What does it mean to get blackheads on your lips? Several myths and stories still going round and about these unsightly mild acne type. Anyway, do you have them on your lips?
How do you remove blackheads from the lips? What can you do to deal with them? Identifying and distinguishing them from lip pimples is also important to get the effective means to treat and get rid of them.
Lip blackhead vs. pimples
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How do they differ from pimples? Both skin conditions slightly differ from each other in terms of appearance and symptoms. In contrast to pimples, blackheads are typically painless because they are not inflamed as it is in the case of pimples.
On your lips, you are likely to see dark or black spots or dots. Sometimes they can appear as small bumps or look slightly raised because they form closer to the surface of skin pores after sebum has clumped. On the other hand, a pimple will remain closed whether it grows huge or becomes infected.
The dark appearance is due to melanin and caused by oxidation of the blackhead material is exposed to air (open comedones).
Symptoms
Are blackheads around lips painful? Typical they are painless.
Whereas pimples can inflict pain (since they become inflamed), blackheads do not cause pain as it is considered a type of mild acne. If there is pain in skin around your lips it can be due to attempts to squeeze forcefully or use tools. They can form on the lower or top lip, on the lip line and side.
Causes
Blackheads can also develop around the mouth and on the chin too! Whether they form on the lips or nose or around the face, they due to the release of excess body fats and oils. Over-reactive (sebaceous) glands lead to clogging of the skin pores. This causes clumping which results in the opening of the skin pores (open comedones).
Other factors that trigger the release of too much sebum and clogged pores include:
- An increase in production of sex hormones in both males and females especially during menstruation and puberty. It could also be triggered by use of birth-control pills
- A build-up of Propionibacterium acnes (p. acnes) on skin
- Use of certain drugs or medications
Removing and treating them
The need to get rid of this black raised spots is heightened by the unsightly looks around lips, imperfections caused by the appearance of black spots and change in complexion. We shall briefly discuss suitable treatments for lip blackheads and products.
1. Acne treatments
Acne treatments are basically used in the treatment of severe acne but can also treat mild acne. In many cases, doctors have recommended prescription medicines in dealing and treating cases of severe breakouts.
They include drugs, creams, gels or solutions available at various drug stores. The ingredients in these medicines are important because they help in the shedding of skin around the blackheads or causing the excess sebum (body oils) to dry out together with the dead skin cells.
Most acne treatments contain exfoliating and cleansing ingredients including salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Other products that are useful in removing blackheads include skin care products such as cleaner solutions and masks which are also recommended for people who
Treatments for acne should be administered by a physician because if applied incorrectly they can lead to scarring or permanent spots.
2. Products
Looking for products to remove blackheads? There are many skin care products to be used for their removal. However, many people get it wrong when they rush to buy them before they have done a good analysis of their skin condition.
Various products will work differently, therefore, producing varied results amongst individuals who use them. Skin experts recommend blackhead products extracted from natural substances. In regard to that, you ought to have substantial knowledge about skin types in order to help in good selection which is crucial.
Prior to making an order or purchasing, dig more information and ensure you countercheck manufacturer’s profile to avoid fake products.
Natural remover products
Dermatologists recommended these products because the ingredients are clinically proven. A wide variety of natural products are available for your specific skin type.
Secondly, most natural products are gentle on skin. They have added advantage which aid drawing out of toxins.
As opposed to products with chemicals, natural ingredients have a slower mechanism. This implies that you do not expect results overnight. Yes. Chemical-based products have a fast action in breaking down sebum but potentially produce mixed results. Sometimes they can be cosmetically disastrous or increase sensitivity in or around your lips.
3. Popping
Popping is the easiest way to remove blackheads from the lips. Popping is not the permanent or best way to get rid of the condition permanently because it does not control or clear sebum.
Using tools, poppers and suction to extract blackheads is not really advisable. Some of these may cause pain than help in removing deep blackheads.
Best ways to get rid or permanently clear them
The most effective way to get rid of blackheads is regulating and limiting body processes that lead to a build-up of sebum. However, for this to be achievable first know why your body secretes excessive body oils.
Other considerable factors to put in mind include the condition of skin. Majority of these conditions are basically predetermined by your skin type.
Dermatologists recommend the following procedures and methods as some of best ways to remove blackheads.
1. Facial exfoliation
Exfoliation should be an important part of your regular skincare routine. This further enhances skin cleansing and helps in removing dead skin cells while preventing excess sebum. Remember to practice safety and proper use of exfoliating products whenever carrying it out.
