Are stubborn blackheads standing in between you and flawless skin?
If so, you’re not alone. In fact, chronic blackheads are among the top frustratingly hard-to-get-rid-of skin issues as scrubs, masks, biore strips and drying potions achieve momentary relief at best. That’s because there is more to the story.
Have you ever wondered where blackheads come from? Hint: It’s not because you have large pores, oily skin or are genetically pre-disposed.
Skin issues are rarely isolated, and blackheads are no exception. That is why focusing on treating just the surface doesn’t seem to have lasting results. A “perfect storm” of internal imbalances and external influences is typically involved and treating them successfully requires us to think like Nancy Drew.
Periodic clogged pores and breakouts are simply a part of being human, but if you are battling persistent blackheads, with a little bit of detective work you can be free from them at last. Blackheads are certainly a mystery worth solving. Remember, clear skin is a sign of HEALTHY & THRIVING skin.
So let’s get into it. Below are the main culprits of these annoying little plugs in the skin.
Top Causes for Blackheads
CHRONIC DEHYDRATION
Dehydration is a vicious cycle responsible for a host of skin and health issues. This is because a harmonic balance of oil and water is needed to maintain a healthy lipid barrier and water retention in the skin. When this balance is off, even oily skin can become dehydrated. No matter how much water you drink or layers of moisturizer you apply, your skin will not be able to retain moisture and become clogged with blackheads.
GAME PLAN
Increase circulation in the skin to support detoxification and absorption of nutrients for new cell growth. Try ingredients containing Niacinamide, Retinol, Ozonated products, Cypress, Coriander, Sage, Cherry Birch.
Internally try taking electrolyes, Vitamin A, B, C, E, K, Silica, Calcium, Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc, Omega Fatty Acids, Hyaluronic Acid & SeaBuckthorn and drinking Oxygenated Water.
EXCESS MUCOUS BUILD-UP
As the largest detox organ of the body, the skin is used as an emergency escape route when the lymphatic system is sluggish and overburdened. Seems like the body is more concerned with your survival then esthetics! Excess mucous build-up is commonly caused from:
Allergies. Increased histamine levels results in extra mucous in the body, sinuses and skin.
Histamine increasing foods. This can vary between individuals but examples include nightshade vegetables, gluten, bananas, strawberries, pineapple, eggs, and chocolate
Inflammation. Our body’s normal and healthy response to injury or attack on the immune system and free radical stress, however, chronic low-level inflammation at the cellular level impedes our immune system and eventually leads to skin eruptions, rashes, pigment issues and yes blackheads.
Inflammatory diet (refined sugar, excessive red meat, processed foods, trans-fats, lectins, corn, soy, eggs)
Toxins (excessive alcohol, food additives, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals and pathogens).
GAME PLAN
Stimulate your lymphatic system with sweat, rebound exercises, infrared sauna and dry brushing. Supporting detox is crucial to eliminating blackheads.
Try adding chlorophyll to water to help oxygenate the blood. To stimulate lymphatic drainage try Burdock Root, Digestive Enzymes, Activated Charcoal and Milk Thistle. Essential oils such as Lemon, Myrrh, Oregano, Cypress and Frankincense can also help.
Eat anti-inflammatory, organic, nutrient dense foods such as grapefruit, blueberries, ginger, lemon, leafy greens, watercress, celery, onion, garlic, raw honey, green tea, chamomile, wild caught salmon, olive oil, XCT Oil, kelp, and turmeric.
If you have lots of allergies try eliminating possible histamine foods
IMPAIRED CELL CYCLES
Excess skin cell build up clogs the pores contributing to the formation of blackheads. As we age, our cell turnover cycle naturally slows but is also exacerbated by lack of hydration and circulation in the skin.
GAME PLAN
Proper exfoliation. Chemical exfoliation vs. Physical Exfoliation. In order to keep cell turnover optimal, using topical ingredients that help stimulate cell turnover choose ingredients such as Retinol, Glycolic and Salicylic Acid. Preventing dull, lifeless cell buildup is an essential step to glowing skin. However, repetitively stripping the skin’s natural oils away by using harsh physical exfoliants or harsh chemicals damages our lipid barrier, creating a host of skin issues perpetuating blackheads.
Professional SkinCare Treatments: Silk Peel Dermal Infusion, Micro-Current and Chemical Peels.
Most of all, trust your body AND your skin. Your body is working hard to keep you healthy and remember that skin issues almost ALWAYS indicate an internal imbalance. This is great! You’re getting alerted to a problem that could create more serious health problems down the road. Feeling love and gratitude for your skin will support your body in healing itself. When you look at it this way, clearing skin problems can literally improve your health, maybe even save your life!
