Blackheads

As if acne wasn’t bad enough, there are varying levels of blemishes to contend with, including whiteheads, blackheads, and pustules. Blackheads are facial blemishes known to taint the skin of victims of all ages, who often pick at or scratch the tiny, blackened spots that decorate the skin. People commonly mistake blackheads for dirt-clogged pores, which are actually oil secretions that have undergone the process of oxidation, which is responsible for the darkened appearance.

What are Blackheads?

An “open comedo” is the medical term given to blackheads, which appear as a yellowish or blackish bump (or plug) on the surface of the skin. Blackheads are caused when excess oils gather about the sebaceous gland’s duct and excess bacteria are allowed to thrive. The blemishes are created when hair follicle openings become clogged and blocked with oil and dead skin cells.

If the oil makes contact with the surface of the skin and breaks through – the surrounding air causes the process of oxidation – turning whiteheads into blackheads. Often, people are unaware of the difference between whiteheads (closed comedos) and blackheads. Simply put, whiteheads do not make contact with air and are positioned right at the surface of the skin, causing inflammation.

A common misconception is that blackheads contain dirt and just need a good washing. Actually, the oxidized oil may stay on the surface of the skin for quite a long time because its contents take awhile to disappear. Other times, the follicle wall ruptures and inflamed acne develops. This occurrence may take place when you least expect it or come as a response to touching the skin or picking at blackheads.

Causes of Blackheads

a) Genetics: Some people simply inherit a predisposition regarding acne problems from one or more of their parents.

b) Hormones: Increased sexual hormones of males during puberty or the ups and downs women experience when pregnant or facing their menstruation causes blackheads to form.

c) Oil-Based Cosmetics: Makeup that contains a high level of oil will block the pores – leading to blackhead formation.

d) Prescribed Medications: Some prescription medications can block pores, making it easier for blackheads to form. A few products known to produce these results include those that contain lithium or steroids.

e) Stress: Increased levels of stress can increase the production of oil in the skin, causing pores to become clogged.

f) Weather Conditions: When living in a city where the levels of humidity are quite high – you will find the production of oil in the skin may increase. Hot weather also causes more sweating, to take place which is known to block and clog pores.

Risk Factors

a) Oily Hair Products: Pores becomes clogged when using greasy hair care products on a regular basis. When hair saturated in oily ingredients touches the face, the excessive buildup of oil begins. Often, it is the forehead and cheeks most affected by these kinds of products.

b) Moisturizers: Certain facial products can cause a disruption in the pores on the face. If you excessively use moisturizer, foundations, and/or sunscreens – clogged and blocked pores lead to blackheads.

c) Poor Hygiene Habits: Inappropriate cleansing of the face leads to the accumulation of dead skin cells, which takes place in the pores. As the cells continue to clog the pore opening, oil is allowed to build up, triggering the formation of blackheads.

d) Gender: When it comes to the most severe and longer-lasting bouts of acne, men are more likely than women to undergo this skin disaster. As for irregular acne outbreaks, women tend to suffer these kinds of outbreaks, as monthly menstrual cycles and pregnancy increases their chances.

e) Age: While acne strikes all ages, about 85% of blackhead sufferers will face their acne between the ages of 12 and 24.

f) High Levels of Stress: Sometimes, high levels of stress can cause a person to concentrate less on their appearance and personal hygiene, which can lead to an excess of oil affecting the skin.

g) Tight Clothing: If you wear tight clothing, you may create a physical irritation that causes the formation of blackheads.