth control and keep in mind that Ortho Tri-cyclen, Estrostep YAZ and Beyaz are the only four brands specifically FDA approved as acne remedies.
Spot Treat With Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the tree Melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to Australia.
Its well known for its ability to fight bacteria and reduce skin inflammation. Specifically, tea tree oil helps fight P. acnes and S. epidermidis, two types of bacteria that can cause pimples .
One study found that 5% tea tree oil gel was almost four times more effective at reducing acne lesions and almost six times more effective at reducing acne severity than a placebo .
In another study, a gel containing 5% tea tree oil was proven equally effective at reducing pimples as a lotion containing 5% benzoyl peroxide, a common acne medication .
The tea tree oil treatment also resulted in fewer adverse effects, including dryness, irritation, and burning.
Its important to note that tea tree oil is very potent and can cause redness and irritation when applied directly to the skin. For this reason, it should be diluted with a carrier oil.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, only a small amount of research has been conducted on the topical use of tea tree oil for health conditions, and a limited amount of research indicates that tea tree oil might be helpful for acne .
If you choose to try please it, use it safely and always perform a test patch on your skin, as tea tree oil can be very irritating and should never be applied undiluted to the skin.
You can purchase both tea tree oil and carrier oils online.
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Why Do Acne Scars Occur
Why do some people have acne scars, while others dont?
The reasons vary, but genetics is one risk factor for scarring. If a blood relative struggles with acne scarring, you might, too, according to the American Academy of Dermatology . Also, scarring tends to happen more as the skin loses collagen with age.
Because collagen plays a role in the healing process, your skin produces new collagen as it repairs itself after a breakout. But sometimes, it produces too little or too much, resulting in a scar.
Keep in mind that acne is an inflammatory condition. Scar development has a lot to do with the extent and duration of skin inflammation, so delaying acne treatment raises the risk of scarring, according to the AAD.
Acne scars result from a complex and abnormal inflammatory response, which results in poor wound healing, says Kara Shah, MD, a board-certified general and pediatric dermatologist with Kenwood Dermatology in Cincinnati.
Because scarring is a complication of acne, anyone who experiences a breakout can have temporary or permanent scars, according to the NHS yet scarring is most common in those who suffer from inflammatory acne characterized by numerous pimples and cysts, says Dr. Shah.
How To Prevent Acne Scars
The best prevention for acne scarring is to optimize acne treatment with a good skin-care routine, a healthy diet, and an appropriate treatment regimen, says Shah.
Since reducing skin inflammation can lessen scars, dont ignore an acne problem even if its mild.
You should treat acne with over-the-counter creams or facial washes containing active acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. If these dont work, see a board-certified dermatologist, the Mayo Clinic advises.
Regular use of a topical retinoid like tretinoin, adapalene, or tazarotene has been shown to both prevent and reduce the appearance of acne scars, and these are commonly prescribed by a dermatologist as part of an acne skin-care regimen, says Shah.
Prevention also involves being gentle with your skin and avoiding practices that could irritate your skin and exacerbate inflammation.
Dont pick at your acne, and avoid using any skin-care products that are abrasive, like scrubs and loofahs or washcloths, warns Shah. She also encourages daily sunscreen use to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
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Apply A Lactic Acid Lotion
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid. Just like salicylic acid, it helps to loosen and get rid of dead skin cells. It can be found in body lotions such as U-Lactin and AmLactin.
If you apply it each day, it can help smooth rough, bumpy skin on all parts of the body. You can use it along with:
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Tea tree oil
- Salicylic acid
Apply the lotion after the salicylic acid medication has completely dried. A more effective method is to use a salicylic acid or tea tree oil product in the morning and lactic acid at night.
Does Acne Scar Treatment Work
But keep in mind that not all treatments work equally well for patients. Some patients may experience exceptional results with one treatment, while others may not get the same results. Also, sometimes, a combination of various treatments is required to eliminate or reduce acne scars.
So, it is best to consult a dermatologist to discuss your options and chalk out the best acne scar removal treatment plan for you. Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres assure you best in class acne scar removal treatment for exceptional and early results.
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When You Have A Week To Treat Your Zit
When you have a week to go and you realise youve got a sudden breakout, you can start using a salicylic acid-based face wash and a benzoyl peroxide-based cream at night,” says Dr Bijlani. Incorporating an AHA- and BHA-based toner can also help reduce the excess oil on the surface of your skin. AHAs like glycolic acid exfoliate your skin and help prevent acne production. Salicylic acid controls oil production, which is the food of the acne bacteria. The lesser your oil production, the less likely the acne bacteria is to thrive on your skin. However, do not try any new products, especially acids or retinoid without consulting your doctor or doing a patch test first, cautions Dr Bijlani. If the situation seems beyond your control, head over to your dermatologists clinic and let them take charge. You could visit your skin doctor for a round of Alma Clearskin Laser, which is approved to work on acne, or you could opt for an anti-acne peel. This would help dry up the acne within 24 hours and definitely help subside the inflammation through the week,” she confirms.
