How to Treat Blackheads

Blackheads, or open comedones look like black bumps or plugs and are caused by excess skin oil that accumulates in the sebaceous glands’ ducts. Sebum (secretion of the sebaceous glands) and keratin (specific substance found in the dead outer skin tissue) are collected in pores and oxidized (that’s why they look blackish in color). However, when you extract the blackhead it can appear to be yellow or brown.

It’s much easier to prevent blackheads than to treat them. Here are some tips:

• Keep your skin clean and breathing. Wash your face regularly with a gentle exfoliating  scrub that contains salicylic acid. Salicylic acid does wonders in preventing and getting rid of blackheads, acne and pimples.
• Don’t be overzealous with your make-up, especially if you can see the first signs of skin’s problem!
• Use products specifically for oily skin. Remember, excess oil is the cause of blackheads! Improper products will clog pores and only contribute to blackheads.
• Wash your face with a good organic acne cleanser twice a day.
• Make a habit of applying an oil-absorbing clay facial mask once a week. It is very effective as it penetrates into pores, absorbs excess skin oil and unclogs pores.
• Launder your pillowcase at least once every week.

Do you already suffer from blackheads?  Try the following……

1. Do not squeeze!!
2. Wash your face with a good acne cleanser and scrub it properly.
3. Make a warm water compress to the area affected with blackheads for 15-20 minutes to open the pores. You can also fill a container with hot water and lean over it for the same time (15 minutes). The steam will open your pores.
4. Dry your face with a clean fresh towel. Now when your skin is dry and pores open, the blackheads are closer to the surface of your skin. This is the best time to apply an oil absorbing facial mask.
5. Take some green clay and add rose water. Mix the substance until smooth and apply onto your nose. The mask provides a stunning effect in removing blackheads as well as unclogging the pores. Leave the mask until it is firm to the touch, and then wash it off with warm water. You can also try a honey mask- just warm some honey, apply it on your nose for ten minutes or so and then wash it off.
6. Once your skin is clean and breathing,  and your pores are open, use a specially formulated blackhead cleanser on your face to get rid of extra blackheads.
7. Wash your face with cold water to close the pores. Apply a quality oil-free non-comedogenic moisturizer.

Come by the spa and check out our organic products and treatments to help you address all your complexion concerns.  We offer complimentary consultations to determine the best treatments for you!

 

Related articles

• Definition: Blackheads
• The Secret to getting rid of Blackheads
• How to Get Rid of Blackheads
• Definition: Comedone
• Definition: Sebum

November Specials at the Spa

Fanminder – Social Offer Page Web.

Facials at Home

Here are a collection of recipes to make and use at home:

For All Skin Types

Brighten: Cut a slice of ripe papaya and remove the seeds and pulp (save the pulp for a snack later—it’s great for digestion). Rub the inside of the papaya peel on your cleansed face, focusing on lines around the mouth and eyes, crow’s feet, thinning temples, neck and hands. Let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with tepid water. This mask can be done twice a week. The enzymes in papaya exfoliate, repair sun damage, diminish age spots and smooth skin. Your skin will look brighter, with a more polished finish.

 

Exfoliate: Combine 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp olive oil. Separately, prepare a packet of plain oatmeal, using less water than called for so it forms a thick paste. Next, add the honey and olive oil mixture to the cooked oatmeal. Apply as a scrub, gently rubbing it in small circles over your skin, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. This mask can be done twice weekly. The oatmeal in this scrub exfoliates, while the honey and olive oil moisturize.

 

Cleanse: Oils can make an excellent cleanser.  For this facial, combine 1 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt with 2 tsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp lemon oil (not to be confused with lemon juice; lemon oil is an essential oil that can be found at health food stores). The mixture should be a little bit runny but not easily poured out. Massage it over skin, then immediately wipe it off with a washcloth soaked in tepid water. This can be done daily. You want to use good-quality oil and you’ll be surprised at how clean your skin will feel.  You don’t need a harsher product, even for skin with acne. Just be careful around the eye area as this recipe tends to be very sticky.

For Oil- and Blemish-Prone Skin

Lift & Tighten: Combine 2 Tbsp plain yogurt with 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (the juice of one lemon) and apply to your cleansed face and neck. Let it dry for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll feel the mask tighten on your face and neck, which creates a lifting and firming effect. Leave it on longer (up to one hour) for even more face-lifting effects. Once done, rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This mask can be done two to three times a week or whenever you need a face lift. This instant face-lifting mask helps fade age-spots, acne scars and even helps keep blemishes and acne in check. It also gets rid of uneven-looking skin tone.

