Boots Top to Toe Beauty: Nose

Today Boots Top to Toe Health & Beauty Calendar focuses on a Blackhead Busters

 

  Stewart Long, Boots Skincare Scientific AdvisorBoots Skincare Scientific Advisor, Stewart Long answers the most frequently asked questions when it comes to help in maintaining a pore free nose.

Q1: What are Blackheads?
"Blackheads are caused by oil and skin cells in the pores in the skin. Sometimes, excess oil causes the pore to become blocked causing either whiteheads or blackheads (which are essentially the same thing). The dark colour of a blackhead is not dirt but skin pigment and oxidized skin oils, so washing over enthusiastically will not help."

Q2: Why do I get Blackheads?
"The pores in the skin that contain sebaceous glands (the oil producing glands) can sometimes over produce oil and become blocked by that oil together with shed skin cells from the pore. This blocks the pore, leading to the blackhead."

Q3: What can I do to prevent Blackheads?
"As the blackheads are due to blocked pores and excess oil production, it is essential to keep the pores clean to minimize the chances of blackheads. Use an exfoliator once or twice a week to clear dead skin cells from the face and use products to remove and control oil. Do not over wash the face, particularly with harsh soaps as blackheads are nothing to do with dirt and all you will do is cause tight, uncomfortable skin."
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Gentle Exfoliating Wash helps keep skin looking clear and healthy by removing dead skin cells and cleansing pores.

Q4: Is it only oily skin that gets Blackheads?
"All skin will get blackheads and whiteheads from time to time but oilier skin and the oily T zone will be where more form. During puberty, the hormone changes lead to greatly increased oil production in the skin and so there are generally more blackheads and acne during this time as pores are easily blocked by the excess oil and the skin becomes inflamed, leading to acne."

Q5: I cleanse, tone and moisturise but still get spots! Is there anything extra I can do?
"You're doing the right thing by cleansing your skin to help keep your pores clear - try gently exfoliating and the applying a deep cleansing mask twice a week to really clean the pores."
Clay based masks such as Botanics Conditioning Clay Mask, £4.49, absorbs excess oil to the skin as well as draw out impurities.

Blackhead Myths:
Myth 1
Eating fatty food and chocolate causes blackheads and acne.
Chocolate does not cause acne! There is no proof that chocolate, pizza or other greasy foods cause breakouts. You should keep in mind that maintaining a healthy diet will help keep skin looking and feeling it's best, since your skin reflects how you treat your body. Be sure to eat well, exercise and drink plenty of water each day.

Myth 2
Blackheads are due to dirt.
Blackheads are caused by oil and skin cells in the pores in the skin. Sometimes, excess oil causes the pore to become blocked causing blackheads but the black appearance is due too skin pigment and oils, not dirt.

Myth 3
Skincare products cause acne.
Spots occur when bacteria grows in pores that are blocked by oily secretions. Keeping pores clear is therefore paramount. Most skincare products are tested extensively to ensure that they cannot form blackheads. These will be labeled ‘non pore blocking' or ‘non comedogenic'.

Stewart recommends for an ongoing regime using an "oil-free or low oil moisturiser; cleanse (but do not totally strip the skin) to remove oiliness; use clay facial masks as a regular (once or twice a week) deep-cleansing regime; for areas most badly affected try paper blotters to remove surface oil; change to a foundation suited to your skin type (for easier application and to prevent oil break through)".

Did you know Boots has over 120 skincare advisors across Boots stores that can help you find the right products for your skin? 

For more information on skincare from Boots visit Boots.com