You can do a manual but gentle exfoliation using products available over the counter. If that is not effective or good enough, seek clinical-based procedures which include chemical peeling, dermabrasion, etc. In fact, clinical treatments are the best for individuals with sensitive skin types.
As it were, go for salicylic acid, glycolic products and again make it a routine. If you think you are not well informed get the right advice from your physician.
For individuals with oily skin, application of oily moisturizers and lotions is not the best thing to do.
2. Regular use of facial wash and cleansers
Secondly, regular use of correct facial cleansers will prevent accumulation of dead skin cells and dirt.
There are various categories of facial washes for different skin types. However, strive to use those with natural ingredients as opposed to those made from chemicals.
Consider wiping your mouth after each meal to avoid further clogging of pores too. You may be compelled to stop applying cosmetic products such as lip balm if your symptoms seem never to improve.
3. Go for treatments
Another effective way to clear blackheads permanently from your face is to go for medical treatments. Some people require a study of medical history, diagnosis or tests to determine conditions that may be causing abnormal production of sebum. After a careful analysis, dermatologists may recommend various treatments including the combination of products to treat acne, hormonal treatments, pills and other therapy to regulate body triggers.
Remedies and DIY
Natural home procedures cannot solve or clear lip blackheads but can improve the symptoms of the condition and reduce appearance black spots.
1. Warm compress or steaming
Warm compressing or steaming is not a guarantee to get rid of blackheads. Even though, these remedies are quite useful when there is need to remove blackheads manually such as popping. You can also this in preparation for facial exfoliation.
Both procedures help in opening of the skin pores to easy out blackheads. Warm compress or steaming also ensures that the clumped clog material is softened.
Procedures
You can opt to steam your face or apply warm compress as follows.
- Heat some water and let it boil. Place it in a wide bowl.
- Take a larger cover cloth and place it over your head.
- Bend slightly over the bowl and let the steam reach the face. (Take care not to burn your face).
- If the water temperature goes down you can cover your face completely with it or add more hot water.
Alternatively,
- Soak a soft piece of cloth in hot water and let it absorb some heat.
- Carefully wring or squeeze to remove excess water.
- Hold and apply on the areas with dark spots (blackheads). (Again, be careful not to burn your skin)
If the they looks big, you can try to pop gently. If they are small or tiny spots, do exfoliation.
2. Natural facial masks
You can make DIY facial masks using simple procedures as a substitute for cosmetic skin care products. Although most of these tricks are not proven to improve the appearance of blackheads, some people who tried them have seen noticeable changes.
They include:
- Honey and milk facial mask
- Use of Cinnamon and honey mask
- Use of egg white mask
- Sugar and cinnamon scrub
How to prevent their infection
Infections can make the appearance of blackheads horrible thus, need to do all and them from being infected.
1. Dilute rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can help deal with infections. This product is good especially if your skin is characteristic of large skin pores. However, alcohol can cause irritation or other stomach problems if accidentally ingested. It is important to use rubbing alcohol with a lot of care and caution.
2. Lemon juice
Lemon juice has astringent property and the ability to help in the proper shedding of skin naturally. This natural property is quite useful for skin with large pores. Lemon can help in tightening the skin pores hence minimizing chances of infection.
NOTE that lemon juice can easily irritate skin. Add a little amount of coconut oil before applying.
3. Apply tea tree oil
Apply little tea tree oil if your skin does not become oily quickly after cleansing or washing. Wipe out excess oil.
4. Avoid squeezing
If you do not want to get infections avoid a lot of squeezing as much as possible especially with fingernails.
Squeezing
Many people think that the other solution for blackheads on lips is squeezing. Squeezing every now and then is more likely to cause injury and damage skin around your lips.
Secondly, doing so continuously will worsen the condition of the blackheads. Besides, it is a vice to encourage the transfer of germs and dirt. Note that infections can lead to a further buildup of more waste in skin pores. This could result in bad symptoms and worsen the appearance of the black spots.
Seek medical attention
If you have a history of mild or severe acne or have received acne treatment seeing a doctor is a good step forward. If you find out clearing the blackheads seems disastrous to consider seeing a dermatologist who can help with advanced removal procedures. Your dermatologist will further provide more tips on what to do to and what to avoid to overcome it.
Our Sources
- http://www.healthline.com/health/blackheads#Cause2
- http://beautifulwithbrains.com/2014/06/17/blackhead-whitehead-pimple-difference/
- : https://www.newbeauty.com/slideshow/1814-most-advanced-blackhead-removing-products/10
- http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/71615.php