Blackheads: Is there anything more distracting than talking to someone who has a series of visible blackheads around their nose or on their chin? It’s enough to bring the OCD out in anyone…and it’s hard to resist the urge to get in there and do something about them.

If you’re the one suffering from an outbreak of blackheads, fear not! These beastly clogged pores are entirely manageable if you know what you’re doing. Here is some information about what causes them and, most importantly, information on how to prevent blackheads.

Blackheads Don’t Have to be the Enemy

Blackheads, referred to as comedomes in the dermatological world, are just another form of clogged pores. The pores on your skin range in size and the bigger they are, the more susceptible they are to trapped oil, dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, etc.

In the case of blackheads, either your body isn’t doing its job to excrete all this stuff to the surface, or you aren’t doing your job getting rid of it. In worst cases, you think you’re doing your job whilst unknowingly using products containing oils/chemicals that actually trap the excretions for longer, exacerbating the problem.

While some factors like age and skin-type can’t be changed, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your pores gunk-free, eliminating the potential for blackheads.

How to Prevent Blackheads in 5 Simple Steps

1. Cleanse your face regularly. Your body does the work of getting waste up to the surface; it’s your job to clear it away. Develop a regular skincare ritual, washing your face morning and night. If you have established blackheads, you may want to insert a mid-day mini-treatment for affected areas.
2. Read labels. Make sure your skin-care products, sunscreens, moisturizers etc., are free of the comodogenic ingredients that cause blackheads, like mineral oil and Vaseline (petrolatum).
3. Pick a skin type-specific product. Know your skin type (oily, dry, combination) so you can choose the correct products. Have your skin analyzed by a cosmetologist; it could be your skin isn’t the type you think it is, which leads to incorrect product selection.
4. Use a blackhead remedy. Blackheads are a totally different beast than their whitehead counterparts. Choose a product specifically designed to wipe them out, like More Than Clean blackhead remedy.
5. Eat well and hydrate. Provide your skin with a healthy foundation by eating a well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water.

Still having problems getting your skin in balance? Check out Vi-tae to find products designed for your holistic skin health.