What are Blackheads?
The pores are what help skin to breathe, with tiny holes to let out impurities. Blackheads appear as black oil plugs at the surface of the pores. They occur when the sebaceous glands over-secrete oil, so that the excess oil builds up. As that oil hardens and forms plugs, it oxidizes, resulting in that characteristic black color visible on the skin. Often times the same places that are acne prone will also produce blackheads - such as with the areas on either side of the nose, the chin, cheeks, and forehead. It is also not uncommon for other areas of the body to develop blackheads.
Why is the sebaceous gland over-active in some people and not in others?
Blackheads tend to first occur during puberty, when the increase in hormones is said to be responsible. But beyond this is unclear, as blackheads do not always cease to occur after puberty. Some people may continue to have both blackheads and another type of oil plugs called whiteheads. When they occur, the pores are closed, so that they do not turn black when hardened. The presence of blackheads and whiteheads can lead to infection when the pores are blocked. This is what we know as acne. So it is important to remove the blackheads and whiteheads to help keep acne from forming.
Removing Blackheads
Here are some ways to remove blackheads:
Don't waste money on blackhead removal gimmicks. For quick, simple, and painless ways to remove your blackheads, visit: Remove Blackheads [http://howtoremoveblackheads.org/recommends/removeblackheads.php]
About the Author
Joseph has suffered from blackheads for many years. He is now clear and has helped many people rid their skin of blackheads. For more information visit his blog at: http://howtoremoveblackheads.org
Why is the sebaceous gland over-active in some people and not in others?
Blackheads tend to first occur during puberty, when the increase in hormones is said to be responsible. But beyond this is unclear, as blackheads do not always cease to occur after puberty. Some people may continue to have both blackheads and another type of oil plugs called whiteheads. When they occur, the pores are closed, so that they do not turn black when hardened. The presence of blackheads and whiteheads can lead to infection when the pores are blocked. This is what we know as acne. So it is important to remove the blackheads and whiteheads to help keep acne from forming.
Removing Blackheads
Here are some ways to remove blackheads:
- As the face is most prone to blackheads, keep the skin clean on a daily basis by using gentle cleansers, toners, and astringents. Avoid oil-based products
- Exfoliate the skin with masks, special cleansers, or even mix some grains of salt with your cleanser to make it slightly abrasive. The dead skin cells will be removed, leaving the pores
- Don't pick at existing blackheads. If you attempt to squeeze or scrape at them, you can damage your pores and the surrounding skin, leaving scars and making you more susceptible to future
- The use of warm water compresses directly onto blackheads followed by pressure can help unblock pores. A very simple way to do this is to wet a cotton ball in water, and press it gently to the area needed. This can be done with blackheads, whiteheads, or even
- Blackhead removal strips can be used occasionally, but only if your skin isn't sensitive to the process. The strips are similar to tape, adhering to the skin, and are then pulled, taking blackheads with them.
Don't waste money on blackhead removal gimmicks. For quick, simple, and painless ways to remove your blackheads, visit: Remove Blackheads [http://howtoremoveblackheads.org/recommends/removeblackheads.php]
About the Author
Joseph has suffered from blackheads for many years. He is now clear and has helped many people rid their skin of blackheads. For more information visit his blog at: http://howtoremoveblackheads.org
