Blackheads

Blackheads can be simply defined as little lumps that are embedded inside the pores that are on the surface of our skin usually presenting in either yellowish or blackish color. These are one of the types of acne that are also referred to as open comedones. Dermatologists usually consider blackheads as the first stage of an acne attack. Blackheads appear before the skin pores are invaded by bacteria that leads to inflammation and the type of infection that is otherwise referred to as pimples. Most of the people getting blackheads usually develop them around the time of puberty due to an upsurge of hormones in the body as well as the skin. The upsurge of hormones over stimulates sebaceous glands leading to an over production of the oil that clogs the pores.

Granted, when there is an accumulation of oil in and around the pores they will result into a bolus containing all that accumulated oil and it when it gets exposed to air hat it becomes black, thus gaining the name blackhead. Knowledge of the conditions that cause and worsen blackheads is essential in order for one to play an active role in the prevention and treatment of the same. The use of different types of oils as well as makeup is usually associated with the formation of blackheads, with those people who naturally have oily skin becoming more susceptible to blackheads. Puberty is also known to be a major triggering factor as far as blackheads are concerned. This may be because there is usually an unregulated outburst of hormones that cause the over stimulation of oil glands causing a clogging up of the pores.

One other major cause of the appearance of blackheads that is oft ignored is the improper cleansing of the skin. When the skin is not cleansed appropriately there usually is an accumulation of excess oil as well as dead skin cells within the pores which can lead to ongoing acne. It is these dead cells that are responsible for the clogging up at the mouth of the pore which in turn leads to the build up of the oil that causes the appearance of blackheads. Reference also needs to be made of the place of excessive use of makeup in the appearance of blackheads. The same applies with the excessive use of foundations, moisturizers and sunscreens all of which have the same effect as when makeup is used in abundance.

Blackheads can be prevented most of the time if just a little caution is employed when one is cleaning up their faces. It is important to keep the face clean especially by washing it at least two times daily. During cleansing care needs to be taken in order to prevent over scrubbing which may lead to other anomalies related to the skin. Whether one has blackheads or not it remains important to keep the skin cleansed and oiled only lightly. Since blackheads are irritating to look at many people try to extract them usually using their nails. The only word of caution is that when you must do it personally you need to use sterile equipment in order to prevent any infection. The use of a hand towel over some steam usually helps loosen the pores which makes the blackheads loose enough thus becoming less painful.