Blackheads are ugly. There is no doubt about it. They can be more unsightly than regular pimples and may be harder to cover. So, what is the best way to remove blackheads?

There is some thought that blackheads cause acne but actually, they are a form of acne. Exfoliated skin, dirt, and bacteria congeal to form the unsightly blemish. Nose blackheads are common but other bodily areas are affected such as the face, ear lobes, forehead, neck and back. Safely removing blackheads can be tricky as there are recommended methods that have to do with clean hygiene and skin care.

There are lots of blackheads home remedies that are used to clear your face. Among them are popping or squeezing them, washing vigorously until they are cleared, strong soap such as lye soap, and even using steam. Other common methods to remove blackheads are using alcohol, peroxide, face soap, hypoallergenic soaps or creams.  There are as many ideas on how to treat blackheads as there are for other kinds of acne.

The medical term for blackheads is comedomes.  The causes are thought to be from poor hygiene, excess generation of facial oils, poor diet, digestion and possibly thyroid disorders.  Removing blackheads can be painful, messy, and leave noticeable scars.

There are many acne treatment products on the market. Many have been successful and work well for millions of people. Some of the names are Proactiv, Murad and Clearasil just to name a few. Some severe forms of dermatitis and acne require medical attention to prevent pain and permanent skin markings.  In some cases, strong antibiotics are prescribed such as Accutane and Tetracycline but they have potential side effects and are reserved for afflictions that are more acute.  One popular method is blackhead removal strips. This product contains sterile bandage tape that is applied to the affected areas.  After about 10 minutes, the strip is removed with the dirt, pimples and other skin debris. This method is safe, clean, and useful to clear blackheads.

So, what is the best method to remove blackheads?  Most doctors and dermatologist agree that proper skin hygiene is essential.  Bacteria, dirt, and allergens compile on the skin. Washing, exfoliating, and prevention is the best strategy to clear blackheads and other forms of acne.  Treating blackheads invariably starts with the washcloth.  Without habitual washing behavior for the face, all the creams, ointments, or acne pills will do no good.  Soap and water will remove unwanted oils and grime that contributes to nose blackheads.

Once the proper habits are formed, if the blackheads are still persistent, market products are plentiful.  Most have been approved as safe and effective for treating blackheads.  It is imperative to recognize that skin care starts with the daily cleansing with warm water and soap.  There can be no denial of this.  Without consistently clean hygiene, skin care products will not be as effective and may lead to unnecessary expense.

This would seem to be common sense but it is sometimes difficult to slow the pace of life enough to wash up.  The air is not pure oxygen and carbon.  There is an enormous list of chemicals, pollens, allergens, pollutants, emissions and stuff that is released into the atmosphere. Just walking around outside may result in chronic conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, colds, flu and other air borne sicknesses.  It only stands to reason that the face is the very front that filters through and catches the Earth’s ingredients.

Conversely, most people are very busy with children, work, school, and life.  Tenacious and thorough hygiene sometimes is too difficult for people with a busy schedule even though it may only take 10 minutes a day to cleanse their face.  Like other good daily routines, this task may be pushed aside or ignored until the acne problem has already appeared.  While it is never too late, it may take a great effort to control the symptoms and clear the blackheads.

The best advice for anyone suffering from these hideous facial marks is to wash, clean and bathe the areas affected as much as possible.  Just as hand washing cuts germs, face washing cuts the chances of developing acne and other conditions. Try to wash your face every time you wash your hands.  Use warm water and soap regularity. It still may be necessary to use over the counter products or even see a dermatologist.  Lastly, do not be discouraged because clean hygiene will help alleviate the problem.