Blackhead basics

Naturally keep those blemishes under control.

 

By Cassandra Padmore and Nikki Yeh

 

1. Think water. Use water-based makeup; those that are oil-based tend to build more debris in the pores.

2. The right coverage. Concealer will cover blackheads, however, find one that is identical to your skin tone. The best place to test it is on your jaw line.

3. Scrub away. A natural exfoliating scrub will help slough away dead skin cells.

4. Replenish. Ever since the first century AD, aloe vera* has been known to naturally help heal damaged skin. So consider an aloe vera-based beauty product, especially if you have scars from picking at your blackheads.

5. Get dirty. Go have fun with a mud mask. Mud masks absorb excess sebum from your
skin, consequently unclogging pores.

6. Refresh. Wipe away leftover dirt with a green tea-based toner to make your pores breathe easier. When applied topically, your skin can benefit from green tea’s bioflavonoids and antioxidants, which help fight against free radicals.

7. Oat up. Think about an oatmeal cleanser,scrub or mask. Oatmeal is rich in vitamin E*, an antioxidant known to repair tissues.

8. Eat smart. What you eat can create extra oil on your face. So reduce your intake of fried foods and oils that have been subjected to heat. Though if you want to add dressing to your salad, a bit of olive oil is tolerable.

9. Alcohol awareness. As we age, our oil glands produce less sebum. So steer away from alcohol-based products, which can dry out your skin even more.

10. Read the labels. Consider refraining from petroleum jelly*. Petroleum jelly is a by-product of leftovers from when crude oil is turned into refined oil. It dissolves into the skin’s natural oil, acting as a magnet for dirt and also clogs pores.

Bonus tip

 

Asian medicine believes that sebum production is simulated when your colon, lungs, kidneys and liver cannot filter high levels of hormones in your blood. So talk to your health care practitioner about a detox to



Give these a try...
Nature’s Gate Tone Back the Clock Toner (118ml, $24.99)
“ It smells great and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or dried out.”
- Reeyan, 23, lab tech
Burt’s Bees Peach and Willow Bark Scrub (114g, $12.99)
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- Alarica, 28, editor
Aubrey Organics Natural Herbal Seaclay Mask (118ml, $11.40)
“ Fun and fresh to make myskin look flawless.”
- Michele, 28, receptionist
Burt’s Bees Citrus, Facial Scrub (57g, $12.99)
“ This citrus wakes me up in the morning and preps my skin for make-up.”
- Pam, 29, hotel manager