Tone: This toning eye treatment helps to de-puff, relax, refresh and energize your skin. It’s much more cooling than the traditional cucumber slices.  After cleansing your skin, brew a cup of chamomile or green tea and allow it to cool. Then soak two clean, round makeup sponges in the tea and squeeze out any excess liquid. Place one on each of your eyes for 15 minutes. Do this daily. You should use an alcohol-free toner on your skin to cleanse and tighten pores.  Alcohol is very detrimental, and tea works just as well.

 

 

For Dry Skin

Soothe: Combine 2 Tbsp honey with 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your clean face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This can be done three times a week. This mask heals, moisturizes and balances the pH of the skin. Honey is a humectant and natural antibiotic that heals and moisturizes. Apple cider vinegar helps balance the pH of skin and soothes damaged skin.

 

Moisturize: Try oatmeal and fennel to help moisturize dry skin. Grind 1 Tbsp oatmeal in a blender and set aside. Add 1 Tbsp fennel seeds to 1/2 cup boiling water to make a tea. Allow the seeds to steep for 10 minutes; strain the seeds and discard. Let it cool down to room temperature and then combine 1 Tbsp of the fennel tea with 1 Tbsp ground oatmeal and 1 Tbsp honey. Apply the mixture to your clean face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This mask can be done twice weekly.

 

Brighten: Combine 2 Tbsp sour cream with 2 Tbsp honey and 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your cleansed face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool (not cold) rinse. This mask can be done twice a week. This mask heals, exfoliates, brightens and moisturizes skin. It refines pores, fades acne marks and prevents blemishes from coming up.

 

 

 

Related articles

• Foods That Feed Your Face
• My Latest Obsession: Aztec Secret Healing Clay!
• Choosing the Right Facial Mask for Your Skin Type
• 8 Easy Home Remedies for Acne
• Some Honey, Honey?
• Natural Beauty Fun
• 6 Fabulous & Simple Summer DIY Beauty Treatments
• DIY: Organic Lemon Coffee Exfoliant/Cleanser
• Top Five Natural Ways to Care for Your Skin
• Got Olive Oil, Honey, and Sugar? Then You Have a Great Scrub

Skin Care by Donna: An Organic Skin Spa Menu of Services

Pumpkin Enzyme Peels

Pumpkin Peels

• Pumpkin peels have emerged as an alternative to traditional acid peels. Pumpkin contains a high concentration of beta-carotene and vitamins A and C, which combat free radicals and damage from sun exposure. These vitamins promote healthy cell turnover and encourage the production of collagen and elastin. Pumpkin also possesses nutrients like zinc and potassium that nourish the skin, while natural AHAs and enzymes exfoliate. Allantoin acts as anti-inflammatory to help calm the skin. Many women enjoy the smell and it is better tolerated by sensitive skin.

Usage

• Pumpkin peels should be performed once or twice a week. Each application should last three to five minutes. In lower doses, pumpkin peels can be used without breaks. Allow a month or so for visible results.

What are Organic Clay Masks?

Clay has the ability to absorb excess oils, dirt and harmful toxins from the skin. Clays can be used in facials, body powders, soaps, and as a natural colorant for soap, lotions, creams, bath salts and more.

Cosmetic clays are made up of different mineral contents and each clay type has a different effect on the skin. The high mineral content of clay rejuvenates the skin while the clay exfoliates and stimulates blood circulation to the skin. Regular use of clay facials will remove dead skin cells, improve circulation to the skin, remove debris from the pores and bring about a smooth healthy glow. Each clay has the ability to absorb toxins from the skin but they differ in their level of absorption.

Below are a few cosmetic clays and their properties:

Rose Clay is mild kaolin clay that can be used on normal to dry skin to gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin while improving the skin’s circulation. Rose Clay is tinted with iron oxides and gives a beautiful pink color to soaps and powders.

White Kaolin Clay, also known as China or White Clay, is basically kaolinite and is the mildest of all clays. White Kaolin Clay is suitable for sensitive skin. It helps stimulate circulation to the skin while gently exfoliating and cleansing it. White Kaolin Clay does not draw oils from the skin and can be used on dry skin types.

French Green Clay consists mostly of montmorillonite and is highly efficient at drawing oils and toxins from the skin. French Green Clay is rich in important minerals and phyto-nutrients and is the most commonly used therapeutic clay. Use it for facials for oily skin, and body wraps. This clay is not recommended for dry or sensitive skin.

Yellow Kaolin Clay is mild clay making it suitable for sensitive skin. It helps stimulate circulation to the skin while gently exfoliating and cleansing it. Yellow Kaolin Clay does not draw oils from the skin excessively and can therefore be used on most dry skin types. It can be used in soap and body powders. This clay is suitable for dry, sensitive or normal skin types.