Are they blackheads or clogged pores? These two are often mistaken for what they are. Many of us struggle with them. They are honestly really stressful to deal with and in many cases, impossible to hide even with makeup. This is because of how they effect our skin texture. The first step to eliminating them is finding out which of them we are dealing with. Lucky for you, Beauty Insider is here to help out!

Clogged Pores

Dead skin cells and dirt get stuck in your pores rather than being released into the environment, results in clogged pores. Pores are little holes in the skin that allow oil and perspiration to escape. Blackheads, whiteheads, and acne can all occur when pores get blocked. For every one of these effects, there are different ways to deal with them. Today, we’re exploring deeper into one of these effects of clogged pores; blackheads.

Blackheads

Blackheads

Small lumps on the skin caused by blocked hair follicles are known as blackheads. They are the result of clogged pores! Their surfaces are dark or black, and they are usually tiny. Blackheads are a moderate kind of acne that most commonly develop on the face, particularly on the nose and chin. They can also develop on the back, chest, neck, arms, and even your shoulders.

Factors That Cause Blackheads

There are some factors that may increase the formation of blackheads on our skin. Let us break it down for you.

  • Producing Too Much Oil on Your Skin: Oily skin girls, we get you! Having oily skin can be such a task especially when it makes us look greasy after just a few hours after your skincare. There are many causes for excess oil production but one of the most notable one is dehydration. Yes, you read that right. When your skin is dehydrated, it will produce oil to hydrate itself. This excess oil is what makes blackheads form. Hence, the key to reducing it is to hydrate your skin from the outside and inside. Drink enough water and use a moisturiser that suits your skin type; gel-like and light moisturisers that will not feel heavy and make the greasiness look worse. Do not over-wash too! This will dehydrate it more.
  • Bacteria Build Up on Your Skin: We are advised by experts to wash our face at least twice a day and exfoliate two to three times a week. This is to make sure that our skin is clean and ready to absorb the goodness of our skincare in effectively. Taking care of your cleanliness, by avoiding touching your face often, using a clean face mask when you leave your home, and changing your face towel every few days are habits you can adopt to ensure that those bacterias stay FAR AWAY!
  • Hormonal Changes: Hormones have a lot to do with blackheads and other types of acne. Taking birth control pills, going through menstruation, puberty, and menopause have an effect on your hormone levels. Hormonal imbalance can lead to changes in your oil production levels. Therefore, to avoid it you can take measures to contain excess oil production such as choosing the right skincare and of course, making sure that you stay hydrated, always!

How to Get Rid of Blackheads

We’re always looking for ways to give the best to our skin and make it look and feel just as great. Here are some ways that you can get rid of blackheads!

Exfoliating Skincare

Exfoliating your skin weekly as well as exfoliating areas where you spot blackheads can help with avoiding as well as eliminating blackheads. Both physical and chemical exfoliants can help with removing them. Use your favourite clay mask or glycolic acid to gently exfoliate your skin, ridding it of blackheads. There are many other benefits of exfoliating as well. Find out here!

Blackhead Strips

The most common way of getting rid of blackheads, is by using blackhead strips. Strip them away in just a few minutes, AND they’re oddly satisfying to see all of them on the strip once you take it off. Well, at least to some of us they are (yes, we’re looking at you who stays up watching blackhead removal videos on Youtube!). If you’re looking to try them out, here are some suggestions we have for you:

Watsons Charcoal Nose Pore Strips

Formulated with Witch Hazel Extract and charcoal, this nose pore strip by Watsons provides instant results! This is one of the cheapest blackhead removal strips in the Malaysian market. Grab yours now at Shopee for only RM6.45!

Sephora Collection Charcoal Nose Strips

Sephora really do have everything don’t they? These Carbon Charcoal Nose Strips is suitable for all skin types. It can also remove leftover makeup on your nose! Purchase yours now at Sephora where it retails for RM12.00 for one strip and RM30 for a box of three strips.

Biore Cleansing Strips

Blacheads-strips-malaysia

Bye-bye blackheads! These nose strips from Biore is among the most popular ones, loved by many Malaysians. They effectively remove blackheads within 10 to 15 minutes of use. Get them now on Shopee for RM14.00 for a pack of 10 strips!

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