How many times have you looked closely in the mirror to spot blackheads and whiteheads on your nose or chin? Whether it is the occasional blemish or you have persistent breakouts, these bumps can get in the way of achieving your skin goals.
But what makes them white, or black? When your skin produces too much oil, it can mix with dead skin cells, bacteria and other impurities on the surface of your skin. This leads to clogged pores (known as comedones). In whiteheads, the pore remains closed – whereas the colour of blackheads is due to oxidation of the open pore.
Instead of squeezing these bumps and possibly making things worse, let’s find out how you can treat this common skin problem and prevent their occurrence again.
1. Exfoliate and cleanse properly
Two times a day is the right amount of cleansing to wash away excess oil and bacteria that can clog your pores without over-drying your skin – and a mild, gentle cleanser can get the job done.
If you have oily skin or sweat a lot during the day, use cleansing cloths to help you get rid of the oil and grime. Make sure you remove your makeup before going to bed at night – you wouldn’t want to sleep with excess oil, dirt and bacteria on your face!
When it comes to exfoliating, too much can also be a bad thing. Keep it to once or twice a week to prevent dryness. Look for products made with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that will work on the skin’s surface and deep inside the pore to fight bacteria and shed away dead skin cells.
2. Use noncomedogenic products
Skincare and makeup products labelled with “oil-free” and “noncomedogenic” mean they are less likely to clog your pores and cause breakouts. Check for their expiry too – old makeup products can be a host to a buildup of bacteria.
Regardless if you have acne-prone or oily skin, applying a moisturiser daily is essential to maintain your skin’s moisture levels. Similarly, sunscreen protect UV rays from damaging your skin and increasing inflammation, leading to new breakouts. Choose the right one specifically for your skin type – so you can avoid textures that are thick and oily which can be pore-clogging.
3. Adjust your diet
As they say, you are what you eat. Whiteheads and blackheads can also pop up by other factors in your lifestyle that can impact your skin, such as hormonal changes, lack of sleep and diet.
Adjusting your diet can be a part of your strategy to clear up your skin, especially if eating too much chocolate or greasy foods can lead to a breakout. Maintain a balanced diet filled with healthy fats, low-glycemic carbohydrates and protein to support healthy skin. Nutrient-dense foods with antioxidants, like berries and kale also keep your skin firm and strong.
4. Extraction facials
Blackheads and whiteheads can stick around when left unchecked – some can persist for weeks or months if not extracted. For the easiest and safest removal, leave the task to a professional. Picking and extracting spots on your own can put you at risk of permanent scarring and more breakouts.
At Adonis, our Auras Detox Facial is a specially tailored treatment in Singapore to detoxify and nourish your skin. It includes a detailed blackhead and whitehead extraction step to clear your clogged pores. You will also enjoy light infusion ampoule therapy and premium mask that provide anti-ageing and hydrating benefits for a rejuvenated skin.
For at-home treatments, get your hands on our Oxy Clear Set to help control oily and congested skin. With its unique formulation, the essence works to penetrate the pores and dissolve hardened sebum oils. Our current promotion offers FREE Auras facial and 3 blackhead mask sachets with a purchase of the Oxy Clear Set – to target your pesky blemishes for an effective removal.
Don’t suffer with your breakouts any longer. Book a facial appointment at any of our outlets in Singapore and kickstart your journey to a healthy, clear complexion!