Blackheads are a combination of excess oil and dead skin cells clogged in your pores. Once the oxygen hits this buildup, it oxidizes and transform a whitehead into a blackhead. Although persistent, they can be caused from hormonal changes (adolescents and possibly taking birth control), prescription drugs, irritated hair follicles, and of course when your skin produces too much oil.
Generally speaking, it may be best to eat well-balanced nutritious meals, sleep and exercise regularly so as to help balances your hormones. Of course, developing a good skin care routine that best suites you will ultimately get you the best results. NOTE: by all means follow your gut, get second and third and fourth opinions even, and consult your health care professional.
With this in mind, here are four quick and easy ways to naturally get rid of blackheads.
Alkaline Citruses:
Whether using Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon, both of these citruses have astringent properties, helping to tighten pores. Consequently, both items are often used as a natural toner and assist with restoring the body's pH balance with its alkaline effect. Both of which contain antibacterial and antiviral components.
Baking Soda:
ONLY if your skin can handle it, mix baking soda with water until it forms a pasty texture and gently apply to skin, then rinse immediately after applying. Baking soda is one of those ingredients that doesn't work for everybody, so test it out on you leg or arm before rubbing it on your face. Remember to be gentle when using.
Clay Play:
Clay is an excellent natural alternative that helps pull gunk out of your body. In fact, clay specifically attracts yucky toxins like a magnet all while helping to remineralize your body. Mix clay with lukewarm water, stir until it forms a batter-like texture and apply to skin. Avoid using metal with clay as it will react with the metal and reduce the clay's effectiveness. There are many clays out there, so for starters try red, green or Bentonite clay.
Cleansing Steam:
Epsom salt and hot water, start by allowing your head to hover over a pot or large bowl of hot water and epsom salt. Once the water's temps have reached a tolerable level for you (still hot, but without burning your skin), dip a clean wash cloth into the water, then wring it out and let it sit on your face for about a half a minute, then using the wash cloth, wipe the moisture/perspiration from the steam off of your face.
Hands Down:
Promise to stop picking at yourself, don't squeeze, pop or bust your blackheads. Instead, improve your skin care regimen. Repeat and/or adjust the above suggestions as needed.
- Avec Amour
Emotions have a major impact on your body and the condition of your health. Your feelings are energy... energy is matter... matter must take tangible form in which case the tangible form is YOU. Think about it, take a look around you and see that everything you set your eyes on, was once a thought that took shape into an idea, the planning then turned into work, the work turned into the tangible things you see before your eyes.
Your body is no different, you first feel an emotion, which then triggers a (fight/flight or excitement/relaxation) response in the brain which then enters your body through rapid heart-rate, sweating, tense muscles, etc.
Pay close attention to how you feel throughout the day. Oftentimes, we're literally wearing our emotions on our body. Stress being one of the main culprits, not only does it release cortisol which tells your body to store fat (particularly around the waistline), but it also speeds the aging process, can cause hair loss and wreaks havoc on the skin. From acne to dull skin, stress also can reduce the skin's glow.
Your body is always conveying messages you, the only question to ask is... are you listening?
This part of health/healing is often left out in most healthcare options. We're sentient beings and in order to fully address wellness, we MUST address, acknowledge and heal our emotional state. Otherwise, we're merely scratching the surface.
Excerpt from Enlightened Feelings:
For instance, happiness, joy, laughter, and orgasms cause the release of endorphins. Endorphins are powerful opiates that make you feel good. They boost your immune system, relax muscles, elevate your mood, and dampen painAdrenalin, cortisol and norepinephrine releases when you feel fear, anxiety or stress. They cause your heart to beat faster, and blood vessels to dilate, making your skin flush. Rapid, shallow breathing ensues. Muscles tighten, especially around the stomach and shoulder area. A slight sweat may break out The purpose of adrenalin is to place your body in a high-alert rapid-response flight-or-flight state. In emergencies, this is beneficial, as it aids escape. But, over a long period, adrenalin can be very damaging to your body. It suppresses your immune system, impairs digestion, uses up vital vitamins and minerals, causes pain and stiffness, makes your body acidic resulting in inflammation, and drains vitality... click here to read further...
Click the image below for more findings from the Huffington Post on how emotions are linked to our very drive for survival
RESOURCES FOR EMOTIONAL HEALING:
Noble Snow Natural Health -- offering Energy Cleansing, Cupping based in Detroit area
Meditation
Tai Chi
Yoga
Reiki
Exercise
Laugh (surround yourself around people who love and support you)
Bike Riding
Massage
- Avec Amour
