Using Natural Soap For Blackheads and Acne

Acne and Blackheads

While we may not realize it, those tiny black dots on our noses, backs, in our ears and on our cheeks are blocked skin pores known as blackheads. Blackheads are dark in color because the tops of the skin pores are open to the air, so the top part of the hardened sebum or oil oxidizes, turning black (and where the term blackhead comes from).

Sebaceous glands tend to produce more oil than usual during puberty, and may be regulated to due specific hormonal changes, with some individuals continuing to experience blackheads into adulthood. Acne results when the oil gland is blockage by the blackhead and becomes infected.

Blackheads can be controlled through healthy skin regimens and the right treatments. Common health disorders like indigestion, constipation, under active thyroid and anemia may also cause blackheads.

What causes Blackheads?

When an over active sebaceous gland (the gland that produce healthy oils) in the skin becomes clogged with sebum, the oily secretion and dead skin cells begin to harden in the pore and results in a blackhead.
Help and treatment for people with Blackheads

Many herbal and homeopathic remedies have been formulated with specific ingredients to help keep pores unblocked and promote a healthy amount of skin oils. Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil) has exceptional anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic actions and will not dry out the skin. Arctium lappa is used naturopathically for the treatment of chronic skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis and canker sores.

Using Natural Soap to Treat Blackheads

People often ask “does regular soap cause blackheads?” There is no straight answer. It really depends on how you use soaps and what soaps you use. Generally the answer is no it doesn’t. Using regular soap on your face with clean wipes or flannels should just clean your skin. The problem occurs when you begin to overuse soap, or when you use loads of different soaps, cleaning products, makeup and moisturizer all at the same time. The skin was never designed to take on so many chemicals and it can clog up the pores, in turn causing blackheads.

Does Soap Cause Acne or Blackheads?

Blackheads develop when the pores produce excessive oils, which secrete and scab over. So when you apply lots of different products to your face these can speed up the clogging up process and make your skin worse, causing blackheads. If anything, regular soap on its own can reduce blackheads because it dries the skin out, although this can have its own problems, such as itchiness and sore skin, which of scratched or rubbed may cause regular spots.

Regular soap however can be quite harsh on delicate teenage skin and it is better to use a specially designed scrub aimed towards clearing spots and blackheads. You can also buy blackhead strips or pads that remove blackheads, or for the more adventurous out there you can make your own homemade remedies.

Consulting an expert is always a good option if you have excessive blackheads. They can answer all of your questions and pescribe treatments that may not be available commercially. You may also want to ask your local doctor or a dermatologist (which is somebody that specializes in skin care). If you are looking for a quick fix many salons and beauty parlors offer treatment that remove blackheads professionally s part of their facial treatments.

Tips to Clear Acne and Blackheads

As far as possible, keep your skin clean and try to get regular facials (done by a professional) or if you can’t afford them, try a simple, natural facial at home.

If your skin is very oily, remember that very oily skin attracts even more dirt from the environment. Keep absorbent tissues on hand, and blot your oily patches at regular intervals throughout the day.

As far as possible try to apply only natural-ingredients based products on your face. (Use natural or chemically prepared cleansers, astringent solutions or masks). Avoid harsh soaps that may irritate the skin or any creams that leave an oily finish. Don’t be tempted to use ‘quick fix’ methods or odd lotions, and if you are unsure, or if something sounds odd, consult with a dermatologist beforehand.