Blackheads Don’t Stand A Chance

Almost all of us experience small white or black spots, called blackheads, on our nose, forehead or chin at some point. But they are far from beautiful.

What you should know about blackheads

Blackheads and all the blackhead removal creams on the market can seem quite bewildering. The following advice from NIVEA is here to help with your concerns.

How blackheads occur

Skin impurities always occur at the sebaceous follicles. These follicles, which are made up of a small hair and sebaceous gland, are found mainly on the face, chest and back. If the follicle channel becomes blocked or if bacteria get into the pores, a blackhead will appear. Blackheads are also referred to as comedones. They occur when the sebaceous glands get blocked and the excess oil cannot flow out. This causes "whiteheads" to form. If the skin breaks open at the end of the gland, the sebum takes on a darker colour upon contact with the air. In this case, we refer to this as a "blackhead". When this occurs, it is time to look into cream for blackheads, in order to prevent blackheads from forming into spots.

From blackhead to spot

If blackheads do not open by themselves, they become a serious problem: the built-up sebum serves as a breeding ground for bacteria, and this can lead to pus-filled inflammations. The result is that a red spot will appear. Never squeeze a spot! When it bursts, it can inflame the surrounding tissue – one spot will quickly be joined by another.

Always have blemishes removed by a professional beautician. Many dermatologists also have their own beauticians who specialise in cleansing the skin and who know how best to remove spots. This will prevent inflammations and allow your skin to heal on its own.

WITH BLACKHEADS, IT'S ALL ABOUT YOUR SKIN TYPE!

Does your skin tend to suffer from impurities, such as blackheads and spots? With preventative care that is tailored to your skin type, you can prevent blackheads from appearing.

Combination skin

In combination skin, the cheeks tend to be dry, whilst the skin on the forehead, nose and chin is blemished and oily. This skin type is a particular challenge in terms of skincare. Make sure you tailor your facial cleansing routine to the particular needs of combination skin! Choose a moisturising and oil-free care product, such as Daily Essentials Oil Free Day Cream, which prevents blemishes in the T-zone.

Find out more about the ideal care for combination skin here.

Oily skin

Blemished, oily skin produces too much sebum and makes the skin appear shiny. The pores become blocked and blackheads or spots occur. Intensive cleansing is especially important here. Remove excess sebum with a mild wash gel which is kind to your skin and provides plenty of moisture. A mild wash gel is an excellent alternative to a blackhead removal cream, that will work not only as a cream for blackheads, but also to keep skin clean and clear.

Find out more about the right treatment for oily skin here.

What to do about blackheads Tips and tricks to fight blocked pores.

Face masks: Regular face treatments will remove oil and dead skin cells. This will prevent blackheads from ever appearing in the first place! Why not try out the NIVEA Urban Skin Detox Face Mask?
Blackhead scrub: For blemished skin with lots of blackheads need a blackheads removal cream. However, if you're looking for something that'll remove blackheads whilst caring for the rest of the skin, the ideal product is NIVEA Skin Refining Scrub, with Vitamin E and Hydra IQ. It clears the skin of excess oil and prevents blackheads and spots.
Clear-up strips: Use Refining Clear-Up Strips in the T-zone area. After leaving it to work for a while, rip off the adhesive strip in one go. This will remove the excess sebum from the pores - blackheads won't stand a chance!
Antibacterial cover-up sticks: If you want to cover up blackheads or spots, don't just use conventional makeup. Cover-up sticks or face powders with an antiseptic effect are better for this.

NIVEA facial care guide for oily skin

Thorough yet gentle: cleansing oily skin is particularly important in order to effectively fight blackheads and prevent impurities.

Professional cosmetic treatment: In a cosmetic studio, you can have blackheads treated by an experienced expert: a steam bath for your face will open up the pores, so that blackheads can be removed. Afterwards, the skin is disinfected, toned and given an extra dose of care. You'll be amazed at how much you can improve your skin’s appearance! However, this can often be expensive, so it might be best to start with a blackhead removal cream if you don't want to role out the pounds just yet.
Lifestyle: Change your diet and your lifestyle habits: fatty foods with fewer vitamins and trace elements damage your skin. Ensure that you eat healthily and drink plenty of fluids. Smoking is like poison for your skin, and has a long-term effect on your skin’s appearance! Combine a great lifestyle with a good cream for blackheads for a noticeable improvement in skin's appearance.