Get the Job Done – Eradicating Blackheads and Whiteheads for Good

Blackheads, whiteheads and similar blemishes are the bane of teenagers everywhere, and for many people the headaches continue long after those difficult adolescent years have passed. Whether these blemishes show up as part of a larger acne breakout or on their own, when they do come around the goal is to get rid of them as quickly as possible.

In order to deal effectively with the problem of blackheads and whiteheads it is important to understand what causes these blemishes. Whiteheads and blackheads are caused when the sebaceous glands in the skin secrete too much oil. This over-production of oil expands the pores of the skin and causes those pores to become clogged. The oil then oxidizes when exposed to the air, causing those unsightly blackheads and similar blemishes.

The good news is that blackheads, whiteheads and other skin problems can be prevented and treated by keeping the skin clean and following a strict skin care regimen. Allowing oil and dirt to accumulate on the skin increases the likelihood that dirt will clog the pores, and this in turn increases the likelihood that blackheads and whiteheads will appear.

Of course even the best skin care regimen cannot prevent 100% of blackheads, whiteheads and other blemishes, and most people will experience at least a few outbreaks during their lifetime. When those annoying blemishes do occur it is important to treat them as quickly as possible in order to nip the outbreak in the bud and get the skin back to its normal great looks.

There are a number of tried and true methods for treating blackheads and whiteheads, including many all natural remedies. One of the most effective of these natural treatments is lemon juice, applied using a cotton ball directly on the blackheads and whiteheads. The lemon juice should be left in place for between 15 to 20 minutes and then rinsed off completely. This technique should be used at least two or three times a day until the blemishes have disappeared.

Oatmeal also makes a great natural treatment for blackheads and whiteheads. A paste of oatmeal powder can be applied to the face as a homemade facemask. The mixture should be applied to the entire face, paying particular attention to the areas where the blackheads and whiteheads have appeared. The mask should be left on until it has dried completely, after which it can be rinsed off with cold water.

A spoonful of warm honey is another popular natural remedy for blackheads, whiteheads and other acne problems. The warm honey should be applied directly to the affected areas, using a cotton ball or clean facecloth.

In addition to these natural treatments there are a number of over the counter and prescription remedies designed to keep blackheads, whiteheads and other blemishes at bay. Not every product will work the same for every individual, so it may take some time to find the best combination of homemade and commercially prepared product. When combined with proper skin care these treatments can be remarkably effective at keeping outbreaks to a minimum.