Other Ways To Help Reduce Pimples
Although people have been using natural acne remedies for years, research on the topic is still emerging.
The remedies listed below may benefit acne-prone skin, but no studies exist on their ability to treat pimples:
- Witch hazel. Applying witch hazel to the skin has been shown to fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which could help prevent pimples (
For even more tips, here are 13 powerful home remedies to get rid of acne.
Summary
A few other remedies may help you fight pimples naturally, including applying apple cider vinegar to the skin, limiting your dairy intake, and reducing stress levels. However, these have little or no research behind them, so more studies are needed.
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The Best Acne Products For Back Acne Treatment
The best acne products for stubborn acne on your back contain acne medication or natural acne treatment ingredients that kill bacteria, cleanse pores and nurture clear skin.
The Body Shop offers a soap-free body wash gentle enough to use on the whole body, with antibacterial tea tree oil for acne treatment. If you’ve wondered how to get rid of blackheads on your back, where they can be especially stubborn, give this affordable back acne treatment a try.
The Body Shop tea tree skin clearing body wash, from $13,
Neutrogena’s acne treatment body wash contains the acne medication salicylic acid to fight back acne breakouts and prevent body breakouts. Use a small amount on a clean, soft cloth or body sponge to create a rich lather, then rinse clear.
Neutrogena Body Clear acne body wash, $6 for Amazon Prime members, Target.com
Those who prefer a bar soap over a liquid body wash can still benefit from acne-fighting salicylic acid with the Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar. This mild soap unclogs pores and removes excess oil without drying out skin.
Clinique Acne Solutions cleansing bar for face & body, $23,
How To Use It
Its important to note that applying apple cider vinegar to your skin can cause burns and irritation. If you choose to try it, use it in small amounts and dilute it with water.
Summary
The organic acids in apple cider vinegar may help kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce the appearance of scars. Applying it to the skin may cause burns or irritation, so it should be used carefully.
Zinc is an essential nutrient thats important for cell growth, hormone production, metabolism, and immune function.
Its relatively well studied compared with other natural treatments for acne.
Research indicates that people with acne tend to have lower levels of zinc in their blood than those with clear skin .
Several studies have also shown that taking zinc orally may help reduce acne.
For example, a 2014 review found that zinc is more effective at treating severe and inflammatory acne than treating moderate acne .
The optimal dosage of zinc for acne has not been established, but several older studies have observed a significant reduction in acne using 3045 mg of elemental zinc per day .
Elemental zinc refers to the amount of zinc thats present in the compound. Zinc is available in many forms, and they contain varying amounts of elemental zinc.
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Tea Tree Oil For Acne Treatment
Some people swear by the disinfecting power of tea tree oil for acne treatment. It can be applied either full strength or slightly diluted with water directly onto pimples. Use a small amount on a clean cotton swab or cotton pad and dab on the affected areas immediately after cleansing. Because tea tree oil can be drying, you might choose to use both tea tree oil and coconut oil for acne as part of your clear skin regimen.
Apply Green Tea To The Skin
A lot of people drink green tea for its health benefits, but it can also be helpful when applied directly to the skin.
Green tea contains flavonoids and tannins, which are known to help fight inflammation and the bacteria that may cause pimples .
Its also high in the antioxidant epigallocatechin-3-gallate , which has been shown to fight inflammation, reduce sebum production, and inhibit the growth of P. acnes in people with acne-prone skin .
Multiple studies have shown that people with acne experience significantly less sebum production and pimples when they apply a 23% green tea extract to their skin .
There are a handful of skin care products on the market that contain green tea, but its very simple and cost-effective to make your own mixture at home.
You can get a quality green tea online.
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Avoid Skincare Products That Contain Oil
Skincare products contain oil can clog the pores. These products are often intended for use on dry or mature skin that may not have as much natural oil.
Products that do not contain oil are usually labeled non-comedogenic.
It may be a good idea to avoid touching household grease and cooking oils, which can also clog pores.
If You Have An Hour To Tackle Your Pimple
First, make sure you dont touch the spot with your fingers at all. I would definitely recommend that you do not prod, poke or try to squeeze the acne, youre just going to make it worse and cause increased inflammation, says Dr Bijlani. Icing the bump can help reduce inflammation and prevent it from getting any bigger. Use an antibiotic cream or some tea tree oil on top of the acne, use an acne patch and then conceal it with makeup. This way your makeup wont irritate your acne as much. Spot treatments with anti-inflammatory ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics like clindamycin or dapsone, azelaic acid and tea tree oil can all help reduce the size of the bump, making it easy to conceal when you need to. When concealing, make sure you start with a small amount of concealer and pat it on the bump instead of rubbing it inthe patting motion ensures a flawless finish without any product settling on the edges.
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